Hayley Williams & Jason Isbell unite for a stunning live duet of "Cover Me Up" at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom. A powerful, emotional performance.
- April 14, 2026
AceShowbiz - Hayley Williams invited Jason Isbell to join her on stage for a heartfelt rendition of his 2013 song "Cover Me Up" at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom on Sunday night.
The performance featured Isbell playing acoustic guitar while Williams delivered the vocals, capturing the emotional depth of the bluesy track from Isbell's album Southeastern. Later, Isbell joined in on the chorus, creating a powerful live moment. Expressing her gratitude, Williams told him, "This is a dream come true. Thanks for doing it."
"Cover Me Up" is a deeply personal song for Isbell, inspired by his journey to sobriety and his love for ex-wife Amanda Shires. In a 2013 interview with NPR, he revealed the difficulty of performing the song, saying, "That was a hard one for me to even get through without breaking down the first time, because that one is really personal. It's not easy to sit down and open yourself up and say, 'This is how much I love you,' you know? It's scary to do that."
The song also gained attention when it was covered by Morgan Wallen on his 2020 album, Dangerous: The Double Album. Following Wallen's controversy in 2021 over the use of a racial slur and the subsequent industry backlash, Isbell announced he would donate the royalties earned from Wallen’s recording to the NAACP, taking a clear stand against the incident.
This live collaboration between Williams and Isbell highlights the enduring impact of "Cover Me Up" and its significance for both artists and their fans. The emotional connection they shared on stage resonated deeply with the audience, marking a memorable night at the Hammerstein Ballroom.