Surprise duet in São Paulo: Hayley Williams joins Seu Jorge for a Portuguese "Life On Mars?"

Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams welcomed Brazilian singer Seu Jorge onstage at Espaço Unimed in São Paulo on Thursday night (November 12), and the pair performed a Portuguese-language version of David Bowie's “Life On Mars?”, with Jorge on acoustic guitar, to a rapturous response.

A film connection spanning two decades

The collaboration has a film history behind it: Seu Jorge recorded Portuguese-language Bowie songs for Wes Anderson's 2004 film “The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou”, in which he also played crew member Pelé dos Santos, singing Bowie in Portuguese while playing guitar. His Bowie covers were later collected on the 2005 album “The Life Aquatic Studio Sessions”.

Then came “Zissou”

After the “Life On Mars?” duet, Jorge stayed on stage to perform Williams' original “Zissou”, from her latest album “Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party”. The song takes its name from the same film, and Jorge played flute and added vocals. The setlist also included “Simmer”, “Creepin'” and “Roses/Lotus/Violet/Iris”.

Second show tonight, then Buenos Aires on Sunday

Williams returns to Espaço Unimed for a second show tonight (Friday, November 13), before playing Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sunday.