MTV VMAs 2020: Here’s Why The Weeknd Had a Bloody Face

The Weeknd gave a fantastic performance of his mega-successful song “Blinding Lights” at the MTV VMAs 2020. But you may have noticed something about his face during the set (and also on the socially distant “red carpet”): He was bruised and bloodied, as if he’d just gotten into a fight or something. 

But it’s nothing to be alarmed about. Those who follow The Weeknd closely know this look isn’t anything new. The bruised face is actually part of his current-era aesthetic. His most recent album cover for After Hours features a similar look, as does the music video for “Blinding Lights” (not to mention his SNL performance from earlier this year). 

“‘Blinding Lights’ [is about] how you want to see someone at night, and you’re intoxicated, and you’re driving to this person and you’re just blinded by streetlights,” The Weeknd told Esquire about the song. “But nothing could stop you from trying to go see that person, because you’re so lonely. I don’t want to ever promote drunk driving, but that’s what the dark undertone is.”

There you have it, people. This is all simply a part of The Weeknd’s art. If you missed his MTV VMAs 2020 performance, check it out, below. 

After Hours received rave reviews from critics upon its release. Speaking on the album’s distinctly ’80s sound, the artist told Billboard, “I’ve always had an admiration for the era before I was born. You can hear it as far back as my first mixtape [2011’s House of Balloons] that the ’80s—Siouxsie & the Banshees, Cocteau Twins—play such a huge role in my sound. Sometimes it helps me create a new sound and sometimes it’s just obvious. I’m just glad the world’s into it now.” 

He ended up taking home two VMAs this year: best R&B and video of the year. 

Originally Appeared on Glamour