Elton John has penned a tribute to Canada’s The Weeknd, who has been named one of TIME magazine's “100 Most Influential People of 2020.”
“He’s a mysterious figure in an era when mystery is rare in pop,” John wrote. “And you never know what to expect next. He plays with personae in his music and presentation: on the After Hours cover, he’s dripping in blood; you’re never sure if he’s singing about himself, or if he’s in character. He’s got an incredible imagination.”
John, 73, described The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” as the year’s “best pop single” from an album that’s “otherwise very introspective.”
John added: “He has so many different types of music tucked up his sleeve that he incorporates into his vision. He’s not interested in commerciality for commerciality’s sake… Like Prince, he marches to his own beat. That’s an exemplary way for an artist to be.”
Other music artists on the TIME 100 list include Megan Thee Stallion, Selena Gomez, J Balvin and Jennifer Hudson.
BTS provided the tribute to Halsey, calling her “the type of person who leaves a lasting impression on everyone she meets.”
The K-pop group, who featured Halsey on last year’s “Boy With Luv,” said “working with her was everything we could have wished for and more. Halsey is not only a strikingly talented artist, but also a dedicated partner who sincerely devotes everything to the art we create together.”
See the full list here.