The hallowed grounds of Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, bore witness to a truly memorable performance on Friday, July 24, 2026, as Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams curated an extraordinary "Hayley Williams & Friends" set at the annual Newport Folk Festival. This highly anticipated headline slot, a hallmark of the festival’s tradition of surprise collaborations and unique artistic gatherings, saw Williams joined by an impressive roster of musical luminaries including Jack Antonoff, Lucy Dacus, and Jenny Lewis, among many others. The evening unfolded as a vibrant tapestry of shared musical moments, reaffirming Williams’s standing as a pivotal figure in contemporary alternative music and highlighting the collaborative spirit that defines the Newport experience.
A Festival Steeped in History and Collaboration
The Newport Folk Festival, established in 1959, holds a legendary status in American music history. Known for its progressive programming and fostering unexpected artistic partnerships, it has consistently served as a crucible for iconic moments—most famously, Bob Dylan’s controversial electric set in 1965. Over the decades, the festival has evolved beyond its traditional folk roots to embrace a broader spectrum of genres, always maintaining its core ethos of artistic integrity and community. The "and Friends" format, a beloved tradition, allows headliners to invite peers and inspirations to share the stage, often leading to once-in-a-lifetime performances. Hayley Williams’s curated set perfectly embodied this spirit, aligning with the festival’s legacy of showcasing both established and emerging talent in an intimate, collaborative setting. The 2026 iteration, running from Friday, July 24, to Sunday, July 26, continued this tradition, drawing thousands of music enthusiasts to the scenic coastal venue.
Hayley Williams: A Career Defined by Evolution and Connection
Hayley Williams has carved out a distinctive career path, evolving from the fiery frontwoman of the multi-platinum rock band Paramore to a critically acclaimed solo artist. Paramore, formed in 2004, achieved global success with hits like "Misery Business," "The Only Exception," and "Ain’t It Fun," establishing Williams as a powerful vocalist and dynamic performer. Her solo ventures, beginning with 2020’s Petals for Armor and followed by 2025’s Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, have showcased a more introspective and experimental side of her artistry, blending elements of indie pop, alternative rock, and synth-pop. These albums were met with critical praise, demonstrating her versatility and depth as a songwriter and performer. Her ability to navigate different musical landscapes and forge genuine connections with artists across various genres made her an ideal choice to host a "Friends" set at Newport, promising an eclectic and engaging performance. Her latest solo effort, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, released in 2025, further solidified her reputation for crafting deeply personal and sonically innovative work, providing a rich foundation for her festival setlist.
The Illustrious Collaborations: Antonoff, Dacus, Lewis, and More
Williams’s 16-song setlist, which commenced with "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party" – the title track from her 2025 album – was punctuated by a series of high-profile collaborations that delighted the Fort Adams audience.
One of the most anticipated moments involved Jack Antonoff, the Grammy-winning producer and frontman of Bleachers, who has become one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, known for his work with artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, and Florence + The Machine. Williams welcomed Antonoff to the stage for a poignant rendition of Bleachers’ 2014 debut single, "I Wanna Get Better." The duo’s harmonized vocals on the anthemic track created an undeniable energy, a moment amplified by a warm embrace shared between them before the performance. Antonoff also contributed his distinctive guitar work to Williams’s Ego Death track, "Good Ol’ Days," underscoring their synergy and shared musical sensibilities. Their collaboration at Newport was not their first; the two have previously shared stages, notably at events like the Ally Coalition’s Annual Talent Show, where their creative rapport has been evident. This history added a layer of familiarity and depth to their Newport performance, signaling a strong artistic bond.
Another significant collaboration saw Williams joined by Lucy Dacus, a celebrated indie-rock singer-songwriter and one-third of the acclaimed supergroup Boygenius (alongside Julien Baker and Phoebe Bridgers). Together, they performed "Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris," a standout track from Williams’s 2020 debut solo album, Petals for Armor. This marked the very first live performance of the song, a treat for long-time fans who knew Dacus had originally contributed background vocals to the studio version. Dacus, whose own solo career has garnered widespread critical acclaim for her poignant lyrics and powerful delivery, also commanded her own set on the Fort Stage earlier that Friday, further cementing her presence as a prominent voice at the festival. Her contribution to Williams’s set underscored the deep mutual respect among artists in the indie music landscape.
