The Weeknd: news, songs and career highlights
The Weeknd is the stage name of Abel Tesfaye, a singer, songwriter and producer from Toronto whose dark, atmospheric take on R&B reshaped the sound of modern pop. This page collects our coverage of his music, performances, award nominations and the moments that keep fans talking.
From anonymous mixtapes to the mainstream
The Weeknd first appeared online as an almost anonymous figure, releasing free mixtapes that combined haunting falsetto vocals with moody, cinematic production. House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence built a cult following and were later collected as Trilogy. The mystery around his identity only added to the appeal, and support from fellow Toronto star Drake helped spread the word. His debut studio album Kiss Land followed, deepening his reputation as one of the most distinctive voices in R&B.
Becoming a pop superstar
The real breakthrough came with Beauty Behind the Madness. Can't Feel My Face, with its Michael Jackson-inspired groove, became a massive hit, while The Hills and Earned It, taken from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, showed his darker and more romantic sides. The album earned him a wave of Grammy nominations, placing him alongside artists such as Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and Ed Sheeran among the most nominated names of the season.
Later projects pushed his star even higher. Starboy featured collaborations with Daft Punk, and After Hours produced Blinding Lights, a retro synth-pop hit that became one of the most streamed songs of its era. He has also headlined the Super Bowl halftime show, a milestone reserved for the biggest names in music.
On stage
The Weeknd has performed at the Grammys, the MTV Video Music Awards and the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, where he shared the bill with Ellie Goulding and Selena Gomez. His live shows are known for elaborate staging, cinematic lighting and a vocal range that holds up remarkably well outside the studio.
His signature sound
- Soaring falsetto inspired by classic soul and Michael Jackson.
- Dark, nocturnal themes of excess, loneliness and complicated love.
- Production that blends R&B, synth-pop and elements of electronic music.
- A strong visual identity, with characters and storylines running through his album eras.
Follow the latest
From new singles and surprise collaborations to award show moments and tour news, this is where we keep track of everything The Weeknd does. Scroll through our stories, catch up on the performances you missed and tell us which era of The Weeknd is your favourite.