The Weeknd was surrounded by hundreds of masked dancers during his sensational COVID-friendly Super Bowl LV halftime show in Tampa Florida on Sunday.
And following suit, James Corden, 42, dressed as The Weeknd and covered his face in bandages as he joined the I Can’t Feel My Face hitmaker, 30, for a skit, which he shared to social media on Tuesday.
The Weeknd appeared to be preparing for his performance in the sketch, and failed to recognise the Gavin and Stacey actor who insisted that CBS had sent him down ‘to add some star power.’
Joker: James Corden, 42, dressed as The Weeknd and covered his face in bandages as he joined the I Can’t Feel My Face hitmaker, 30, for a skit, shared to social media on Tuesday
The Weeknd, known for staying in character, sported the red blazer and black shirt and trousers that his After Hours alter ego has donned in every music video since the album’s March 2020 release.
Walking into the rehearsal, James announced: ‘I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double, it’s just me!’
Looking perplexed, The Weeknd slowly removed his shades and was clearly none-the wiser as to who was stood before him.
Taking off his sunglasses, James said once again: ‘It’s me, you know? I’m doing the… the bandages, you know…?
Err? The Weeknd appeared to be preparing for his performance in the sketch, and failed to recognise James, who insisted that CBS had sent him down ‘to add some star power’
Extravaganza: The Weeknd was surrounded by masked dancers during his COVID-friendly Super Bowl LV halftime show in Tampa Florida on Sunday
‘Like your album campaign… Where you get more and more hurt!’ added the TV host, as he motioned towards the bandages covering his face.
‘Hang on, let me just… You’ll get it!’ insisted James as he began unravelling the bandages.
‘Wait… Wait for it… Hang on… There are actually more bandages than I thought… sorry,’ he said awkwardly, before finally unveiling himself.
The Weeknd still didn’t recognise James, and told him: ‘Yeh, I still don’t know who you are…’
Star power? Walking into the rehearsal, James announced: ‘I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry, you’re not seeing double, it’s just me!’
Who are you? The Weeknd still didn’t recognise James, and told him: ‘Yeh, I still don’t know who you are…’ before James insisted CBS had sent him down ‘to add some star power’
Sharing his skills: James also shared another video to his Instagram Stories, in which he taught The Weeknd dance moves including the ‘sprinkler’ and ‘sip the tea’
‘James Corden. I’m the host of The Late Late Show… on CBS.’
Seemingly somewhat reassured, The Weeknd pacified the british presenter, mumbling: ‘Oh yeh, yeh, yeh.’
With his confidence renewed, James asserted: ‘Now he’s got it, now he knows! Listen, CBS heard you were a little worried about the half-time show, so they sent me down to add some star power. Are you ready to do this?’ asked James, with a wink.
Sharing the sketch to Instagram, James captioned the video: ‘I’m not taking full credit for @theweeknd’s brilliant Super Bowl halftime performance, just most of it. link in bio.’
James also shared another video to his Instagram Stories, in which he taught The Weeknd dance moves including the ‘sprinkler’ and ‘sip the tea.’
The sprinkler: The Weeknd also pulled off ‘the sprinkler’ as shown by James
In character: The Weeknd sported the red blazer and black shirt and trousers that his After Hours alter ego has donned in every music video since the album’s March 2020 release