The Weeknd’s controversy-generating HBO series “The Idol” will soon be making its debut, and ahead of its arrival he’s promoting a big collab on the series’ soundtrack.
On Wednesday, the “Blinding Lights” singer took to Twitter to announce that the soundtrack for “The Idol” was available for for pre-order on June 2.
In addition, June 2 will also herald the arrival of a new single from the soundtrack, “Popular”, featuring Madonna and Playboi Carti.
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
In an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, The Weeknd talked about the process of collaborating with Madonna, and revealed that the song began as a collab with Carti.
“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,” he said, adding that landing Madonna was “the ultimate co-sign for this song.”
The Weeknd continued, “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. 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. Hopefully this is the appetizer for that.”
The official synopsis for the “The Idol” reads, “After a nervous breakdown derailed Jocelyn’s (Lily-Rose Depp) last tour, she’s determined to claim her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America.
“Her passions are reignited by Tedros (Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye), a nightclub impresario with a sordid past,” the synopsis continues. “Will her romantic awakening take her to glorious new heights or the deepest and darkest depths of her soul?”
“The Idol” debuts on Sunday, June 4.
