AceShowbiz - The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is taking some time to reflect on the whirlwind experience that was his HBO series "The Idol". The controversial 2023 show faced significant backlash even before its release, with critics slamming it for its provocative content and alleged disturbing scenes. Yet, the singer remains proud of his work. "I'm really proud of it - we all are," he shared in an interview with Variety.

Co-created with "Euphoria" creator Sam Levinson, "The Idol" features a cast led by Lily-Rose Depp and follows the story of a pop star attempting to make a comeback, only to entangle herself with a night club owner with a dark cult.

The series made headlines for its production upheavals, including the replacement of former director Amy Seimetz and significant script changes. Cast and crew members reported "disturbing" scenes, leading to a fierce public debate.

Despite the show's challenges and its eventual cancellation after just one season, Tesfaye reveals he did not take the criticism to heart. "Maybe it could have been told in a different way, maybe not. It was bigger than I expected. Not everything you put out is going to connect, and that's fine," he said.

Lily-Rose Depp echoed Tesfaye's sentiments, stating, "Honestly, I love it. We always knew some people were not going to like it and that it was going to be too much for some people. But I stand by it. We made a choice and we went for it."

Looking back, the pressures of balancing his career as an international music artist and an actor in the midst of a complex production led to significant personal revelations for Tesfaye. He admitted to experiencing a "mental breakdown" and felt it was a pivotal moment to reevaluate his life and priorities.

This period of introspection is what inspired his upcoming album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow", set to release on January 24. The album, and the self-written suspense-thriller film of the same name, promise to take audiences through a deeply personal journey.

"I'm not expecting everybody to love Hurry Up Tomorrow either. Some people might hate it, but that's not why I'm doing this. I'm doing it because I'm an artist - it's how I feel, and this is what I want to say," Tesfaye expressed.

As Tesfaye moves forward, focusing on new projects and artistic expressions, it remains clear that his passion for bold, provocative storytelling is unwavering. "The Idol" can still be streamed in full on Max, offering viewers a glimpse into the ambition and risks that shaped his creative journey.