The Weeknd Doesn’t Care About Grammys Anymore—Now He Wants An Emmy

The Weeknd has been a musical superstar for more than a decade now, captivating audiences with his unique blend of R&B and pop. While he has dabbled in other industries before, he is now clearly setting his sights on the world of television, aiming to achieve recognition and prestige in this new medium. In particular, his moves have indicated a strong interest in the Emmys, the most coveted award in the TV industry.

To solidify his presence in the television realm, The Weeknd has submitted himself for contention in the upcoming 2023 Emmys. He is vying for recognition in the Music Direction category, showcasing his work on the Max special titled The Weeknd Live at Sofi Stadium. This concert documentary, which captures moments from his recent tour, premiered on the streaming platform earlier this year.

In his chosen field, The Weeknd faces fairly lax competition, as he is one of only 19 names submitted for consideration in the Music Direction category, according to Variety. Due to the surprisingly low number of those who sent in their names for consideration, his chances of securing a nomination, and potentially even winning, look promising.

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Recently, The Weeknd has been making headlines with his first TV show, The Idol. Fans have been buzzing about the series nonstop, and despite receiving mixed reviews from critics, it has resonated with audiences and garnered solid ratings. Due to its premiere date on June 4, The Idol missed the eligibility cutoff for this year’s Emmy Awards, rendering it ineligible for consideration. This may prove to be a blessing, as with the show’s success and The Weeknd’s extensive involvement in its various aspects, including writing, producing, acting, and creating music, it is highly probable that he will be recognized in some capacity next year.

The Weeknd previously announced his disinterest in the Grammy Awards, following the Recording Academy’s snub of his album After Hours, which featured the chart-topping global hit “Blinding Lights.” Consequently, he redirected his ambitions toward other domains, and it seems that television has become his next conquest. Winning an Emmy would not only signify his arrival in the television industry but also mark a significant achievement for him, given the prestige associated with the award.

While The Weeknd already boasts several Grammy Awards, he has yet to claim an Emmy. He was previously nominated for an Emmy after his Super Bowl halftime show was considered for Outstanding Variety Special (Live). Now, he is seeking another opportunity to secure the coveted accolade. Given his meteoric rise as a superstar and his substantial impact on television, it is entirely possible that he will achieve this milestone.