Popular_(The_Weeknd,_Playboi_Carti_and_Madonna_song)

Popular (The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna song)

Popular (The Weeknd, Playboi Carti and Madonna song)

2023 single by the Weeknd and Madonna featuring Playboi Carti


"Popular" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter the Weeknd and American singer-songwriter Madonna featuring American rapper Playboi Carti. It was released on June 2, 2023, through XO and Republic Records, originally serving as the second single from The Idol, Vol. 1, the now scrapped soundtrack album to the Weeknd's HBO television series, The Idol. The song was later included on the 2024 deluxe edition of the Weeknd's greatest hits album The Highlights (2021). An R&B song, it was written by the Weeknd and Playboi Carti with producers Metro Boomin, Mike Dean, and Tommy Rush, alongside The Idol co-creator Sam Levinson, Michael Walker, and John Flippin.

Quick Facts from the album The Highlights (Deluxe), A-side ...

Commercially, "Popular" charted within the top 10 in the Weeknd's home country of Canada, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and it became a top 20 hit in countries such as Switzerland, Belgium, Ireland, India and Lithuania. "Popular" was certified gold in New Zealand, United Kingdom, France, Italy and other music markets. The song earned positive reviews from music critics. Upon its release, it was picked up as one of the best songs of the year at that point by Rolling Stone.

Background

On May 31, 2023, the Weeknd announced that The Idol, Vol. 1, the accompanying soundtrack for the HBO drama series The Idol due for release on June 30, would include a single by himself, Madonna and Playboi Carti, titled "Popular".[1] A snippet of the song was first teased at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where the series premiered on May 22, 2023.[2] The song was officially released as the soundtrack's second single on June 2.[3][4]

Originally a collaboration between only the Weeknd and Playboi Carti, and with a different version prior to Madonna, in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, the Weeknd said "I've always wanted to work with her".[5][6] He continued saying: "She's the ultimate co-sign for this song, for this album, and for this TV show. And you'll hear more of her in the show as well too. She is the ultimate pop star".[7]

On January 26, 2024, after seeing a resurgence in commercial performance, an EP with multiple versions of the single was released.[8]

Composition

"Popular" is a midtempo R&B song,[9] whose lyrics give allusion to the "allure and pitfalls of fame and fortune" referring to a woman that “will do anything to achieve celebrity status".[10][11] Starr Bowenbank from Billboard called the song a "slinky track", laden with "booming synth instrumentals and plinking percussion" reminiscent of early 2000s R&B urban pop.[12]

Critical reception

"Popular" was well received from music critics. In a positive review for Billboard, Jason Lipshutz wrote: "The Weeknd, Madonna and Playboi Carti function like Kendall, Shiv and Roman pre-boardroom drama: what looks like an odd collection of artists on paper complement each other nicely, with The Weeknd and Madonna providing pop flourishes over plinking rhythms and Carti accentuating the song with some of his trademark mumbling to polish off what could be a kicky summer song".[13] Remarking on its lyrics, Jennifer Zhan of Vulture hailed the song a new anthem for "clout chasers".[10] Sebas E. Alonso from Jenesaispop complimented the song, and said sounds a bit like Madonna and Michael Jackson's dream collaboration.[14] American Songwriter's Thomas Galindo called the Weeknd's verse "ingenious"; Madonna's "a standout moment"; and noted how the song is able to use Playboi Carti's "squeaky-voiced bridge to the fullest", despite a minimal contribution.[15] Kevin Bourne from Shifter Magazine called it "a surprising treat that we didn't know we wanted".[16]

Upon release, "Popular" won a poll conducted by Billboard as reader's favorite new music release of the week.[17] On June 14, 2023, Rolling Stone picked it as one of the best songs of the year so far.[18]

Commercial performance

"Popular" debuted and peaked at number 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 with 10.1 million official streams, 2 million airplay audience impressions and 4,000 copies sold in its first week, according to Luminate.[19] The song gave Madonna her first Hot 100 chart entry in approximately eight years since "Bitch I'm Madonna" (2015), her highest-peaking in 11 years since "Give Me All Your Luvin'" (2012), and her 58th entry overall.[20][21] The debut of "Popular" made Madonna one of few artists to have a Hot 100 entry across five consecutive decades, and the second woman to achieve the feat after Cher.[19] "Popular" lasted on the charts for 19 weeks. The song also marks Madonna's first R&B number-one song on a Billboard chart, topping the component R&B Digital Song Sales.[22]

