The ‘Star Boy’ singer is reportedly in talks for his upcoming work. As per the reports, the Weeknd is developing a series namely ‘The Idol’ at HBO which he would star in as well as co-write. The series follows a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic L.A. club owner who is the leader of a secret cult. Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), will co-write and executive produce the show alongside his creative producer and renowned L.A. nightlife entrepreneur Reza Fahim and BAFTA Award-winning ‘Euphoria’ creator Sam Levinson, all three of whom are creators of the show. Joseph Epstein will serve as showrunner while joining Mary Laws on the team of co-writers and -executive producers.
Considering the series will have Euphoria’s Sam Levinson involved, the expectations are extremely high from the upcoming project. Levinson’s Euphoria was not only critically acclaimed but also received major accolades including an outstanding lead actress in a drama series win for Zendaya. While The Weeknd hasn’t made any album announcement yet, the singer recently featured in the music video of Doja Cat’s song You Right which was released last week. The Weeknd is also having a great year when it comes to winning accolades considering he recently swept major honours at the Billboard Music Awards 2021 including Top Artist, Top Hot 100 Artist, Top Radio Songs Artist.
Before this, Abel also co-wrote an episode titled “A Starboy Is Born” alongside American Dad and Robot Chicken writer Joel Hurwitz. The May 4-dated episode also featured a new spoof song, “I’m a Virgin,” which The Weeknd co-wrote with Electric Guest’s Asa Taccone. The “Call Out My Name” singer previously starred in the Safdie Brothers’ critically acclaimed 2019 film ‘Uncut Gems.’
Recently, The Weeknd was all over the news as he announced that he will be boycotting the Grammys even though they announced the disbandment of their secret committees. The Weeknd heavily criticised the nominees after his album After Hours failed to make the list. While the secret committees have determined the winners and nominees for years, the academy stated that the categories would now be “determined by a majority, peer-to-peer vote of voting members of the Recording Academy.”
“Even though I won’t be submitting my music, the Grammys’ recent admission of corruption will hopefully be a positive move for the future of this plagued award and give the artist community the respect it deserves with a transparent voting process,” he told The New York Times in a statement.
The pop icon and Blinding Lights singer also told Variety about why he’s still boycotting future shows. “The trust has been broken for so long between the Grammy organization and artists that it would be unwise to raise a victory flag,” he shared.
The Weeknd continued, “I think the industry and public alike need to see the transparent system truly at play for the win to be celebrated, but it’s an important start. I remain uninterested in being a part of the Grammys, especially with their own admission of corruption for all these decades. I will not be submitting in the future.”
Well, hopefully his work in the upcoming show will get deserved recognition as the fans are extremely exhilarated too see their favourite icon in the show.
