Which B-52's member sang in the R.E.M. song "Shiny Happy People"?

Kate Pierson of the B-52s sang with R.E.M. on “Shiny Happy People.” The song appeared on R.E.M.’s seventh studio album, Out of Time, and was released as a single in 1991.

Pierson provided guest vocals rather than becoming an R.E.M. member. Her bright harmonies are especially prominent in the chorus, creating a vocal contrast with Michael Stipe’s lead. She also appeared in the colorful music video and performed the song with R.E.M. on Saturday Night Live in April 1991.

The collaboration connected two Athens, Georgia–associated bands. Pierson later described the song as an homage to the B-52s, while R.E.M. built it around an unusually cheerful, pop-oriented sound. The song reached No. 10 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and became one of R.E.M.’s most recognizable hits.

A common mix-up is assuming the guest singer was another R.E.M. member or the B-52s’ Cindy Wilson. The featured B-52s vocalist was specifically Kate Pierson.