In the United Kingdom, "Popular" peaked at number 10, becoming Madonna's highest-peaking single in the UK since "Celebration" reached number three in 2009 and her 64th top-ten hit across four non-consecutive decades.[23] This extended Madonna's record for the female artist with the most top-ten songs on the chart.[23] It also marked Playboi Carti's first top-ten and the Weeknd's 16th top-ten single in the country.[23] "Popular" debuted within the top 30 in a number of countries, including Iceland,[24] India,[25] Lithuania,[26] Romania,[27] Switzerland[28] and also Canada, Australia,[29] and New Zealand,[30] where it debuted in the top-ten.[31]

Music video and live performance

To accompany its release, the Weeknd uploaded a music visualizer of the song on his YouTube, featuring a montage of clips and photos from the Cannes premiere of the series and the afterparty.[10][32] On July 25, in order to further promote the song, the Weeknd uploaded a live performance of the song on YouTube.[33] The Weeknd performed "Popular" for the second leg of his After Hours til Dawn Tour.[34]

An official music video for the song premiered on February 15, 2024, exclusively on Fortnite.[35][36] The video was filmed in August 2023, and features shots between the Weeknd dancing and drinking in Hatfield House, Madonna dancing and rolling around on a sofa in a high-rise apartment, and Playboi Carti dancing around an expensive car. The video was released a week later on YouTube.[37]

Track listing

  • Digital and streaming single[38]
  1. "Popular" – 3:35
  2. "Popular" (sped up) – 3:07
  3. "Popular" (slowed) – 4:18
  4. "Popular" (instrumental) – 3:35
  5. "Popular" (a cappella) – 3:35
  1. "One of the Girls" – 4:04
  2. "Popular" – 3:35

Charts

More information Chart (2023–2024), Peak position ...

Certifications

‹See Tfd›

More information Region, Certification ...

Release history

More information Region, Date ...

