Sex Sells, Fame Follows: The Rise of Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams

From matching tattoos and Saint Laurent to a surprising Bulgari coincidence, the real stories woven into Hollywood Kings reveal a songwriter's fascination with fame, fashion and staying true to yourself.

When I wrote Hollywood Kings in June 2026, I wanted to capture the extraordinary rise of Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams, two actors whose lives had changed almost overnight following the success of Heated Rivalry.

Only a few months earlier, they had been relatively unknown actors. Then Heated Rivalry arrived, and suddenly they were everywhere. Red carpets, magazine covers, fashion shows, designer campaigns and invitations to events that most aspiring actors can only dream about.

I was fascinated by how quickly it was all happening, and I loved watching the fashion world embrace them. But I was equally interested in the two people experiencing it.

What must it feel like to go from working towards a dream to suddenly living it? How do you adjust when people recognise you everywhere, photograph you without warning and develop expectations about who you should be? Those thoughts were running through my mind as I started writing.

I wanted Hollywood Kings to be glamorous, playful and a little cheeky, but I also wanted the lyrics to mean something. Almost every line has a connection to Connor or Hudson, whether it's somewhere they grew up, something they've worn, an event they've attended or a comment they've made in an interview.

Some references are obvious to fans, while others are deliberately tucked into the wording.

Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams: From the Desert and Snow to Hollywood

“Do you still love the vision? Now the vision's aliveFront row in Paris while the cameras arrive”

I wanted to open with a question. When you've worked towards something for years, imagining what success might look like, what happens when you finally get there? Is it everything you thought it would be? Do you still love the dream now that you're living it? Connor and Hudson had gone from working actors to sitting among some of the biggest names in entertainment and fashion in an incredibly short time.

Connor's appearance at the Saint Laurent menswear show in Paris in January was one of those moments that made their new lives feel almost surreal. But the next two lines were about where it all began.

“Say goodbye to the desert, say goodbye to the snowNow you're writing your names where all the legends go”

The desert is a reference to Connor growing up in Odessa, Texas, surrounded by the dry landscape of West Texas. The snow is a nod to Hudson's Canadian roots, having grown up in British Columbia. I loved the contrast. Two young men from different places, with their own experiences and ambitions, eventually finding themselves working together on a television series that would change their lives. The words “say goodbye” aren't about forgetting where they came from. They're about how far they've travelled. And the final line is my wish for what comes next. I hope they're only at the beginning of long careers that will see them make their own mark on the entertainment industry.

Saint Laurent Shadows and Balenciaga Angels

“Saint Laurent shadows on a Hollywood nightBalenciaga angels underneath flashing lights”

These weren't simply fashion names I chose because they sounded glamorous.

Connor's relationship with Saint Laurent and Hudson's with Balenciaga had already become part of their individual styles. Connor had been appearing in beautifully tailored Saint Laurent pieces, while Hudson had become associated with Balenciaga's more daring designs, eventually appearing in the fashion house's Heart and Body campaign. One of the most memorable examples was their appearance at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in March 2026. Connor wore a sheer Saint Laurent turtleneck by Anthony Vaccarello, while Hudson arrived in a sheer Balenciaga ensemble. They looked remarkably coordinated, despite their stylists later revealing that the matching looks hadn't been planned. I loved how different their individual styles were, yet how well they worked together.

The contrast between “shadows” and “angels” was a way of bringing those two fashion identities into the song while creating something that felt cinematic.

“Your pose, your style, every moment's a scene. Like a movie frame from a dream to be seen”

By then, it seemed that every appearance produced another collection of beautiful photographs.

There is something about the way Connor and Hudson photograph that reminds me of old film stills. The expressions, the styling, the lighting and the confidence they bring to the camera.

I wanted those lines to feel like a series of movie frames, capturing this extraordinary period in their lives.

Tiffany Diamonds and the Bulgari Coincidence

“Tiffany diamonds catching stars as they fall. Bulgari serpents winding gold through it all”

These references also have real connections to their fashion appearances At the Golden Globes in January 2026, Connor wore Saint Laurent with Tiffany & Co. jewellery, while Hudson wore a white Giorgio Armani jacket with Bulgari jewellery. The pairing appeared again at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where Connor accessorised his Saint Laurent outfit with Tiffany jewellery and Hudson wore Bulgari with Balenciaga. I liked how naturally the two jewellery houses fitted into the lyrics. But the Bulgari reference became particularly special a few months after I finished writing the song.

In September 2026, Hudson appeared in a Bulgari Serpenti advertising campaign, bringing the brand's iconic serpent jewellery into the spotlight. When I saw it, I couldn't help smiling. I'd written “Bulgari serpents winding gold through it all” back in June, and now here he was appearing in a campaign built around the collection I'd referenced.

