Covering the spring 2023 issue of Interview magazine, Abel Tesfaye, more widely recognized as The Weeknd, sets aside his famed moniker to delve into the world of television with his new HBO series, The Idol. Collaborating with photographer and ERL designer Eli Russell Linnetz, the 33-year-old talent is captured in a photoshoot on a set conceived by James Rene and masterfully produced by erl Studio.
A polished look is achieved for Tesfaye, courtesy of barber Daronn Carr at Blend LA and grooming artist Christine Nelli, making him ready for the camera’s gaze. Stylist Matthew Henson outfits Tesfaye in designer ensembles from renowned brands such as Prada, Coach, and Bottega Veneta.
Abel Tesfaye Interview Photoshoot
In conversation with Jeremy O. Harris and Interview magazine, Tesfaye delves into the highly anticipated series, The Idol, an exciting venture with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. “This was something that I’ve always wanted to do,” Tesfaye divulges. “Film and TV, mainly film, has always been kind of the heartbeat of everything I do artistically. If you see my music videos, even sonically, everything is so cinematic and referential to films that I obsess over.”
When addressing his role in The Idol, Tesfaye explains, “I wrote him, but what drew me to play him was just getting to pretend to be someone else.” The Canadian singer-songwriter continues, “It was a challenge, because The Weeknd, obviously, isn’t me. But I drew a lot from myself to create that character. Tedros is nothing like me.”
