The Weeknd Performs “Starboy” & “False Alarm” On ‘SNL’: Watch

Christina Lee | October 2, 2016 10:06 am
Album Review: The Weeknd
See what we had to say about the R&B singer's big pop move with his new LP.

The Weeknd performed “Starboy” and “False Alarm” during Saturday Night Live‘s October 1 season premiere. This was the first time that the pop-R&B superstar tested out his new direction live — one that is still dark and sexy, but takes unexpected turns into, say, dance punk. (To wit, he says that his new music is as inspired by The Smiths and Bad Brains as Prince and DeBarge.)

Yet the biggest takeaway was how comfortable the Weeknd appears on that NBC stage now. Just a year ago, he was doing his best Michael Jackson impression for breakthrough hit “Can’t Feel My Face,” though you could sense his slight embarrassment. This time, though, he was showboating with far more ease, as if he’s grown more used to that spotlight.

Watch the Weeknd perform “Starboy” and “False Alarm” on SNL below.


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