HBO's highly-anticipated television series "The Idol" comes out this Jun. 4, 2023.
Pegged as the next "Euphoria" because Sam Levinson was the one who took over the production at some point, the show was riddled with controversy too as much as it amassed a huge following and curiosity among fans.
On its accompanying soundtrack, The Weeknd enlisted huge names from the music industry to back the show.
Playboi Carti, Madonna New Song 'Popular'
Announced earlier this week by The Weeknd, fans have been waiting for the Playboi Carti and Madonna's new and rather unlikely collaboration, "Popular." (via Pitchfork)
"Popular" is the second song to be released from the soundtrack, following "Double Fantasy" by The Weeknd and Future, which peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. The song was produced by famed record producer Mike Dean, who also appears on the show, along with Metro Boomin' and The Weeknd.
Speaking to Apple Music's Zane Lowe about the collaboration, The Weeknd admitted that working with the renowned pop icon Madonna has been an ultimate dream of his.
"I've always wanted to work with her. I've always wanted to write and produce a Madonna album... well, co-produce with her, of course," The Weeknd, no wanted to be known as Abel gushed. "She's a visionary and she has such a singular vision, and I just want to come into her world and create a classic Madonna album. That was always my dream. Hopefully this is the appetizer for that."
Aside from this, Abel also revealed that the song was supposed to be a song between him and Carti, but they had a different version. Holding on to the vocals for a while, The Weeknd worked around it and finally had the guts to call the "ultimate co-sign" for the song, Madonna.
READ ALSO: 'The Idol' Gets Backing From Hollywood Legend Despite Rotten Tomatoes Poor Reviews
Including Madonna on "The Idol" is quite fitting, considering the issues that have surrounded the pop star for years in the entertainment industry. In "The Idol," burgeoning popstar Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp is confronted with the intersection of sex, drugs, fame, and music, as she tries to reclaim her fame and influence.
Listen to "Popular" by Madonna, Playboi Carti, and The Weeknd below.
'The Idol Vol. 1' Soundtrack
Aside from "Double Fantasy" and "Popular," a collaboration between The Weeknd and BLACPINK's Jennie Kim is speculated to be part of the upcoming soundtrack too.
Up to this point, the "The Idol Vol. 1" Soundtrack release date has yet to be announced but pre-save is already available.
