Imagine a powerhouse collaboration that feels like it was destined to be a full-blown supergroup—now that's the vibe between Hayley Williams and David Byrne! Their latest musical magic is here, and it's got everyone talking. But here's where it gets controversial: what happens when pop meets rock royalty, and a feud ignites over lyrics that hit too close to home? Stick around, because this story has more twists than a Roald Dahl tale itself.
In a delightful turn of events that screams 'why not make this a permanent thing?', Hayley Williams and David Byrne have dropped another enchanting duet titled "Open The Door." This heartfelt, upbeat ballad is featured on the soundtrack for Netflix's adaptation of Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel The Twits. For those new to Dahl's world, the story follows a mischievous pair of siblings and a band of whimsical talking animals who cleverly outsmart two of the vilest villains imaginable. These baddies concoct a devious plot to seize control of the entire town—think classic good-vs-evil fun with a dash of absurdity. You can listen to the song right here.
And just when you thought their chemistry couldn't get any stronger, Hayley made a surprise cameo during David Byrne's concert on October 10th at New York's iconic Radio City Music Hall. Together, as the fan-dubbed duo 'Byrniams' or 'Willyrne,' they dazzled the crowd with their earlier collaboration, "What Is the Reason for It?" from Byrne's recent album Who Is The Sky?. But the night didn't end there—Hayley returned for a stunning performance of Paramore's 2017 hit "Hard Times." Fun fact: Byrne had previously covered this track himself and even incorporated it into his tour setlists, adding layers to their shared musical universe. Check out the live footage below to see the energy firsthand.
Their partnership kicked off back in 2023 and 2024 when Paramore put a fresh spin on Talking Heads' classic "Burning Down The House" for the re-release of the 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense, produced by A24. Since then, they've stayed in touch regularly, and Byrne has nothing but praise for Hayley's magnetic stage presence. As he shared with People magazine, "She has an extraordinary rapport with her audience. It’s very sincere and very close, which I made note of that. I just thought that’s really amazing."
Byrne also revealed that "What Is the Reason for It?" came together effortlessly—they just happened to be in the same city at the right moment. "I just texted her and said, ‘Do you want to come by and sing on this?’ And she said yes," he recounted. It's a testament to how organic their creative flow is.
Speaking of collaborations, here's a glimpse from that memorable NYC show where David Byrne brought Hayley Williams onstage for "Hard Times" by Paramore and their new duet "What Is the Reason for It?" (via @paramoremusicom on Twitter).
Meanwhile, Hayley has been juggling a whirlwind schedule. Beyond teaming up with Byrne, she's been promoting her latest solo album, Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party. But this isn't without its drama—specifically, the title track has stirred up a hornet's nest among some conservative voices. The song includes a pointed jab at a "racist country singer," which many believe is a direct shot at Morgan Wallen. Williams didn't mince words when she discussed it on The New York Times' Popcast, saying, "It could be a couple [singers], but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen. I don’t give a shit. Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don’t care."
Yet, even though the lyrics seem aimed elsewhere, it didn't stop Kid Rock from chiming in during a Fox News segment. He ranted about "people who think they’re cooler than thou that worry about their outfit every day like some of these rock singers that live here in Nashville—I won’t name any names—or these chicks running around on their campuses with their blue hair, their five nose rings." Clearly, he was taking aim at Williams and her bold style.
Hayley fired back with a witty Instagram story, as reported by Stereogum, sharing a nostalgic anecdote that flips the script. "I remember being a little kid in Meridian, MS the first time I heard a Kid Rock song [‘Bawitdaba’]…at Poplar Springs Elementary’s annual field day. I thought it sounded dangerous and cool. Later, I learned I wasn’t allowed to listen to him ’cause the Southern Baptist Church said he was evil. My how the turn tables!"
And this is the part most people miss: who really comes out on top in this Williams vs. Kid Rock showdown? On one side, you've got an artist collaborating with David Byrne, a true innovator in music history. On the other, someone popping up on shows like The Ingraham Angle. But what if we consider this differently? Is Hayley's response just playful shade, or does it touch on deeper issues of cultural gatekeeping in the music world? Do you think Kid Rock's comments reflect a broader backlash against artists who challenge norms, or is it simply a case of fame-fueled pettiness?
What do you think—who wins this feud, and why? Do you agree that Williams' lyric is a justified critique, or should artists keep their opinions out of their art? Share your thoughts in the comments below; I'm genuinely curious to hear differing perspectives!**
