WATCH: The Weeknd Unveils AI-Generated Teaser for His Upcoming Concert Using Advanced Video and Image Technology

While some visual artists are taking legal action against generative AI companies, many mainstream artists are eagerly adopting this technology to enhance their creative projects.

A prime example is pop star The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye. He recently released a teaser trailer for a YouTube livestream of his upcoming concert in São Paulo, Brazil, scheduled for September 7. The trailer utilizes a range of advanced generative AI tools.

According to the credits on YouTube, the video was directed by Spanish visual artist Yza Voku, employing a blend of still images generated by Midjourney and animations created with tools like Runway’s Gen-3, Luma’s Dream Machine, and Google’s invitation-only Veo AI video generator.

The visuals in the trailer reflect The Weeknd’s signature style—richly phantasmagoric with elements of neon gothic and dark disco. The imagery includes monstrous faces, masks, fire, lightning, shadowy figures with burning heads, and scenes of a car sinking underwater, along with a neon cross grave, occult figures, and eerie temples.

"Feast your eyes"

The Weeknd promoted the AI-generated trailer across his social media platforms, encouraging fans to “Feast your eyes,” which sets a captivating tone for the forthcoming livestream.

Yza Voku expressed her gratitude on Instagram, thanking The Weeknd and XO Records co-founder Lamar C. Taylor for the collaboration. Additionally, Matthieu Lorrain, Creative Lead at Google DeepMind, shared on LinkedIn that the company contributed to the project, calling it “another exciting collaboration as we explore new creative territories with generative media.”

While it's uncertain whether generative AI will be involved in the livestream itself, the trailer highlights the innovative potential of these tools in creative media and has already caught the attention of fans and tech enthusiasts eager to see how the full performance will unfold.

Leading the way in AI creativity

This AI trailer follows a trend of musicians leveraging AI in their work. Notable examples include an AI-made music video for the band Washed Out, utilizing OpenAI’s Sora, and videos for Ye (formerly Kanye West) using Midjourney and Runway. Madonna's concert visuals and projects for Jared Leto’s band 30 Seconds to Mars have also incorporated AI tools.

In summary, despite a vocal contingent of artists opposing generative AI and pursuing legal action for alleged copyright violations, many popular acts recognize the creative opportunities presented by this technology and are actively releasing new projects that embrace its capabilities.