Pop star The Weeknd had fans doing double takes when he was on his way to rehearsals for MTV’s upcoming Video Music Awards — with his face bloodied and bruised.

But the singer hadn’t been in any physical altercations behind the scenes: He was just mimicking the battered look he had in a recent short film for his latest album, “After Hours.” He was seen leaving a New York hotel in the jarring makeup, and later signed autographs for fans.

He’s up for six MTV VMAs on Sunday.