AMAs: Why was The Weeknd wrapped in bandages?

Artist did not explain his appearance during the ceremony itself

The Weeknd prompted concern from some fans after appearing at Sunday’s American Music Award ceremony wearing bandages on his face.

The Canadian musician took home the prize for Favourite Soul/R&B Song on the night, but did not explain his appearance during the event itself.

Earlier this year, The Weeknd, real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, took to the stage with an apparently bloodied face during the MTV VMA ceremony.

Both instances were in fact part of an anti-drink-driving awareness campaign.

The artist explained earlier this year that his hit single “Blinding Lights” was written about the experience of driving when drunk, though The Weeknd specified that he hadn’t wished to endorse such behaviour.

The Weeknd accepts the award for Favorite Soul/R&B Song onstage at the 2020 American Music Awards (Getty Images for dcp)

The bandages are thus supposed to represent the potential risks of drink-driving, such as bodily harm inflicted upon oneself or others.

As The Weeknd collected his award, he paid tribute to the late artist Prince.

“Last time I received this award, it was given to me by the late, great Prince,” said the singer.

“And you know, he's the reason I get to constantly challenge the genre of R&B, and I'd like to dedicate this award to him. Thank you.”

You can see a full list of the winners from last night’s AMAs here.

Among those receiving an award was Taylor Swift, who revealed in her video acceptance speech that she has already begun re-recording music from her back catalogue.