Hayley Williams Covers Chaka Khan: Paramore Fans React
- Hayley Williams, best known as the lead singer of Paramore, surprised fans with a heartfelt rendition of Chaka Khan’s 1975 classic “Sweet Thing.” The clip, originally captured live...
- Originally recorded in 1975 by Rufus with Chaka Khan, “Sweet Thing” quickly topped the R&B charts before reaching No.
- Williams’ appearance in Nashville on June 14 amplified the cover’s emotional punch.
Hayley Williams, best known as the lead singer of Paramore, surprised fans with a heartfelt rendition of Chaka Khan’s 1975 classic “Sweet Thing.” The clip, originally captured live at Bonnaroo Festival in June, has gone viral in recent days.
Paying Homage to the Queen of Funk
Originally recorded in 1975 by Rufus with Chaka Khan, “Sweet Thing” quickly topped the R&B charts before reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over five decades later, it remains a favorite among classic‐soul lovers.
Williams’ appearance in Nashville on June 14 amplified the cover’s emotional punch. Accompanied by indie‑pop singer Remi Wolf, Williams infused the song with gentle, earthy tones. A TikTok clip from WNXP Nashville captured the duo’s restrained yet electric chemistry onstage.
In front of a jubilant festival crowd, Williams stood centre‑stage, leaving her rock anthems behind. With each verse, she unveiled a different side of her voice—smooth, controlled, yet deeply expressive. The crowd’s reaction was immediate: a collective hush followed by thunderous applause.
What It Means for Hayley Williams
Williams is no stranger to reinvention. While hitting the road with Paramore, she’s also explored acoustic and experimental sounds through solo projects. But few live performances have displayed such honest vulnerability. In choosing “Sweet Thing,” she paid tribute to the enduring power of soul music.
Though she hasn’t released a studio version of the cover yet, streaming platforms have lit up with fan recordings. If Williams chooses to officially release her interpretation, it could add a compelling chapter to her evolving solo catalogue.