The Weeknd, the renowned Canadian singer, expressed his gratitude towards Tom Cruise during his first-ever interview on The Tonight Show on May 15, as revealed in an exclusive clip shared by Billboard. The star acknowledged Cruise’s impactful lip-sync performance of his hit song “Can’t Feel My Face,” highlighting how it contributed positively to his musical success. This moment marked a significant highlight in his career, showcasing the power of celebrity endorsements in the music industry.
Host Jimmy Fallon reminisced about the memorable occasion when The Weeknd’s catchy track was featured during a Lip Sync Battle segment in 2015, featuring none other than Tom Cruise. The acclaimed actor complimented The Weeknd, stating he was “enormously talented” before launching into an energetic performance of “Can’t Feel My Face.” This segment not only entertained viewers but also significantly boosted the song’s popularity, illustrating how cross-media promotions can enhance an artist’s visibility and reach.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, The Weeknd remarked, “I definitely saw that. It actually helped the song,” emphasizing the positive impact of Cruise’s performance on the track’s performance. “Can’t Feel My Face,” the third single from his acclaimed sophomore album Beauty Behind the Madness, skyrocketed to become his first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, achieving record-breaking success a decade ago. This anecdote highlights the interconnectedness of pop culture and the music industry, showcasing how influential figures can propel songs to unprecedented heights.
In addition to this exciting revelation, The Weeknd’s complete interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon — marking his inaugural late-night television appearance — is set to air tonight at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC, with streaming available on Peacock. During this interview, The Weeknd is expected to share more insights about his career and his upcoming feature film Hurry Up Tomorrow, which is inspired by his album of the same name and is scheduled for theatrical release this Friday.
For those eager to see a sneak peek, an exclusive preview clip can be watched on Billboard prior to the full interview release. This opportunity allows fans to engage with The Weeknd’s journey and understand the creative processes behind his music and film projects.
