“Earned It” wasn’t just a hit; it was a turning point for The Weeknd. ⁣ ⁣ Written specifically for 'Fifty Shades of Grey', the track was a deliberate shift from his underground R&B roots to a more cinematic, polished sound. It featured live orchestral strings (not synths), a minimalist beat, and a darker, seductive tone tailored for film, something he hadn’t done before.⁣ ⁣ The music video, directed by 'Fifty Shades' filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, leaned into high-art sensuality with professional cabaret-style dancers, helping the song stand apart from typical pop visuals.⁣ ⁣ The payoff was massive: “Earned It” became his first major global crossover hit, earned him his first Oscar nomination, and introduced him to a mainstream audience, all while keeping his signature mystique intact. Its success directly set the stage for Beauty Behind the Madness and the superstar era that followed.⁣ ⁣ #OnThisDay #TheWeeknd #EarnedIt #TBT⁣ ⁣ 📷: Getty Images