The Weeknd and Rosalía furthered fueled rumors they are collaborating by posting identical snaps, as they tenderly embraced on Thursday.
While the three-time Grammy winner, 30, held onto the 27-year-old Spanish singer-songwriter’s waist, he sported a face full of bloody makeup and fake bruises.
The duo all but confirmed the rumors they will be dropping a remix of his massive hit, Blinding Lights, on Friday, one year after the original was released.
Collaborating: The Weeknd and Rosalía furthered fueled rumors they are collaborating by posting identical snaps with no captions, showing them in a steamy embrace on Thursday
Earlier this month, eagle-eyed fans noticed their upcoming remix was reportedly uploaded to the Apple Music database.
For their captions, the artists provided no details and simply just tagged each other.
Like The Weeknd, who sported a red blazer from his short film, After Hours, and fourth studio album of the same name, both released in March, Rosalía also wore a fiery number.
The beauty showed off her sensational figure in a skintight red dress, which showcased her curves and pert derrière.
‘The Grammys remain corrupt’: The Weeknd recently spoke out amid reports tricky talks over his Super Bowl performance might have led to him being snubbed in nominations; seen in 2019
Just last week, Toronto-based star called the Grammys ‘corrupt’ after he was snubbed in the nominations announced last Tuesday.
Taking to social media, he wrote to organizers: ‘You owe me, my fans and the industry transparency…’
Insiders said that the Can’t Feel My Face artist’s camp suspected the lack of nominations were in response to the unpleasant back and forth over whether he would perform in the Super Bowl.
Speaking out: The Weeknd, 30, didn’t hold back when he penned a note to Grammys organisers on social media on Tuesday
The artist, whose full name is Abel Tesfaye, released the record After Hours in March to strong sales and reviews, and it won Favorite Album – Soul/R&B honors at the American Music Awards this past Sunday.
Recording Academy interim chief Harvey Mason, jr. responded to the singer’s public complaints in a statement to Rolling Stone.
‘We understand that the Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated,’ he said. ‘I was surprised and can empathize with what he’s feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone’s admiration.’
Details: Grammy organizers demanded he pass on taking the stage at Super Bowl LV, before relenting and deciding he could do both
Mason continued: ‘We would have loved to have him also perform on the Grammy stage the weekend before’ the Super Bowl.] Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists.’
‘To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd’s performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process. All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.’
Asked by Variety about The Weeknd getting shut out, Mason said Tuesday, ‘It really just comes down to the voting body that decides.
Popular: The artist, whose full name is Abel Tesfaye, won Favorite Album – Soul/R&B honors at the American Music Awards this past Sunday
‘We have eight nomination slots to fill in [the Big Four categories: Best Album, Song, Record and New Artist], five in others, and the voters vote for their favorites. It’s really interesting, though.’
Mason opened up about the process Grammy officials take to suss out which performers are nominated, and in what categories.
‘We look at it every year and make tweaks and revisions to the process; we did it this year, last year, we’ll do it next year. And I don’t think this calls it into question, honestly,’ Mason said. ‘The process is there so we can continue to monitor excellence.’
The Weeknd previously took home the Best Urban Contemporary Album for Starboy in 2018.