Of course, Hudson had worn Bulgari before I wrote the song, so I wasn't predicting his first connection with the brand. What surprised me was how closely the later campaign reflected the image I'd put into the lyrics.

Then, in October, Hudson was officially announced as a Bulgari brand ambassador.

I found the whole thing rather lovely.

As a songwriter, there's something satisfying about writing a line inspired by what you're seeing and then watching the story continue to unfold in ways you hadn't expected.

The Real Meaning Behind the Ray-Bans

“Ray-Bans hide eyes that the whole world readsLike a classic screenplays opening scenes”

This is one of the more personal references in the song.

In an interview, Hudson spoke about how much his life had changed since Heated Rivalry became successful. He explained that he had started wearing sunglasses partly because he didn't want people to see how tired his eyes looked when he'd only managed a few hours of sleep.

He also spoke about feeling the need to look good when he went out, because people were constantly recognising him and asking for photographs. I remember finding that quite sad.

Most of us can leave the house looking tired without worrying that someone will photograph us and share the image with thousands of people. But suddenly Hudson was having to think about something as ordinary as whether his eyes looked tired. He'd even admitted that he used to think celebrities wearing sunglasses everywhere seemed a little pretentious, until he found himself understanding why they did it.

That's what inspired the lyric. The sunglasses conceal his eyes, yet those same eyes are constantly being watched, photographed and interpreted by people who feel they know him. I thought it was a small but revealing example of how fame can change everyday life. It's easy to admire the beautiful photographs and designer clothes without considering what it might feel like to be the person constantly standing in front of the camera.

Kill Us in Vaccarello, Bring Us Back in Armani

“Kill us in Vaccarello, cut sharp as a knifeDraped in Armani brings us back to life”

Anyone who follows Connor and Hudson will know the reactions a new photoshoot or red carpet appearance can cause. I thought it would be fun to exaggerate that reaction in the lyrics. Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent designs have become closely associated with Connor's style, particularly the sharp tailoring and sheer fabrics he's worn to major events.

The phrase “cut sharp as a knife” felt like a natural way to describe that look. Then I brought Armani into the next line, referencing the label Hudson wore so beautifully to the Golden Globes and his appearance at the Armani menswear show in Milan.

Newman, Brando, Dean and a Little Sinatra Wordplay

“Like Newman and Brando back in the dayLike Dean and Sinatra doing it your way”

I wanted to bring some of the great names of old Hollywood into the song.

Paul Newman, Marlon Brando, James Dean and Frank Sinatra were all known for their charisma, style and individuality. There's something timeless about those old photographs of Hollywood leading men, and I could see a little of that same appeal in the way Connor and Hudson were being photographed. Interestingly, Connor's stylist, James Yardley, has spoken about drawing inspiration from the elegance and presence of old Hollywood leading men when putting together his looks.

But there's another little reference hidden in the final line. “Doing it your way” is a deliberate nod to Frank Sinatra's famous song My Way. I loved being able to include Sinatra's name and then slip in a reference to one of his most recognisable songs in the same line. It also carries a message I wanted Connor and Hudson to hear.

They don't need to become the next Newman, Brando, Dean or Sinatra. They have their own personalities, their own ambitions and their own ideas about what they want from life. And I hope they always feel free to make those choices for themselves. They can do it their way.

Paris, Milan and Oscar Night Dreams

“From Paris to Milan to Oscar night dreamsOpen-chest blazers and translucent seams”

These lines were inspired by the incredible run of fashion appearances and major events that followed their success. Connor attended Saint Laurent's show in Paris, while Hudson made his runway debut opening the Dsquared2 menswear show in Milan. He also attended Armani's Milan show and became part of Balenciaga's fashion campaigns. Then came the Academy Awards celebrations in March. Hudson attended the Oscars ceremony, and both actors appeared at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in those unforgettable sheer outfits. The “translucent seams” reference is a nod to the transparent fabrics and daring tailoring that had become part of their red carpet style.

And when I wrote about Oscar night dreams, I was thinking about the kind of opportunities that were now opening up for them.

“Pages in Vogue, you're timeless in the lightTurning every head when you walk into the night”

Vogue had been covering their fashion appearances, including their striking looks at the Oscar after-party and, later, the Met Gala. I liked the idea that these photographs might one day become part of the visual history of their careers. The sort of pictures people look back on years later and remember exactly when these two actors first captured everyone's attention.

Sex Sells – The Tattoos Behind the Chorus

“Sex sells, it's inked on your skinsThe world fell in love with two Hollywood kings”

I couldn't write a song about Connor and Hudson without finding a way to include their matching Sex Sells tattoos. The tattoos are a lovely little part of their friendship. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Connor explained that they had wanted to get tattoos together to commemorate their connection and their experience working on Heated Rivalry. They considered several ideas before settling on Sex Sells, a suggestion Connor came up with that Hudson immediately loved. When I was writing the chorus, I realised I could use those exact words and give them a double meaning. “Sex sells, it's inked on your skins” is quite literally a reference to the words tattooed on both of them. But it also plays on the attention they've received for their looks, their chemistry and the way the fashion industry has embraced their sex appeal. I loved that the line could be cheeky and clever without needing any explanation for someone who already knew the story.

