In a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, Paramore’s Hayley Williams shed light on how she and Taylor Swift first crossed paths. The duo, set to share the stage on Swift’s highly successful Eras Tour, owe their connection to an unexpected source – Taylor’s mom, Andrea.
Back in 2008, both Paramore and Taylor Swift were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, a pivotal moment in their careers. The encounter that sparked their friendship took place at a star-studded Grammy party hosted by Timbaland. It was there that Andrea Swift, recognizing the shared musical passion between the two young artists, approached Williams.
The camaraderie between Hayley and Andrea was evident in the interview, with Fallon expressing his admiration for Taylor’s mother. Williams reciprocated the sentiment, describing Andrea as a legend who played a key role in their connection.
The conversation turned to a photo of the two friends, capturing Swift’s radiant smile and Williams enthusiastically giving a thumbs-up. Williams humorously noted that this pose seemed to be a recurring theme in their photos over the years.
Since that memorable Grammy party, Swift and Paramore have collaborated on various musical projects, including a joint performance of Paramore’s hit “That’s What You Get” during Swift’s Speak Now tour in 2011. Their creative synergy culminated in a special appearance on the opening night of Swift’s Eras Tour and the release of the previously unheard track “Castles Crumbling” from the re-recorded version of her album Speak Now.
Swift’s appreciation for Williams and Paramore’s influence on her songwriting journey was evident in her social media post at the time of the collaboration. Their enduring friendship and musical partnership serve as a testament to the bond forged through shared artistry.
To hear Hayley Williams recount the origins of her friendship with Taylor Swift, watch the clip above