The Weeknd

The Weeknd is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and producer known for his dark, atmospheric approach to pop and R&B. He was born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Rising from Toronto’s underground scene in the early 2010s, he gained critical acclaim with mixtapes like *House of Balloons* and solidified his global status with albums such as *Starboy* and *After Hours*. His signature falsetto and moody production combine electronic, alternative, and R&B elements, crafting a sound that has redefined contemporary pop’s emotional depth and sonic texture. His relevance in the music scene comes from his ability to fuse cinematic storytelling with genre-blurring production, often exploring themes of fame, excess, and vulnerability. Fans return for his immersive visuals and layered narratives that extend beyond the music, creating a cultural impact that resonates across social media and inspires a dedicated, global audience.

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Two performers energetically singing on stage, The Weeknd, left in a black outfit, and Yoko Takahashi, right, in a metallic, flowing costume with long hair.
Music

The Weeknd Debuts New Song Sampling Yoko Takahashi’s Theme Song for ‘Neon Genesis Evangelion'

The song samples Takahashi's beloved opening to the iconic anime series, 'Neon Genesis Evangelion.'

Joe Price5 days ago
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 22: The Weeknd performs at Croke Park on August 22, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland.
Music

The Weeknd Has Decided Against Retiring: 'Nothing Else Like This Job'

The pop vocalist announced that his stage name "isn't going anywhere."

The Weeknd.
Music

The Weeknd's UK Tour Run Raises Over $350,000 for WFP and Global Citizen

Seven sold-out shows across London and Manchester drew more than 450,000 fans, generating a huge number of charitable donations.

Trey Alston35 days ago
The Weeknd performing on stage, smiling, wearing a black leather vest, holding a microphone and sunglasses, with a dark background.
Music

The Weeknd Seemingly Walks Back Plans to Retire His Stage Name: 'I'll Never Disappear'

Abel Tesfaye has hinted that he's planning to retire the Weeknd as a stage name, but that might no longer be the case.

Joe Price47 days ago
The Weeknd
Pop Culture

The Weeknd Has a New Favorite Indie Video Game

“The atmosphere got me immediately."

Trey Alston48 days ago
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JUNE 27: Eric Bellinger attends the BET Awards 2026 Media House at Hudson Loft on June 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. 

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - JUNE 20: The Weeknd performs on stage at Parken Stadium on June 20, 2026 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Music

Eric Bellinger Says The Weeknd Is for Those Who 'Like the Billy Goat Vibe'

The R&B singer-songwriter gave a blunt critique of The Weeknd's voice.

The Weeknd
Music

The Weeknd Grabs Dinner With ‘Elden Ring’ and ‘NieR’ Directors

The singer is a big video game buff, completing both games recently.

Trey Alston126 days ago
My Hero Academia.
Pop Culture

Crunchyroll Crowns Final Season of 'My Hero Academia' Anime of the Year

Check out the full list of winners — including 'One Piece,' 'Lazarus,' and 'Gachiakuta' — below.

Trey Alston126 days ago
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The Weeknd performs onstage during the Michael Rubin REFORM Alliance Casino Night Event on September 13, 2025, in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Music

The Weeknd Teases Unreleased Anitta Collaboration During Rio Concert

The Canadian singer-songwriter was also accompanied by visuals directed by iconic Japanese director Takashi Miike.

Joe Price152 days ago
Drake in a leather jacket, Bad Bunny in a tuxedo, and Kanye West in sunglasses and a black shirt.
Music

Drake, Bad Bunny, and Kanye West Among Spotify's Most-Streamed Artists of All Time

The Weeknd, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Travis Scott, and more also make appearances on the latest rankings.

A wrestling championship belt with "XO" written on it and a person wearing a shirt with "CENA" and "XO" on the back.
Sports

XO and WWE Launch New Collection Ahead of WrestleMania 42: How to Buy

WrestleMania takes over the Vegas area this weekend.

Complex Staff163 days ago
(L-R) The Weeknd and Jin, Mugen and Fuu of 'Samurai Champloo.'
Music

The Weeknd Says 'House of Balloons' Wouldn't Exist Without 'Samurai Champloo'

"It’s safe to say I wouldn’t be here without anime," the pop juggernaut said in a statement.

Will Lavin170 days ago
The Weeknd
Pop Culture

The Weeknd Tapped to Present at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards

The Weeknd will announce the recipient for Anime of the Year at the ceremony.

tara mahadevan170 days ago
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Actress Amy Seimetz attends the Landmark Westwood's special screening and Q&A of "Strawberry Mansion" at The Landmark Westwood on February 20, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.
Pop Culture

Amy Seimetz Has One Message After ‘The Idol’ Got Scrapped

'Don't let the bastards grind you down,' said the prolific director and actress.

Alex Gonzalez179 days ago

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