From the soundtrack to HBO’s ‘The Idol.’
The Weeknd
The Weeknd Really Wants To ‘Create A Classic Madonna Album’ Alongside The Pop Icon
Madonna is one of the most important figures in pop music history, while The Weeknd is one of the biggest modern pop stars. Now, the pair and Playboi Carti have teamed up on “Popular,” a new single from the soundtrack of The Idol. If The Weeknd has his way, this will be the first of many collaborations between the two.
In an interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, The Weeknd spoke about how he’d like to make a full album with Madonna, saying:
“The thing is, I’ve always wanted to work with her. I’ve always wanted to write and produce a Madonna album… well, co-produce with her, of course […] because she’s a visionary and she has such a singular vision, and I just want to come into her world and create a classic Madonna album. That was always my dream. So this can be… hopefully this is the appetizer for that.”
He also said of “Popular,” “I’m proud of it. I’m definitely proud of it. Me and Carti had this… I mean, we’ve jammed out before. We’ve had a different version of this song prior. So I’ve had these vocals for a while and I’ve kind of just worked around it, and then kind of kept it in the tuck. But now it felt like it was time. It was time. And it felt right and it felt cohesive with this album that I’m working on right now. Or that I just actually finished. The Idol soundtrack, yeah. And so I’ve been producing the song for a while. And then Madonna, Madge. She’s the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you’ll hear more of her in the show as well, too. She is the ultimate pop star.”
Madonna is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, And Madonna Live The ‘Popular’ Life On Their New Single
Ahead of the series premiere of HBO’s The Idol this weekend, the show’s co-creator Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye has given us another taste of the show’s soundtrack. Tonight (June 2), he has shared “Popular” which features Playboi Carti and the original pop idol herself, Madonna.
These days, getting Playboi Carti and Madonna on a track is a task that proves equally difficult, however, The Weeknd, who is considered an idol of his time, managed to make it happen. On “Popular,” The Weeknd, who is likely singing from the perspective of his character, a cult leader named Tedros, alludes to a woman doing whatever it takes to become famous.
Over the course of the song, The Weeknd is likely alluding to Jocelyn, a fictional pop star on The Idol played by Lily-Rose Depp. Carti and Madonna garnish the song with hypnotic ad-libs and harmonies.
The Idol had its world premiere at Cannes Film Festival last weekend, however, the series, which The Weeknd co-created with Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, was panned by critics, who likened the series to softcore pornography.
Viewers will finally get to see the often-delayed series this Sunday.
The Idol premieres 6/4 at 9 p.m. EST on HBO. Episodes will air weekly on Sundays and be available to stream on Max.
Madonna is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
The Weeknd Teased A New Track From ‘The Idol’ Soundtrack Featuring Playboi Carti And The Original Pop Idol, Madonna
With HBO’s controversial new show The Idol just days from its long-awaited premiere, the show’s star, The Weeknd (aka Abel Tesfaye), announced the release of the latest single from its accompanying soundtrack, The Idol, Vol. 1. While he didn’t reveal the song’s title, he did share the names of its guest features. Appropriately for the dark theme of the show, Playboi Carti will appear alongside the original pop idol, Madonna, on the song, which comes out on Friday, June 2, ahead of the show’s June 4 premiere.
The Idol Vol. 1 ALBUM PRE-ORDER this Friday! + new Single with @playboicarti / @Madonna : https://t.co/7NToxfKdhc pic.twitter.com/IeJZVfiTfn
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) May 31, 2023
Although the first few episodes of the show were panned at Cannes Film Festival, the show’s co-creators Tesfaye and Sam Levinson remain convinced that the controversy is only going to lead to one of the most-watched shows in HBO history. Meanwhile, Levinson and co-star Lily-Rose Depp insisted that the show is not about Britney Spears; Madonna’s presence on the soundtrack makes it clear that the series’ perspective is inspired by many pop stars over the years.
