The Weeknd Calls BLACKPINK’s Jennie ‘Exceptional’ in ‘The Idol’ Interview

The Weeknd recently opened up about working with BLACKPINK singer Jennie on their upcoming HBO series “The Idol,” calling the K-pop star “exceptional.”

In an interview with Billboard Korea, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, spoke highly of his co-star Jennie, highlighting her professionalism and dedication to her craft.

“Jennie’s work ethic is unlike any artist I’ve seen,” The Weeknd said. “She’s fully committed to her character in ‘The Idol’ and brings so much nuance into her, making her exceptionally exciting to work with.”

The Weeknd further said that Jennie elevated every scene she is in with her creative choices and unique outlook as an artist. The two “connected instantly” over their shared vision for the show and character, according to him.

Who is The Weeknd

Here are some interesting facts about The Weeknd:

• His real name is Abel Tesfaye. He adopted the stage name The Weeknd when he was 17 years old.

• He is a Canadian singer, songwriter and record producer. Many consider him one of the most influential musicians of the 2010s.

• His music generally incorporates an R&B sound with a dark, cinematic aesthetic and references to drugs, partying and sexuality.

• His debut album Kiss Land was released in 2013 and peaked at #2 on the US Billboard 200. His later albums Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy both reached #1 on the chart.

• He has won numerous awards including 3 Grammys, 6 American Music Awards and 9 Billboard Music Awards.

• In 2020, he announced a $30 million donation to relief efforts related to the COVID-19 pandemic, food insecurity and racial injustice.

• In addition to his successful music career, The Weeknd will make his acting debut in the upcoming HBO series “The Idol” which he co-created and co-wrote. BLACKPINK member Jennie also stars in the series.

So in summary, The Weeknd is a critically acclaimed and commercially successful musician from Canada, known for his distinctive dark R&B sound and theatrical persona. He is now branching out into acting and television production as well.

The Idol, the upcoming HBO series

Here are some details about The Idol, the upcoming HBO series starring The Weeknd and Jennie of BLACKPINK:

• The Idol is a drama series co-created by The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.

• It follows a female pop singer who starts a romance with an enigmatic LA club owner who is the leader of a secret cult.

• The Weeknd will star in the series as the cult leader, while BLACKPINK singer Jennie will play the role of the female pop singer.

• The series also stars Lily-Rose Depp, daughter of Johnny Depp, as well as Troye Sivan, Anne Heche and Rachel Sennott.

• The Idol explores the relationship between the music industry and the cult of personality, with a cast undergoing the pressures, pleasures and pitfalls of fame.

• The Weeknd and Levinson have described the series as featuring a “louche” and “realistic” look at the modern music industry.

• Production began in June 2022 in Los Angeles. The series is currently in the filming stage.

• HBO ordered the series straight-to-series, meaning it skipped the traditional pilot phase and went directly into full production for a whole season.

• No official premiere date has been announced yet but The Idol is expected to debut on HBO and HBO Max in 2023.

So in summary, The Idol is an upcoming drama series following a music industry relationship between a pop singer and an enigmatic cult leader, played by The Weeknd and Jennie respectively.