The Weeknd Headlines in Times Square for ‘Fortnite Festival’
The Big Apple was extra busy this weekend. The Weeknd headlined the first “Fortnite Festival” debut in Times Square.
This past Saturday, Fortnite, the online battle royale video game, collaborated with The Weeknd to debut the “Fortnite Festival.”
And the top-selling artist did it with some style.
300 Abel look-alikes took over the iconic downtown TK Times Square staircase. The dancers wore looks inspired by the “After Hours” era that are also available as skins in the popular game. Some dancers modeled the red jacket and black pants outfit, the white mask and white shirt, and the white mask and black outfits.
The “eye-popping” flash mob danced to “Blinding Lights” for a reported crowd of 15,000, according to Billboard.
The Weeknd takes over Times Square for Fortnite Festival. pic.twitter.com/dTL7sDb6fB
— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 10, 2023
“The Weeknd himself is releasing branded collaboration merchandise like shirts, hats and a Fortnite action figure of the singer,” KTVZ stated.
KTVZ also reveals that multiple The Weeknd skins, pickaxes, and emotes were released to honor the headliner for Season 1 of the Fortnite Festival.
“Fortnite Festival” is a virtual music festival featuring artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Kendrick Lamar.
Also, a new music mode was introduced at Saturday’s Festival allowing players to play an instrument of their choice synced with a purchasable festival “jam track.” Hit songs like “The Hills” and “Save Your Tears” are available to buy in the game’s item shop.
What Other Collaborations Has Fortnite Done?
December has already been a busy month for music. Last week, Fortnite hosted rapper Eminem’s virtual concert for the game’s Big Bang event launching the new Chapter 5: Season 1.
Other Fortnite collaborations have varied from a Bad Bunny “emote,” Disney+’s Ahsoka quests, and a variety of “Spidey skins” when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse was released.
Check out footage of the flash mob below.