The Weeknd said that the soundtrack was inspired by artists like Prince and Pink Floyd, so it’ll be interesting to see what that’ll sound like with the artists involved. The Weeknd previously released the Future-featuring song “Double Fantasy” from the soundtrack, so perhaps that can give listeners some idea of what to expect.
HBO’s ‘The Idol’ Has Another New Trailer With Even More Wild Scenes Featuring The Weeknd And Lily-Rose Depp
While Succession has come to a final series close, HBO is starting a new one up to replace the Sunday night slot with the controversial series, The Idol. Ahead of the show’s June 4 premiere on the streaming service, there is also a new trailer to (hopefully) build some hype for it.
The show features Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp playing a boyfriend and a fictional pop star named Jocelyn.
“You’re the American dream,” Tesfaye says in the clip. “Rags to riches. Trailers to mansions. You are f*cking Jocelyn. Just be you.”
“Easy,” she responds. “I’ll just do that.”
Tedros. Jocelyn. June 4. #THEIDOL
From the creator of Euphoria, starring Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye and Lily-Rose Depp, the new series premieres Sunday at 9 pm ET on @streamonmax. pic.twitter.com/bQaqNb8BRE
— HBO (@HBO) May 30, 2023
The latest teaser then features scenes of her being critiqued about the backup dancers, recording in the studio, and hinting at some of the wild explicit scenes with Tesfaye. Just a few months ago, a Rolling Stone article alleged that the showrunner, Euphoria‘s Sam Levinson, had created some rough working conditions.
Then, after The Idol held its official premiere, it debuted with a 20% score on Rotten Tomatoes that later fell to the single digits. It now sits at 27%, but still. Variety also described it as a show that “seems calculated to fool audiences into thinking they’re observing how Hollywood operates, when so much of it amounts to tawdry clichés lifted from Sidney Sheldon novels and softcore porn.”
Check out the new trailer for HBO’s The Idol above.
“The Idol” Praise: Sharon Stone Applauds The Weeknd & Lily-Rose Depp As HBO Series Slammed For Nudity
The Idol‘s big debut at Cannes Film Festival last week made one thing abundantly clear – not everyone is a fan of The Weeknd’s first TV series. The Canadian multi-talent stars in the new HBO series alongside 23-year-old Lily-Rose Depp, who’s pulled into the cult-like world of fame and fortune to fulfill her dreams of becoming a massive pop star. The previously released trailers have hinted that plenty of salacious content is in store, and the fact that Euphoria director Sam Levinson is also on board led viewers to go in with an “expect the unexpected” mindset.
Still, it seems many were left upset by the near-constant nude imagery of Depp, whose breasts and bottom are reportedly shown off in every episode. For the most part, the negative reactions have outweighed the positive ones. However, Hollywood icon Sharon Stone’s Instagram Story lit up with praise for The Idol and its leads. “I just watched the first two episodes of @theidol. @lilyrose_depp and Abel (@theweeknd) [are] so sure-footed,” she wrote a few days ago.
Read More: The Weeknd’s “The Idol” Reviews Are Not Favourable
Sharon Stone Shares Massive Praise for The Idol
“Sam Levinson addresses the root of crisis in entertainment,” the 65-year-old further remarked. “Which comes first, the brilliance? Or the heartache?” Obviously, not everyone agrees with her take. However, seeing as Stone has appeared in projects like Catwoman, The Quick and the Dead, Casino, and the Basic Instinct franchise throughout her career, she certainly knows a thing or two about the industry and its shadow side.
Interestingly enough, it was actually Stone’s Basic Instinct character who Depp drew on for inspiration, as the young starlet told Entertainment Tonight. Rather than directly taking influence from pop stars who already exist, she also looked at figures like Gene Tierney and Lauren Bacalls. HBO’s The Idol is set to premiere next Sunday (June 4). Will you be tuning into The Weeknd’s scandalous new series? Let us know in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture/music news updates.
Read More: Lily-Rose Depp Shows Off PDA With GF 070 Shake Following Controversial “The Idol” Premiere
The Weeknd Net Worth 2023: What Is The Megastar Worth??
Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer The Weeknd has overtaken the world. His unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music has helped catapult him Into megastardom. Born Abel Tesfaye in Toronto, he gained fame in the early 2010s and quickly became one of the most successful artists of the decade. Let’s explore the factors that have contributed to his incredible wealth.
The Weeknd Net Worth
As of 2023, The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated to be around $300 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The Meteoric Rise
The Weeknd’s journey to fame began in 2010 when he uploaded a few songs to YouTube. These tracks quickly gained traction. Soon, he released a series of mixtapes combined into the compilation album, Trilogy. The album was a massive success, receiving critical acclaim and propelling him into the limelight.
Since then, The Weeknd has released multiple chart-topping albums. These include Kiss Land, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, My Dear Melancholy, and After Hours. These projects featured a string of hit singles, including “Can’t Feel My Face,” “The Hills,” “Starboy,” “I Feel It Coming,” “Call Out My Name,” and “Blinding Lights.”
The Weeknd’s music has earned him numerous awards and accolades. He’s received three Grammy Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, and two American Music Awards. His international success has also led to lucrative touring opportunities. His live performances generating millions of dollars in ticket sales.
Expanding His Empire: Business Ventures
In addition to his music career, The Weeknd has ventured into various business opportunities that have contributed to his net worth. He has collaborated with high-profile fashion brands, including Puma, H&M, and BAPE, to release exclusive clothing lines and merchandise.
Moreover, The Weeknd has invested in several startups and companies, such as the esports organization OverActive Media and the music technology platform Moment House. These investments demonstrate his keen business acumen and desire to diversify his income sources.
The Power of Collaborations: Weeknd Net Worth Boosters
The Weeknd has collaborated with numerous top-tier artists, producers, and brands throughout his career. These collaborations have helped expand his audience and further solidify his status as a global music icon. His most notable collaborations include tracks with Daft Punk, Lana Del Rey, Ariana Grande, and Kendrick Lamar. Furthermore, The Weeknd has also ventured into film and television. He appeared in the Adam Sandler movie Uncut Gems and co-wrote an episode of the hit animated series American Dad.
The Weeknd’s Philanthropy: Giving Back to the Community
While The Weeknd has amassed a considerable fortune, he is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has donated millions to various charitable organizations, including the University of Toronto, the Black Lives Matter movement, and COVID-19 relief efforts. His generosity highlights the importance of giving back to the community and using his wealth to make a difference.
Conclusion/TLDR
The Weeknd’s net worth of $300 million in 2023 is a testament to his hard work, perseverance, and undeniable talent. His rise to fame, lucrative business ventures, and high-profile collaborations contributed to his impressive wealth. As The Weeknd continues to dominate the global music scene, there is no doubt that his net worth will continue to soar.
Early Reviews Of HBO’s ‘The Idol’ Have More ‘Softcore Porn’ Comparisons Than They Do Praise For The Show
Yesterday (May 22), HBO’s upcoming series The Idol premiered at Cannes. Attendees got to view the first two of the upcoming six episodes of the Sam Levinson and The Weeknd-helmed series, which is set to premiere next month.
While anticipation is high for the series — which is said to tell the story of a pop star named Jocelyn (Lily Rose Depp) who falls in love with a cult leader named Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye) — the show appears to have been panned by critics. We’ll spare some of the more graphic details, but we’ve included portions of some of the reviews below.
Rolling Stone, who published an exposé about the show’s allegedly harsh production conditions, said that The Idol was even more scandalous than they imagined.
“The double-dose the festival screened felt nasty, brutish, much longer than it is, and way, way worse than you’d have anticipated,” read the review.
Variety described The Idol as a “sordid male fantasy” and said the show’s script “seems calculated to fool audiences into thinking they’re observing how Hollywood operates, when so much of it amounts to tawdry clichés lifted from Sidney Sheldon novels and softcore porn.”
