The Weeknd has always been known for his bold and creative endeavors, and he has no hesitation in embracing the projects he’s been part of, even when they’ve faced criticism. Despite the mixed reception The Idol received, the musician expressed pride in the series, acknowledging its provocative nature while admitting that perhaps it could have been approached differently.
In a January 10 profile with Variety, The Weeknd shared, “I’m really proud of it—we all are.” He spoke highly of the cast and crew, praising them as “great” and expressing how much he appreciated making strong friendships during the process. He highlighted the joy of seeing everyone thrive as they worked on the project.
Reflecting on the show’s reception, he acknowledged that it was disappointing not to receive a more positive response but also pointed out that the show was intentionally dark and provocative. “Maybe it could have been told in a different way, maybe not,” he mused, recognizing that not everything creators put out will resonate with everyone—and that’s something artists have to accept.
Regarding the backlash, The Weeknd admitted that, of course, it “gets to you,” but clarified, “I’m not saying I wasn’t affected by it,” noting that he didn’t take it personally. He explained, “Nobody’s out to get you,” and shared that he actually enjoys reading criticism, even if some of it didn’t feel constructive.
Shifting to his upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow (released on January 24), The Weeknd mentioned that he wasn’t expecting everyone to love it. “Some people may not like it, but that’s not why I’m doing it,” he said, reinforcing his identity as an artist. He added that the album reflects his feelings and what he wants to express, emphasizing that, ultimately, it’s about staying true to his artistic vision.
