Hayley Nichole Williams, born December 27, 1988 (age 28) in Meridian, Mississippi, is the lead vocalist, keyboardist, and song writer for Paramore.

In 2002, age 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. Paramore continues to endorse Brett Manning today, with an ad for the business running on Paramore.net.

While still in school, she tried out for a local funk cover band called The Factory, where she met bassist Jeremy Davis. Williams introduced the boys together, and Paramore began. 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 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. She also appears as a playable character in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour. On October 2, during Brand New Eyes Fall US Tour, it was announced that a few tour dates were postponed due to Hayley Williams becoming infected with laryngitis. Hayley had created the song 'Teenagers ' by herself as a track for the film Jennifer's Body. The song was once played by Paramore, though it was never officially released. Later on, she was featured in 'Airplanes ' and 'Airplanes II' by B.o.B which was a top hit in many countries. On Paramore's fourth studio album, Paramore, she was the main songwriter for the entire album and had done songs with the other members of Paramore, along with the studio album producer, Justin Meldal-Johnsen. In 2013, she was featured in the Song 'Stay the Night ' by Zedd. A few remixes of the song and the single itself was featured on iTunes.

Williams has said that her favorite bands include Saves The Day, mewithoutYou, Slick Shoes, The Chariot, Now Now Every Children, No Doubt, Fireworks, Set Your Goals, Tegan and Sara, New Found Glory, H2O, Lemuria, and The Swellers.