Hayley Williams is an American singer and songwriter. She is the lead vocalist and keyboardist of Paramore.

Biography

In 2002, at the age of 13, Williams moved from her hometown Meridian, Mississippi, to Franklin, Tennessee, where she met fellow band members Josh Farro and Zac Farro in school. Shortly after arriving, she began taking vocal lessons with Brett Manning. While still in school, she tried out for a local funk cover band called The Factory where she met Jeremy Davis. In 2005, John Janick, founder of record label Fueled by Ramen, signed a contract with them.

Williams is a guest singer on "Fallen" by Death In the Park (which she has occasionally performed live with the band), "Then Came to Kill" by The Chariot, "Keep Dreaming Upside Down" by October Fall, "Tangled Up" by New Found Glory, and "The Church Channel" and "Plea" by Say Anything, and "The Few That Remain" by Set Your Goals, and appeared in the music video for "Kiss Me" by New Found Glory. In 2010, she appeared on the single "Airplanes" from alternative rapper B.o.B's debut album, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.

In the 2007 Kerrang! Readers' Poll she finished second to Evanescence's Amy Lee in the "Sexiest Female" category, going on to win the first place spot for "Sexiest Female" a year later in the 2008 poll, and again in the 2009 poll. She also appears as a playable character in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour.

Solo work

Williams wrote and recorded the song "Teenagers," which was featured in the soundtrack for the film Jennifer's Body. After the release of "Teenagers", Williams stated that she had no plans to establish herself as a solo artist.

Personal life

In the October 2009 issue of Alternative Press, Williams and Paramore guitarist Josh Farro confirmed they had been dating for nearly three years before splitting in the fall of 2007. "We didn't know if it would look bad", said Williams. "We were so young, and it seemed like it would look like a big joke", Josh added. "We didn't want the band to be about me and Hayley being in a relationship together because then [the band] would be about our relationship, not our music. It distracts people from the whole point in being in a band."

Williams is now openly dating New Found Glory guitarist Chad Gilbert.

Paramore

Paramore was created in Franklin, Tennessee in 2004, with Hayley Williams (lead vocals/keyboards) alongside Josh Farro (lead guitar/backing vocals), Jeremy Davis (bass guitar) and Zac Farro (drums). Prior to forming Paramore, the other members of what was soon to be Paramore had been "edgy about the whole female thing" of having Williams as singer, but as they were good friends she began writing with them and eventually became a member. The band has released three studio albums, All We Know Is Falling, Riot!, and Brand New Eyes as well as two live albums and one EP. In June 2009, the band welcomed Taylor York (rhythm guitar) as an official member, although he had already been playing as a touring member with the band since 2007.

Birth name: Hayley Nichole Williams
Born: December 27, 1988
Origin: Meridian, Mississippi, U.S.
Genres: Alternative rock, emo, pop punk
Occupations: Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments: Vocals, guitar, keyboards, piano, drums
Years active: 2004–present
Associated acts: Paramore