After debuting at Cannes, The Idol has received a standing ovation. The highly anticipated HBO series has been written by Sam Levinson, the creator of Euphoria, and stars The Weekend in his first major role.
Despite the popstar series being a major success though, all was not plain sailing behind the scenes.
In fact, The Weekend has opened up about just how tough it was balancing his singing career and his role as Tedros - a self-help guru and cult leader.
The singer, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, even lost his voice during a ‘terrifying’ incident last September, as trying to balance everything took its toll on the 33-year-old.
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It happened during a concert at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, as he told fans: “I don’t know what just happened… but I just lost my voice.”
He added: "This is killing me, I don’t want to stop the show but I can’t give you the concert I want to give you right now."
Thankfully, Tesfaye was able to recover enough to continue filming the HBO show.
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In an interview with W magazine, he told the publication: “I had to take off The Weeknd outfit, put on Tedros’s wig, shoot with Jocelyn, then go back to being The Weeknd.”
Since then, the singer-turned-actor has gone on to receive rave reviews at Cannes as he stars alongside Lily-Rose Depp.
The Idol tells the story of burnt-out musician, Jocelyn (Depp), as she tries to reclaim her title as pop princess, whilst under the control of Tedors.
Just as gritty as Euphoria, the HBO series shows how the nightclub owner and cult leader quickly gains control of Jocelyn.
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As things rapidly escalate, her team become increasingly suspicious of Tedors, including her manager played by The Simpsons star, Hank Azaria - yes, really.
After the first two episodes aired at Cannes this week, the show received a five-minute standing ovation with the pair being highly praised by critics.
Speaking about his co-star, Tesfaye was even seen wiping away his tears during the high-brow event.
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“I am incredibly proud of this show, and I’m proud of the way we made this show,” said Sam Levinson, adding, “I feel like I gained a family..I know that sounds a little culty but that’s the way it feels.”
He continued, adding: “Abel and I, we count our lucky stars every day that you are Jocelyn – you are fearless,” he said. “Thank you for taking this leap.”
The Idol streams on NOW in the UK from 5 June and on HBO Max in the US from 4 June.
Topics: Cannes Film Festival, Film and TV, HBO, The Weeknd, Lily-Rose Depp
Katherine Sidnell