Toronto singer The Weeknd did much more than put on a memorable Super Bowl LV halftime performance. The award-winning crooner’s streams have surged nearly 50 percent following last Sunday’s televised broadcast.
The Weeknd’s Streams Increase
According to reports, Weeknd’s songs have increased 41% in the United States following the performance. The statistics stem from reports to MRC Data.
His collected songs across his entire catalog generated 48.9 million on-demand streams (audio and video) on Feb. 7-8 – up 42% compared to the 34.5 million they tallied on Feb. 5-6. His most-streamed song on Feb. 7-8 was his long-running Billboard Hot 100 hit “Blinding Lights” (6.54 million; up 42%), which also served as his halftime-closer. (Billboard)
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Rap superstars 2 Chainz and Drake made sure to hop online to show love to Weeknd following his epic performance set. The 6 God even shared footage of himself watching the set.
“Playlist for tonight”
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For nearly 20 minutes, Weeknd came through with hits everyone could remember. From his most recent singles to classics he started his career out with in the early 2010s, the Toronto crooner held every generation down.
He opened with “Starboy” and “The Hills.” When he did “Can’t Feel My Face,” he went into a tight mirrored corridor accompanied by a bunch of people with their faces bandaged up. He reemerged for “I Feel It Coming” and “Save Your Tears.” A string section joined him for “Earned It.” The Weeknd and his dancers hit the field for “House of Balloons” (yes—a Siouxsie and the Banshees sample played at the Super Bowl) and then a massive performance of “Blinding Lights.” (Pitchfork)
Dealing With The Grammy Snub
When Grammy nominations were announced in November and The Weeknd was completely snubbed for his album After Hours, no one could believe it. The artist reacted by calling the awards “corrupt” and demanding answers. In a recent Billboard magazine cover story, he promised he had moved on.
“Look, I personally don’t care anymore. I have three Grammys, which mean nothing to me now, obviously. It’s not like, ‘Oh, I want the Grammy!’ It’s just that this happened, and I’m down to get in front of the fire, as long as it never happens again. I suck at giving speeches anyways. Forget awards shows.”
