The Weeknd, Playboi Carti, Madonna – Popular

Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye, the show’s co-creator, has provided us with yet another taste of the soundtrack ahead of the series premiere of HBO’s The Idol this weekend. Tonight, June 2, he shared the song “Popular,” which features Madonna, the original pop idol.

Getting Madonna and Playboi Carti to collaborate on a song these days is no easy task. However, The Weeknd, who is regarded as an icon of his generation, was able to pull it off. On the song “Popular,” The Weeknd, who is probably singing from the point of view of his character Tedros, a leader of a cult, makes reference to a woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to become famous.

The Weeknd may be referring to Jocelyn, a fictional pop star on The Idol who is played by Lily-Rose Depp, throughout the song. Ad-libs and harmonies by Carti and Madonna add a hypnotic touch to the song.

Critics compared The Idol, which The Weeknd co-created with Sam Levinson of Euphoria, to softcore pornography after its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last weekend.

This Sunday, viewers will finally be able to catch up on the often-delayed series.

HBO’s The Idol premieres on June 4 at 9 p.m. EST. On Max, episodes will be available to stream and air weekly on Sundays.