The Hollywood Reporter called The Idol “an HBO series that’s more regressive than transgressive.”
Season 1 of “The Idol” debuts with a score of 20% on Rotten Tomatoes. pic.twitter.com/MvUHMtVDf3
— Pop Tingz (@ThePopTingz) May 23, 2023
Following the Cannes screening, the series has debuted with a 20 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The Idol premieres on 6/4 on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
The Weeknd On “Blinding Lights”: “I Thought It Was Gonna Be A Flop”
Abel Tesfaye is going through major changes, and the world is certainly taking notice. As the 33-year-old continues to distance himself from his long-time stage name, The Weeknd, he appears to be moving away from the world of music and instead, expanding his acting and producing resume. Fans have been tirelessly waiting for the quickly approaching premiere of HBO’s The Idol, in which Tesfaye stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp. In addition to that, he reportedly wrapped filming on another project – this one opposite Jenna Ortega – over the weekend, though few details regarding that have been shared at this time.
Somewhere in the midst of his busy schedule, the After Hours artist found time to sit down with Vanity Fair for their annual TV issue. The Weeknd posed for the magazine’s cover. He also spoke with them about his Sam Levinson-directed series, his music career, and plans for the future, among other things. Perhaps the most surprising issue from Tesfaye in his interview was an admission that he wasn’t confident in one of his biggest songs in recent memory, “Blinding Lights” before releasing it.
Read More: The Weeknd & Jenna Ortega Reportedly Wrap Filming On Forthcoming Movie
The Weeknd Lacked Confidence in “Blinding Lights”
“I thought [that song] was gonna be a flop,” the Canadian confessed. Thanks to a boost from platforms like TikTok, however, “Blinding Lights” went on to find massive success. It’s since been certified diamond by the RIAA with 10 million copies sold. Reflecting on how social media influences music today, Tesfaye explained, “It’s a new generation of angsty teens discovering all the dark music like when I was 14. Kurt Cobain, Wu-Tang, and all these songs that, as a kid, I probably shouldn’t be listening to, and 50 Cent. This f*cking dark and amazing escape.”
Elsewhere, the genre-bending vocalist recalls some of his earlier releases, admitting that, in the beginning, his music was “very cult-y.” Interestingly, The Idol sees him take on the role of a Hollywood cult leader. He lures Depp’s young pop star character into living a wild and salacious life in the name of fame and fortune.
Read More: The Weeknd’s Biggest Hits, From “Losers” To “Blinding Lights”
More from Abel Tesfaye’s Vanity Fair Cover Story
Keep scrolling to see more photos and quotes from The Weeknd’s Vanity Fair cover story. Are you looking forward to the multi-talent’s various upcoming projects over the next few months? Let us know in the comments, and tap back in with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.
[Via]
The Weeknd Was Undoubtedly Surprised By The Success Of ‘Blinding Lights’ Because He Thought ‘It Was Gonna Be A Flop’
Abel Tesfaye said that he plans to kill off his musical persona, The Weeknd, to venture into other creative realms. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to graciously bow out on top after becoming the first artist to cross 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify. However, despite the milestones he’s reached, there are still some accomplishments that even shocked him.
During an interview with Vanity Fair, the musician confessed that he was undoubtedly surprised by the success of one of his biggest songs. “I thought ‘Blinding Lights’ was gonna be a flop,” Tesfaye said.
Co-produced by Max Martin and Oscar Holter, “Blinding Lights” was the second single released off The Weeknd’s After Hours album. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the song is now certified diamond after selling 10 million copies.
With an unpredictable boost from TikTok, the entertainer is excited to see how the younger demographic has latched onto his work and the music he was inspired by.
“It’s a new generation of angsty teens discovering all the dark music like when I was 14,” he said. “Kurt Cobain, Wu-Tang, and all these songs that, as a kid, I probably shouldn’t be listening to, and 50 Cent. This f*cking dark and amazing escape.”
Only time will tell if The Weeknd truly retires from music.