Paramore vocalist Hayley Williams has publicly responded to recent comments made by musician Kid Rock during a television interview. While not mentioned by name, Williams addressed remarks about Nashville-based singers and women with blue hair, sharing a personal story from her childhood involving one of Kid Rock's songs.
Key Takeaways
- Kid Rock made comments on Fox News about "chicks... with their blue hair" and certain Nashville rock singers.
- Hayley Williams, 36, interpreted the remarks as being directed at her and responded via her Instagram Story.
- Williams recalled hearing Kid Rock's song "Bawitdaba" as a child and how her opinion of him has changed over time.
- The exchange follows recent attention on Williams for lyrics on her new album criticizing country singer Morgan Wallen.
Kid Rock's Comments on Fox News
During a recent appearance on Fox News, Kid Rock, 54, discussed his views on contemporary culture. He expressed frustration with what he described as certain attitudes within the music scene in Nashville.
"I won't stay any names," he stated, before criticizing "these rock singers that live here in Nashville" who he feels are overly concerned with their appearance. He continued by referencing "these chicks running around on their campuses with their blue hair, their five nose rings."
The comments were general in nature and did not single out any specific individual. However, due to Williams' prominence in the Nashville music scene and her distinct hair color, many observers connected the remarks to her.
Williams Shares a Childhood Memory in Response
Hayley Williams addressed the situation directly on her Instagram account. She shared a clip of Kid Rock's interview and provided her own commentary, reflecting on her first encounter with his music.
"I remember being a little kid in Meridian, Mississippi," Williams wrote. "The first time I heard a Kid Rock song was at Poplar Springs Elementary's annual field day."
A Musical Flashback
The song Williams referred to was "Bawitdaba," the breakthrough 1998 single from Kid Rock's album Devil Without A Cause. The track was known for its aggressive rap-rock style.
She recalled her initial impression of the music. "I thought it sounded dangerous and cool," Williams explained. However, her perspective was soon shaped by her community.
"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!"
Her response highlighted the shift in their public personas over the decades, contrasting her childhood perception of him as a rebellious figure with his current role as a conservative commentator.
Context of Recent Musical Statements
This exchange occurs as Williams has been in the spotlight for her own lyrical content. Her new album, titled Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, includes a track with a pointed lyric.
On the title track, she sings, "I'm the biggest star, at this racist country singer's bar."
Morgan Wallen Controversy
In 2021, country music star Morgan Wallen faced significant industry backlash after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur. He issued a public apology and his music was temporarily removed from many radio stations, though his popularity with fans remained high.
During a September 30 appearance on The New York Times' Popcast, Williams confirmed the identity of the singer referenced in her song. While she said the line "could be a couple" of people, she specified, "I'm always talking about Morgan Wallen."
Her statement has drawn criticism from some conservative music fans, setting the stage for the subsequent indirect exchange with Kid Rock.
A History of Public Commentary
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, has a long history of making provocative and controversial public statements, often aligning with conservative political views.
In May 2025, during another Fox & Friends segment, he made comments linking "liberal women" to a declining birth rate in the United States, which drew significant public criticism.
An article in Rolling Stone from May 2024 explored his public persona, suggesting that his outspoken nature is a calculated part of his brand. The writer, David Peisner, recounted a request from the musician.
"Would you do me a favor? Just write the most horrific article about me. Do it. It helps me."
Peisner noted that it can be difficult to determine how much of Kid Rock's commentary is genuine belief versus an attempt to generate a reaction. This history provides a broader context for the remarks that prompted Williams' recent response.