Hayley Williams Reveals Why She Turned Down ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Song Due to Bandmate Josh Farro

Hayley Williams shares how bandmate Josh Farro’s attitude led Paramore to reject contributing to the Jennifer’s Body soundtrack.

When Opportunity Meets a Bandmate’s Roadblock

If you’re a fan of the cult-classic horror comedy Jennifer’s Body, you might remember the killer soundtrack packed with emo and punk flavors from the mid-2000s. Among those tracks was Hayley Williams’ solo song Teenagers, a haunting tune that perfectly fit the film’s eerie yet rebellious vibe. But what’s less known is that Paramore could have had an even bigger role in that soundtrack.

Hayley Williams recently opened up about why the band ultimately declined to contribute to the movie’s music, revealing a backstage story that involves former Paramore guitarist Josh Farro and some serious internal drama.

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The Bandmate Who Was "An Ass"

In a candid interview with the New York Times, Hayley didn’t hold back when explaining how her vision for the band’s involvement was stymied. “There were a lot of things that I even wanted to do that they weren’t supportive of,” she said. “And when I say ‘they,’ I mostly mean Zac’s brother, ’cause he was an ass.”

For those who might have forgotten, Josh Farro was Paramore’s original lead guitarist until his departure in 2010 amid creative and personal differences, including conflicting religious beliefs. His fundamental Christian upbringing seemed to clash with the edgy, sometimes controversial content of projects like Jennifer’s Body.

Hayley reflected on this friction, saying, “I turned down the end credits of Jennifer’s Body for him. You know what I mean? There’s so much lore! There’s so much people don’t know.” Clearly, Josh’s reservations about the film’s themes and content influenced the band’s decision to pass on what could have been a big exposure moment.

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A Soundtrack That Defined an Era

Jennifer’s Body’s soundtrack was a snapshot of mid-2000s alt-rock and emo culture, featuring artists who embodied teenage angst and rebellion. Alongside Hayley’s solo track Teenagers, the soundtrack boasted tunes from bands like Panic! At The Disco, Cute Is What We Aim For, and Dashboard Confessional.

Here’s a rare gem: Hayley Williams performing Teenagers live—an echo of that era’s raw, emotive energy.

The film itself has undergone quite the transformation in public opinion. Originally met with mixed reviews, it’s been embraced as a cult classic with a queer-friendly interpretation of the relationship between Megan Fox’s and Amanda Seyfried’s characters. And when asked if Jennifer’s Body was a “demonic film,” Hayley quipped, “That’s the best kind.”

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Solo Ventures and New Chapters

Hayley’s frankness about her past band struggles isn’t the only news she’s shared recently. Alongside her reflections, she surprised fans with her solo album, “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party”, released independently after her contract with Warner/Atlantic ended.

Critics hailed the album, with one glowing review awarding it five stars and praising Hayley’s fearless exploration of personal themes:

“These songs might be about missed second chances, but Williams is certainly making the most of hers.”

The album also stirred conversations around specific lyrics, like revealing the identity of the “racist country singer” in her track as Morgan Wallen, showing Hayley’s commitment to honesty and social commentary in her music.

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The Band’s Current Status: Taking a Break, Not Breaking Up

Paramore fans often wonder about the band’s status, especially with Hayley’s solo projects picking up steam. She clarified that the band isn’t done; they’re just on a break. “We always take huge breaks. In order for us to metabolize shit that we go through as people, it takes the amount of time it takes between albums,” she said.

This insight reveals the human side behind the music: a group of artists navigating growth, personal struggles, and creative evolution.

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Final Thoughts: Behind the Scenes of Music and Friendship

Hayley Williams’ story about turning down Jennifer’s Body due to Josh Farro’s disapproval shines a light on the complex dynamics within bands, especially when personal beliefs collide with artistic choices. It’s a reminder that what we hear on the surface often has a tangled backstory full of passion, conflict, and compromise.

As fans, we get to enjoy the music and the art, but the journey behind those songs is just as compelling—full of moments that shape the artists we love.

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FAQ

• What song did Hayley Williams contribute to the Jennifer’s Body soundtrack?
  Hayley contributed the solo track Teenagers to the Jennifer’s Body soundtrack.
• Why did Paramore turn down the opportunity to contribute more songs to the Jennifer’s Body soundtrack?
  The band declined because Josh Farro, a former member, was unsupportive due to his personal beliefs about the film’s content.
• Who is Josh Farro in relation to Paramore?
  Josh Farro was Paramore’s original lead guitarist who left the band in 2010 due to creative and personal differences.
• Is Paramore still active despite Hayley’s solo projects?
  Yes, Paramore is currently on a break but not broken up.
• What is Hayley Williams’ recent solo album called?
  Her recent independent album is titled Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party.

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