The Weeknd took over “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” for the first two back-to-back performances on Thursday night.
Dressed in the same red blazer, wingtip shoes, and sunglasses from the trippy music video, the XO crooner delivered an innovative performance his Metro Boomin-produced single “Heartless” from New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater.
After a slight delay, he emerged backstage with a drink in hand before grabbing a mic and making his way down the winding white halls the studio as red and blue lights flashed. The walls started moving behind him during the mind-bending set, which ended with The Weeknd joining Colbert on stage for the finale.
It’s been a big month for the XO crooner. In addition to releasing his two new singles, he dropped the cinematic video for “Heartless,” shot in Las Vegas. He also announced his role as creative director for Mercedes-Benz’ EQC electric SUV campaign. On Dec. 13, he will make his acting debut alongside Adam Sandler in the Safdie Brothers’ film Uncut Gems.
The Weeknd, who ranked as Spotify’s fifth most-streamed artist the decade, will return to “The Late Show” this evening to perform “Blinding Lights.”