The Weeknd as Tetros Tetros. Photo via publicist.
The Weeknd's Deviously Sexual™ new HBO series The Idol premiered its second episode on Sunday (June 11). The program, co-created with Euphoria's Sam Levinson, followed a similar pattern set by its debut: a nuanced and searing performance by Lily-Rose Depp (The Weeknd's Dracula-meets-DJ Khaled cult leader is more divisive, but the silliness is bold in a way that I appreciate), some really unfortunate dialogue (basically Epic Bacon millennial humor on a meth comedown), and a sense that the show was both trying too hard and missing opportunities.
Once again, The Weeknd has shared music that debuted last night on The Idol, available now on streaming platforms. You'll hear a new version of "Family," heard last night via a piano rendition from actress and pianist Suzanna Son (The Weeknd appears on the new studio version) as well as "Devil's Paradise," a Mike Dean composition that strongly evokes the classic erotic thrillers that The Idol is trying so hard to live up to. It was a highlight of last night's episode, and you can hear it, along with "Family," below.
The Weeknd has been steadily releasing new music from and inspired by The Idol. Last week in The Idol music we heard "I'm A Freak," a song by Lily-Rose Depp's pop star Jocelyn which could have used a second draft on the line "I'm tryna find someone to bang." A few days prior saw the drop of "Popular," The Weeknd's new single with Playboi Carti and Madonna.