References

  1. Denis, Kyle (May 31, 2023). "The Weeknd Teases New Madonna & Playboi Carti Single for 'The Idol' Soundtrack". Billboard. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  2. Zemler, Emily (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Taps Madonna, Playboi Carti for New Single 'Popular'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  3. Mamo, Heran (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd, Playboi Carti Come Together on 'Popular' Track: Stream It Now". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  4. Dunworth, Liberty (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd teams up with Madonna and Playboi Carti for 'Popular'". NME. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  5. Monroe, Jazz (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Enlists Madonna and Playboi Carti for New Idol Song "Popular": Listen". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  6. Denis, Kyle (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Teases Viewers Will Hear 'More of' Madonna in 'The Idol': 'She Is the Ultimate Pop Star'". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  7. Irvin, Jack (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Reveals He Wants to Make an Album with Madonna After Dropping New Collab 'Popular'". People. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  8. Camp, Alexa (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Taps Playboi Carti and Madonna for "Popular" from HBO's The Idol". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  9. Zhan, Jennifer (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Got the Queen of Pop on 'Popular'". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  10. Galindo, Thomas (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Recruits Madonna and Playboi Carti for New Song "Popular"". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  11. Bowenbank, Starr (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd, Madonna & Playboi Carti, Foo Fighters: What's Your Favorite Music Release of the Week? Vote!". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  12. Lipshutz, Jason (June 2, 2023). "Friday Music Guide: New Music From The Weeknd, Madonna & Playboi Carti, Foo Fighters and More". Billboard. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  13. Alonso, Sebas E. (June 2, 2023). "'Popular' de The Weeknd suena un poquito a la colaboración soñada entre Madonna y Michael". Jenesaispop (in Spanish). Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  14. Galindo, Thomas (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Recruits Madonna and Playboi Carti for New Song "Popular"". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  15. Bourne, Kevin (June 2, 2023). "Song Review – The Weeknd's "Popular" Is an Unexpected Treat for the Summer". Shifter Magazine. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  16. "The Best Songs of 2023 So Far". Rolling Stone. June 14, 2023. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  17. McIntyre, Hugh (June 12, 2023). "Madonna Returns To The Hot 100 After Nearly Eight Years Away". Forbes. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  18. Houghton, Cillea (June 13, 2023). "Madonna Returns to Hot 100 with The Weeknd, Playboi Carti". American Songwriter. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  19. McIntyre, Hugh (June 13, 2023). "Madonna Hits Five Billboard Charts For The First Time Decades Into Her Career". Forbes. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  20. Griffiths, George (February 2, 2024). "Madonna celebrates landmark 64th UK Top 10 single, and first in 15 years". Official Charts. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
  21. "Tónlistinn – Lög" [The Music – Songs] (in Icelandic). Plötutíðindi. Archived from the original on July 22, 2023. Retrieved July 22, 2023.
  22. "2023 33-os savaitės klausomiausi (Top 100)" (in Lithuanian). AGATA. August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 18, 2023.
  23. "ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. June 12, 2023. Archived from the original on June 9, 2023. Retrieved June 9, 2023.
  24. Griffin, Marc (June 2, 2023). "The Weeknd Releases Visualizer For "Popular" Featuring Madonna And Playboi Carti". Vibe. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  25. Lopez, Johnny (September 20, 2023). "From flop to not? Madonna's latest single is actually a hit, but nobody knows that". Queerty. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  26. Aniftos, Rania (February 15, 2024). "Madonna Announces Collaboration With The Weeknd & Playboi Carti". Billboard. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  27. Kaufman, Gil (February 22, 2024). "Madonna, the Weeknd & Playboi Carti Live the Lush Life in 'Popular' Video". Billboard. Retrieved February 23, 2024.
  28. "Popular – Single". Apple Music. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
  29. "One Of The Girls + Popular 7" Vinyl". XO Store. Archived from the original on March 8, 2024. Retrieved March 8, 2024.
  30. "Top 20 Bolivia – Del 14 al 20 de Agosto, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved August 27, 2023.
  31. "PROPHON – Charts" (in Bulgarian). PROPHON. September 8, 2023. Archived from the original on September 18, 2023. Retrieved September 18, 2023.
  32. "ARC 100 – date: 24. July 2023" (PDF). HRT. Retrieved July 27, 2023.
  33. "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 202332 into search. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  34. "Top 20 Dominican Republic Anglo – Del 28 de Junio al 4 de Julio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  35. "Top 20 Ecuador Anglo – Del 17 al 23 de Julio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  36. "The Weeknd: Popular" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  37. "Singlet". Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved February 3, 2024.
  38. "Top Singles (Week 5, 2024)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  39. "IFPI Charts". ifpi.gr. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  40. "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
  41. "Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 33. nedēļa" (in English and Latvian). LAIPA. August 18, 2023. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  42. "Latvijas radio stacijās spēlētākās dziesmas TOP 35. nedēļa" (in Latvian). LAIPA. September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  43. "Top 20 Mexico Anglo – Del 12 al 18 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved June 24, 2023.
  44. "Tipparade-lijst van week 33, 2023" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  45. "Top 20 Paraguay Anglo – Del 19 al 25 de Junio, 2023" (in Spanish). Monitor Latino. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  46. "OLiS – oficjalna lista sprzedaży – single w streamie" (Select week 26.01.2024–01.02.2024.) (in Polish). OLiS. Retrieved February 8, 2024.
  47. "Top Radio Hits Russia Weekly Chart". TopHit. Archived from the original on August 11, 2023. Retrieved August 11, 2023.
  48. "RIAS Top Charts Week 3 (12 - 18 Jan 2024)". RIAS. Archived from the original on January 23, 2024. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
  49. "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 202332 into search. Retrieved August 14, 2023.
  50. "BGM Chart – Week 22 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Archived from the original on June 8, 2023. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  51. "Download Chart – Week 22 of 2023". Circle Chart (in Korean). Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  52. "TOP 40 – 27 JULI T/M 03 AUG 2023". Nationale Top 40 Suriname. July 27, 2023. Archived from the original on August 19, 2023. Retrieved August 19, 2023.
  53. "Rapports annuels 2023" (in French). Ultratop. Retrieved January 7, 2024.
  54. "Jahrescharts 2023" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  55. "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2023". hitparade.ch. Retrieved January 1, 2024.
  56. "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved November 23, 2023.
  57. "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2024". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  58. "OLiS - oficjalna lista wyróżnień" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 6, 2024. Click "TYTUŁ" and enter Popular in the search box.
  59. "Popular (Music from the HBO Original Series) – The Weeknd, Playboi Cart & Madonna". Apple Music. June 2, 2023. Archived from the original on June 15, 2023. Retrieved June 2, 2023.
  60. "A Recap of Radio Add Recaps". Hits. June 6, 2023. Retrieved March 13, 2024.

Share this article:

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article Popular_(The_Weeknd,_Playboi_Carti_and_Madonna_song), and is written by contributors. Text is available under a CC BY-SA 4.0 International License; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.