THE WEEKND: Stands Solo in Super Bowl Spotlight

Starboy looked like a star during his performance at the Pepsi Halftime Show at Super Bowl 55. 

The Weeknd ran through a medley of his hits from the past decade to his most recent releases. The superstar singer from Toronto stood in the spotlight on his own — with no guest appearances or features like most past halftime performers. 

The setlist included “Starboy,” “The Hills,” “I Can’t Feel My Face,” “Earned It” and “Blinding Lights.”

He spent $7 million of his own money to bring world class production value the entire time — creating what he called a “cinematic experience” and a live “visual album” as he performed in, on and around elaborately built sets including a city skyscape, a giant full moon, and a hall of lights and mirrors.

While he didn’t have any collaborators join him, Abel was assisted by an orchestra and a choir, which at one point wore angel costumes complete with wings. He also made the most of Raymond James Stadium, at one point taking the field, flanked by dozens of synchronized dancers, all wearing the red blazer and bandaged head-look from his recent videos. 

He’s sung before about not being a “teen choice,” but on Sunday night, we got the family-friendly version of The Weeknd.

Prior to the event, he made it clear he planned to play it safe after controversies around past Super Bowl performances from artists like J-Lo. And come showtime, he stuck to that promise, performing edited versions of his biggest hits.