The Weeknd makes a triumphant return to SoFi Stadium, where he once lost his voice
For those in the know, it was like something straight out of a movie. That's because a previous performance on that stage became the catalyst for The Weeknd's first leading role in a feature film, which he also co-wrote, "Hurry Up Tomorrow.'
On the last night of his 2022 tour, the bestselling artist born Abel Tesfaye emerged onstage at the famed SoFi Stadium, and the unthinkable happened. His voice cracked, and then it was gone. He had to cancel the show shortly after it began.
A few makeup concerts were scheduled, and he was fine - but it was a story attendees and The Weeknd fans had only committed to memory. That is, until earlier this year, when he chronicled the journey in an album and the fictionalized film, both titled "Hurry Up Tomorrow.'
Wednesday night was a reclamation of the moment he froze in 2022, and a turning point for his life and career.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab Times
a day ago
- Arab Times
Sean 'Diddy' Combs acquitted of most serious charges
NEW YORK, July 2, (AP): Sean "Diddy Combs was convicted of a prostitution-related offense but acquitted Wednesday of sex trafficking and racketeering charges that could have put one of hip-hop's most celebrated figures behind bars for life. The mixed result came on the third day of deliberations. It could still send Combs, 55, to prison for as long as a decade, and is likely to end his career as a hitmaking music executive, fashion entrepreneur, brand ambassador and reality TV star. The foreperson confirmed the verdict reached was unanimous. After they read the verdict, Combs held his hands up in a prayer motion, looking at jury and hugged his defense lawyer Teny Geragos. Combs was convicted of transporting individuals across state lines, including his girlfriends and paid companions, in violation of the federal Mann Act. However, the jury of eight men and four women acquitted Combs of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking charges, which involved allegations that he used his money, influence, and intimidation to control his girlfriends during prolonged, drug-involved activities. Combs and his defense team argued that the women were willing participants and that none of his violence justified the severity of the charges. After the verdict was read, the judge gave the jury guidance on speaking about the case to the media, to the public, and more. Combs continuing to pump his right fist subtly, seemingly satisfied that he was acquitted on the most serious charges. Combs seemed buoyant arriving in the courtroom earlier Wednesday morning, a contrast to his mood a day earlier after he learned that the jury at his sex trafficking trial had reached a yet-to-be-disclosed verdict on all but one of the five charges the hip-hop mogul faces. Combs smiled and clasped his hands together in the air toward his family and supporters before hugging several of his lawyers and sitting down to await the outcome of the jury's third day of deliberations. A short while later, Combs, his head bowed, stood several feet from his family for less than a minute as they sat with their heads bowed in prayer. As they did on Monday, Combs and family members then applauded before he was led from the courtroom by US marshals. The family later got in a van and left the courthouse. On Tuesday, US District Judge Arun Subramanian ordered the jury to continue its closed-door discussions for a third day after the panel of eight men and four women said it was unable to reach consensus on the top count: racketeering conspiracy. The judge agreed with prosecutors and Combs' defense team that less than 13 hours of deliberations was too soon to give up on reaching a verdict on all counts. The jury's decision on the other charges - two counts of sex trafficking and two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution - remains under wraps for now. In a note to the court late Tuesday, the jury said "unpersuadable opinions on both sides' among some jurors had prevented the group from reaching a unanimous verdict on the racketeering conspiracy charge. Racketeering conspiracy is the most complicated charge in the trial and carries a potential maximum sentence of life in prison. The sex trafficking charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life. Transportation to engage in prostitution carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The disclosure of the jury note about the partial verdict seemed to put defense attorneys and their client in a dour mood even before it was read in open court by the judge. Eight defense lawyers formed a half-circle behind Combs as the smiles and lighthearted mood that accompanied the arrival of other jury notes over two days seemed absent as the attorneys contemplated the possibility that jurors had reached agreement on counts that carry the heaviest sentencing penalties. Combs appeared morose as his lawyers spoke with him. At one point, the hip-hop mogul solemnly read a piece of paper that attorney Marc Agnifilo handed to him. After the jury came in for instructions and then exited the room, a subdued Combs sat in his chair for a few minutes. As he stood to leave, he faced his relatives and supporters in the audience, blew a kiss and tapped his heart, as he frequently has done at the start and end of each day. Then he paused before his mother and exchanged a few words, telling her, "Love you' and "I'll be all right.' Marshals then led him from the room. Earlier in their deliberations, the jury requested to review testimony from Cassie, the R&B singer and Diddy's former longtime girlfriend, as well as from Daniel Phillip, whom Diddy is accused of involving in the case. Prosecutors allege that Combs coerced two girlfriends into drug-fueled encounters with male companions. Lawyers for the Bad Boy Records founder contend prosecutors are trying to criminalize Combs' open relationship lifestyle. They say his conduct, if anything, amounted to domestic violence, not federal felonies.
Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Australia cancels rapper Ye's visa over 'Heil Hitler' release
MELBOURNE, Australia, July 2, (AP): Ye, the U.S. rapper formerly known as Kanye West, was recently stripped of an Australian visa after he released his single "Heil Hitler,' a government minister said on Wednesday. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke revealed Ye has been traveling for years to Australia, where his wife of three years, Bianca Censori, was born. Her family live in Melbourne. Burke said "Heil Hitler,' released in May, promoted Nazism. The song has been criticized as an antisemitic tribute to German dictator Adolf Hitler. "He's been coming to Australia for a long time. He's got family here. And he's made a lot of offensive comments that my officials looked at again once he released the 'Heil Hitler' song and he no longer has a valid visa in Australia,' Burke told Australian Broadcasting Corp. "We have enough problems in this country already without deliberately importing bigotry,' Burke added. Ye's representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday. Australia's Migration Act sets security and character requirements for non-citizens to enter the country. Australia's largest cities, Sydney and Melbourne, have seen a spate of antisemitic attacks since the war between Israel and Hamas began on Oct. 7, 2023.
Arab Times
3 days ago
- Arab Times
In Senegal, luxury sheep shine at a beauty contest and fetch a high price
DAKAR, Senegal, July 1, (AP): The regal creatures are led into the open arena, stamping their groomed hooves as if to acknowledge the cheers, music, and fireworks from the crowd of spectators. Their majestic figures embody pride and status, their towering size, prominent muzzle, curved horns, and polished skin on full display as night falls. Welcome to one of Senegal's most anticipated beauty pageants - not for humans but for the locally bred Ladoum, the equivalent of a Ferrari among the woolly creatures. The annual contest featured more than a dozen Ladoum, competing in three different categories as adult male, adult female, and young/promising. As each sheep is led into the open arena, a panel of judges note down their points based on distinct features like beauty, size, height, horns, and body texture for each round. Winners, announced at the end, are rewarded with food and cash prizes. This year's Best Male Adult sheep is Prive, 1 year and 7months old, whose breeder estimated him to be worth more than $100,000 in the market. "It feels good to be here, I cherish him so much,' Isaiah Cisse, Prive's breeder said with a wide grin as he massaged the sheep for a successful outing. Unlike the more common sheep eaten and used as sacrifices during Muslim celebrations, the crossbreed Ladoum are mainly seen as a living, breathing symbol of social prestige and luxury bred for years before they are sold. Widely known as one of the world's most expensive sheep, the older ones usually fetch a price of $70,000, compared to $250 for a regular sheep, and attract buyers from around the world to this West African nation of 18 million people, where livestock is a key source of livelihood. Mostly weighing up to 400 pounds (181 kilograms) and up to 4 feet (1.21 meters) in height, the Ladoum are known for their physical grandeur with curling and symmetrical horns and lustrous sheen. As the contest unfolded in Senegal's capital, Dakar, each sheep is announced before it is led by the breeder onto an elevated stage where it is inspected by the judges, to the elation of the crowd. Each receives joyful chants from a band troupe, featuring the local Senegalese instrumental Assiko music with the sheep's praise names ringing out aloud. "You can't see a sheep like this in Africa or even in the world,' said Elhadji Ndiaye, a member of the judging panel. "Ladoum is special.' Many agree with him. Musa Faye, a 22-year-old breeder, said his 18-month-old sheep was named Diomaye, after Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, to show the sheep's significance for him and his family. "I spend a lot of time with him and play with him,' Faye said of his sheep. "I am preparing him for the next competition because I know he will win (the trophy),' he added. The contest, which has been running for some years, took place alongside an exhibition that featured even young breeders like Ibrahim Diagne. At 12, he is anticipating bringing his Ladoum for the contest someday. "My parents like this and have always done it, so I like it too,' Diagne said of his passion for the family's sheep-rearing business. Such passion is common in Senegal where sheep rearing is an age-old tradition deeply woven into family life and culture. Even animal traditions are passed down through the generations. Maniane Ndaw's prized sheep Alou won this year's Best Junior Male, following in the footsteps of the sheep's father who won several titles. "For me, it's a great, great pleasure," Ndaw said. "It shows that the lineage is a good one.'