The audience was also treated to a surprising and nostalgic duet when Williams invited Jenny Lewis to the stage. Lewis, the iconic singer-songwriter known for her work with the beloved indie band Rilo Kiley and her successful solo career, joined Williams for a cover of Rilo Kiley’s "Silver Lining." The track, from the group’s 2007 album Under the Blacklight, is a fan favorite, and Williams joined Lewis on vocals at the third verse, delivering the memorable lines: "And the grass it was a-ticking/ And the sun was on the rise/ I never felt so wicked/ As when I willed our love to die/ And I was your silver lining, as the story goes/ I was your silver lining, but now I’m gold." The performance was a powerful blend of their distinct vocal styles, evoking a sense of shared musical heritage and mutual admiration. Lewis’s presence added another layer of indie royalty to an already stellar lineup.
A Constellation of Supporting Talent
Beyond these marquee collaborations, Williams’s "Friends" set lived up to its name by featuring a diverse array of talented musicians. The stage saw appearances from artists representing various facets of the contemporary music scene, including Karly Hartzman (frontwoman of the acclaimed indie rock band Wednesday), This Is Lorelei, Joy Oladokun (whose soulful folk-pop has earned her a dedicated following), Liam Benzvi, Annie DiRusso, Kelsey Lu (known for her experimental cello and vocal work), Remi Wolf (a vibrant pop and R&B artist), Phoenix Rousiamanis, and Madi Diaz. Each guest brought their unique artistry to the stage, contributing to the rich sonic tapestry of the evening and showcasing Williams’s broad appreciation for contemporary talent. The sheer number and diversity of these collaborators underscored Williams’s wide-reaching influence and her ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment. Social media platforms, including the official Newport Folk Festival Instagram account, quickly buzzed with enthusiastic posts and slideshows of pictures from the star-studded set, capturing the palpable excitement and camaraderie of the performances.
Setlist Dynamics and Thematic Resonance
Williams’s carefully constructed setlist navigated her solo material, significant covers, and collaborative pieces with a seamless flow. Opening with the title track from her recent album, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party," immediately set a contemporary tone, showcasing her evolved sound. The integration of "Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris" with Lucy Dacus and "Good Ol’ Days" with Jack Antonoff demonstrated her commitment to presenting her solo work in fresh, collaborative contexts. The inclusion of Bleachers’ "I Wanna Get Better" and Rilo Kiley’s "Silver Lining" served as powerful nods to the influences and friendships that have shaped Williams’s artistic journey, while also delighting fans of those respective artists.
The evening culminated in a collective performance of Bill Withers’s timeless classic, "Lean on Me." This choice for a group cover finale was particularly symbolic for a "Hayley Williams & Friends" set, embodying themes of community, support, and unity that resonated deeply with the spirit of the festival and the collaborative nature of the performance. The song’s universal message of solidarity provided a heartwarming conclusion to an evening filled with shared musical joy, leaving the audience with a profound sense of connection and collective experience.
Broader Impact and Festival Highlights
The "Hayley Williams & Friends" set was undoubtedly one of the major highlights of the 2026 Newport Folk Festival, generating significant buzz among attendees and across social media. The performance reinforced Hayley Williams’s status not just as a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter, but also as a respected curator and connector within the music industry. Her ability to draw such a high caliber of diverse talent speaks volumes about her artistic integrity and the mutual respect she commands among her peers. Such collaborative sets are instrumental in shaping the narrative of the Newport Folk Festival each year, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for unique and unrepeatable musical moments.
Beyond Williams’s triumphant Friday evening, the 2026 Newport Folk Festival also featured a co-headlining set from the legendary Ms. Lauryn Hill, whose performance captivated audiences with her iconic blend of hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul. The festival continued its impressive lineup throughout Saturday and Sunday, with scheduled performances from acclaimed artists such as The Lumineers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Brandi Carlile, Brandon Flowers (of The Killers), and the politically charged guitarist Tom Morello. This diverse roster underscored the festival’s commitment to showcasing a wide range of musical styles and influential artists, ensuring a rich and engaging experience for all attendees. The economic impact of the Newport Folk Festival on the local Rhode Island community is substantial, drawing thousands of visitors, supporting local businesses, and reinforcing the state’s cultural prominence.
In conclusion, Hayley Williams’s "Friends" set at the 2026 Newport Folk Festival transcended a typical headlining performance. It was a meticulously crafted celebration of artistic camaraderie, shared passion, and the enduring power of music to connect people. Through unexpected duets and a diverse ensemble of talent, Williams delivered an unforgettable evening that will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark moment in the festival’s storied history.