And I particularly liked bringing the words back at the end of the chorus.

“Hold on to yourselves through the noise and the swellSex sells, and you wear it so well”

The first reference is about the tattoos themselves. By the end, “you wear it so well” brings together the tattoos, their style, their confidence and the enormous attention surrounding them. But I also wanted the chorus to acknowledge that there's more to both men than their appearance.

“You put us all in a beautiful spellEverybody's watching, but nobody can tell”

We see interviews, photographs, red carpets and social media posts. We might feel as though we know Connor and Hudson because we've watched so much of them, but we're still only seeing the parts of their lives they choose to share. None of us really knows what this experience feels like for them. And I think it's important that they have parts of their lives that remain entirely their own.

When the Flashbulbs Fade

“The price of fame is learning who staysWhen the flashbulbs fade, and the crowd walks away”

This was one of the first ideas I knew I wanted to include in the song. When someone becomes successful, particularly as quickly as Connor and Hudson have, I imagine it can be difficult to know who genuinely wants to be part of your life and who is simply attracted to the excitement surrounding you. I don't know their personal circumstances, of course, and I'm not suggesting they've experienced anything like that. It's just something I think about when I see people suddenly become famous.

There must be enormous value in having friends and family who knew you before any of it happened. People who aren't interested in what you're wearing, who you're meeting or how many people know your name. People who simply love you.

“Hold on to yourselves through the noise and the swell”

I wanted those words to feel like a little piece of encouragement. Enjoy everything that's happening. Have fun with the fashion, the attention and the wonderful opportunities. Just make sure there's still room to be yourselves.

Hope the Lights Don't Blind

“Hope the lights don't blind. Hope the fame never takes what made you shine”

By this point in the song, I'd written about designer clothes, diamonds, fashion houses and Hollywood legends. But I wanted to bring it back to the two people at the centre of it all. What I've enjoyed most about watching Connor and Hudson, beyond their performances, is the humour, warmth and individuality they seem to bring to their public appearances. They come across as two people who are genuinely enjoying a remarkable experience, and I hope that continues.

I hope they always have people around them who keep them grounded, make them laugh and remind them that they don't have to be perfect.

And I hope the attention never makes them feel they need to change the things that made people take notice of them in the first place.

The Most Beautiful Thing Is Who You Already Are

“Your style, your graceThe world sees the glow, but not what you faceDon't lose yourselves trying to be their starThe most beautiful thing is who you already are”

These are the words I most wanted Connor and Hudson to hear. I could have ended the song with another big chorus, but I wanted the last few lines to feel more like a personal message.

Throughout the song, I've celebrated their looks, their style, their success and all the extraordinary opportunities coming their way. But I think there's a lot of pressure on people in the public eye to become what everyone else wants them to be. Fans have expectations. The entertainment industry has expectations. Fashion houses, photographers and the media all have their own ideas about how a star should look and behave. And with so many people watching, I imagine it could be easy to start worrying about disappointing them. I wanted to say that they don't need to.

They don't need to become the people the world imagines them to be, and they certainly don't need to look perfect every time they leave the house. The people they were before Heated Rivalry became such a success are still the people who worked hard, took chances and earned the opportunities they're now receiving. I hope they never lose sight of that.

A Song Written With Love and Admiration

Looking back at Hollywood Kings, I think what I enjoyed most was being able to write something glamorous and playful while including so many little references to Connor and Hudson's actual lives.

From their hometowns in Texas and Canada to the Saint Laurent and Balenciaga outfits, the Golden Globes jewellery, the Oscar after-party, Hudson's sunglasses comments and their matching Sex Sells tattoos, every detail gave me something to work with. I loved slipping Sinatra's My Way into the lyrics, and the later Bulgari Serpenti campaign was an unexpected coincidence that made the song even more memorable for me. But if Connor and Hudson ever happened to hear Hollywood Kings, I wouldn't want them to think it was simply a song about how handsome they are or how famous they've become. I 'd want them to hear the affection and encouragement behind the words. I hope they have long, successful careers, with opportunities to explore all the things they love doing. I hope they have wonderful people around them, plenty of laughter and the freedom to enjoy their lives without always feeling watched. Most of all, I hope they never feel that being successful means having to become someone else. That's why I ended the song the way I did.

The most beautiful thing is who you already are.

Hollywood Kings is an original song written by Brand New Woman in June 2026, inspired by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams and their extraordinary rise to fame.

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