Music

The Weeknd Put Together An ‘After Hours’ Medley For His 2020 AMA’s Performance — And Kenny G Helped

Getty Image Abel Tesfaye showed up with his face bandaged, walking down the Sixth Street bridge for his performance. …

Coming to you live from downtown Los Angeles, for the 2020 AMA’s The Weeknd was sporting an entire face bandage during his performance of two songs off After Hours. Abel Tesfaye has been infamously showing up with an injured or bandaged face during this year, to mimic the aesthetic of his new album, which has been achieved with makeup and is not actually injuries. The entire face bandage he sported during his acceptance speech for R&aB album world had a few viewers who weren’t familiar with the shtick uneasy, but as far as we know, Abel is fine.

.@TheWeeknd performs “In Your Eyes” & “Save Your Tears” at 2020 #AMAs. pic.twitter.com/MpofjlvUjO
— Pop Crave (@PopCraveMusic) November 23, 2020

For his performance, The Weeknd opted for an outdoor show, walking along the length of the 6th Street Bridge (an infamous bridge in LA) and setting off fireworks in his wake. The bandages on his face perhaps make a bit more sense now, as they probably also helped him remain incognito while getting around the outdoor location. Kicking off with a jazzy solo from none other than Kenny G, Abel launched into a medley of the two latest singles off his album, “In Your Eyes” and “Save Your Tears.” Walking while singing and hitting all his marks for the plethora of fireworks isn’t an easy, phone-it-in show, Abel really brought it. Check out the video above.

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Artist Spotlight

Deena Maddox turns hesitation into heartbeat on new release “Darlin”

Deena Maddox’s latest release, “Darlin,” is a flirty, feel-good country single that captures the thrill of possibility. The song centers on one timeless moment, the spark between two strangers, and the courage it takes to make the first move.

This song is a tribute to the real-life moments that happen in dive bars and dance halls, where the electric tension of locked eyes and unspoken interest is driving. But Darlin’ doesn’t play the fence; he transmutes doubt into playful assurance.

That’s what makes the song feel so real, so relatable. It knows how fast moments fly and tells listeners to trust their gut, follow chemistry, and step into the now. That message sets you free. It is light, warm, and hopeful, but grounded in actual human experience. Love is not always a given, sometimes it starts with a simple ask to dance.

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Artist Spotlight

Elvira Kalnik lets the emotion flow on daring and beautiful new release “Water Knows”

Elvira Kalnik’s latest release, “Water Knows,” is a genre-blurring single born of irreversible stress, personal transformation, and artistic evolution. The song glides between deep house, jazz, jungle, and dance and feels like a release, emotional, cinematic, and beautifully alive.

Its haunting opening slowly unravels into smooth synth textures, soulful trumpet lines, expressive vocals, and a sweeping crescendo which speaks of surrender and renewal. Each segment has its purpose, like chapters in a healing process.

What drives “Water Knows” is its original fearlessness. More than a song, Elvira Kalnik crafts an emotional experience, a depth of sound married with visual storytelling that is already attracting awards consideration. “Water Knows” is a reminder that she can bring boundary-pushing artistry and real emotional truth together, powerfully and beautifully.

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