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{{short description|Canadian singer-songwriter (born 1990)}}
{{pp-pc1}}
{{Redirect|Weeknd||Weekend (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2017}}
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{{Patronymic name|Abel|Makkonen|his}}
{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Use Canadian English|date=February 2021}}
|name = The Weeknd
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
|background = solo_singer
{{Infobox person
|image = The Weeknd 2015.jpg
| name = The Weeknd
|image_size = 220px
| image = The Weeknd Cannes 2023.png
|caption = The Weeknd performing at ] in 2015
| alt = Tesfaye (the Weeknd), wearing a black suit with a bowtie, and with a neutral expression on his face, averts his gaze from the camera.
|birth_name = Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
| caption = The Weeknd at the ]
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1990|2|16}}
| other_names = {{flatlist|
|birth_place = ], Ontario, Canada
* The Noise
|genre = {{hlist|]|]}}<!--albums articles-->
* Kin Kane<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/|title=Everything We Know About The Weeknd Before He Blew Up|publisher=]|date=February 16, 2021|last=Marsh|first=Calum|quote=He apparently also recorded music under the names The Noise and Kin Kane.|access-date=May 23, 2021|archive-date=March 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315044609/https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/|url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref><!-- Don't add nicknames to this section. This section is only for the different aliases/stage names he used during his musical career. -->
|occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|record producer}}
}}
|years_active = 2010–present
| birth_name = Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
|label = {{hlist|]|]}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|2|16}}
|associated_acts = {{hlist|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]|]}}
| birth_place = ], ], Canada
|website = {{URL|theweeknd.com}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
|instruments = {{hlist|Vocals|piano|keyboards}}
* Singer-songwriter
* {{nowrap|record producer}}
* actor
* businessman
}}
| years_active = 2009–present
| works = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| awards = ]
| website = {{URL|theweeknd.com}}
| signature = The Weeknd signature.svg
| signature_size = 40px
| module = {{Infobox musical artist
| embed = yes
| genre = {{flatlist|<!--Please refrain from adding subgenres to this section. The infobox should only contain a broad overview of the genres Tesfaye's music spans. See the "Voice and musical style" section for references and additional subgenres. -->
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
}}
| label = {{flatlist|
* ]
* ]
}}
| instruments = {{flatlist|
* Vocals<!-- only commonly used instruments -->
* keyboards
}}
}}
}} }}
'''Abel Makkonen Tesfaye''' (born 16 February 1990), known professionally as '''The Weeknd''' (pronounced "the weekend"), is a Canadian singer, songwriter and record producer.<ref name="sex-drugs"/>


'''Abel Makkonen Tesfaye''' ({{langx|am|አቤል መኮንን ተስፋዬ}}; born February 16, 1990), known professionally as '''the<!-- lowercase per ] --> Weeknd''', is a Canadian singer-songwriter and actor.<!--Keep notable occupations in lead per ].--><ref name="Fantasy2">{{Cite news|last=Eells|first=Josh|date=October 21, 2015|title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy|magazine=]|mode=cs2|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sex-drugs-and-rb-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-176091/|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615145745/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sex-drugs-and-r-b-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-20151021|archive-date=June 15, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Donnelly |first1=Matt |last2=Sharf |first2=Zack |date=May 22, 2023 |title='The Idol' Scandalizes Cannes With Five-Minute Standing Ovation for Lily-Rose Depp's Masturbating Pop Star, Explicit Nudity and the Weeknd's TV Acting Debut |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-idol-cannes-weeknd-standing-ovation-lily-rose-depp-nudity-1235621084/ |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=]|mode=cs2|language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161015/https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/the-idol-cannes-weeknd-standing-ovation-lily-rose-depp-nudity-1235621084/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Recognized for his unconventional musical production, artistic reinventions, and signature ] register, Tesfaye is one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.
In late 2010, Tesfaye anonymously uploaded several songs to ] under the name "The Weeknd". He released three nine-track ] throughout 2011: '']'', '']'' and '']'', which were critically acclaimed.<ref name=happy>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/critic-reviews|title=House of Balloons – The Weeknd|publisher=]|accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref> In 2012, he released a compilation album '']'', thirty tracks consisting of the remastered mixtapes and three additional songs. It was released under ] and his own label ].


Tesfaye began releasing music ]ly in 2009. After co-founding the record label ], he released three mixtapes—'']'', '']'', and '']''—in 2011, and gained recognition for his blend of ] and ], as well as the mystery surrounding his identity. He signed with ] to reissue the mixtapes into the compilation album '']'' (2012), and release his debut studio album, '']'' (2013) the following year. After a string of collaborations and film soundtrack contributions from 2013 and 2014, Tesfaye transitioned from alternative R&B to a ] sound with his second and third studio albums, '']'' (2015) and '']'' (2016), both of which debuted atop the US ]. The former yielded his first two US ] number-one singles, "]" and "]", while ''Starboy'' spawned two more: its ] (featuring ]), and after a 2023 remix with ], "]".
In 2013, he released his debut studio album '']'', which was supported by the singles "]" and "]". His second album, '']'', which became his first number one album on the US ], included the top-three single "]" and produced the number-one singles "]" and "]". The songs have simultaneously held the top three spots on the '']'' ] chart, making him the first artist in history to achieve this.<ref name=alone> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301002442/http://music.cbc.ca/#!/blogs/2013/6/Rear-view-Mirror-Who-was-Suzanne-and-why-did-Leonard-Cohen-make-her-famous |date= 1 March 2016 }}. ], 17 July 2015.</ref> The Weeknd has won two ]s and nine ]s.<ref name=":1">{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082|title=The Weeknd really cleaned up this Juno Awards weekend|newspaper=CBC News|accessdate=2 March 2017|language=en}}</ref> In September 2016, the release of the third album '']'' was announced along with the release of the title track single "]", which subsequently reached number one on the ].<ref name=":0"/>


He returned to alternative R&B for his debut ], '']'' (2018), which included the US top-ten single "]". He explored the ] and ] genres with his fourth studio album, '']'' (2020), which spawned the record-setting single, "]", in which became the ], broke records as the longest-charting song in Billboard Hot 100 history, and was named the chart's best-performing song of all time. Other chart-topping singles from the album included "]" and "]" with the latter gaining renewed popularity after a remix featuring ]. Tesfaye began exploring ], leading to his fifth album, '']'' (2022), which included the US top-ten single, "]". In 2023, he co-created and starred in the ] drama series '']'', which was a critical failure, while its ] saw commercial success.
== Early life ==
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye<ref name="sex-drugs">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sex-drugs-and-r-b-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-20151021?page=6|title=Page 6 of Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy - Rolling Stone|author=|date=|work=Rolling Stone|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref> was born on 16 February 1990, in ], ], a suburb of ].<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography|title=The Weeknd Biography|first=Andy|last=Kellman|publisher=]|accessdate=13 October 2015|archivedate=13 October 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6cFl8uYyO?url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography|deadurl=no}}</ref> He is the only child<ref name="RSinterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sex-drugs-and-r-b-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-20151021?page=3|title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy|first=Josh|last=Eeels|work=]|publisher=(])|date=21 October 2015|accessdate=11 November 2015}}</ref> of Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye, who were ] migrants to Canada in the 1980s.<ref name="jcaramanica">{{cite news|first=Jon|last=Caramanica|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html?_r=1|title=Can The Weeknd Turn Himself Into the Biggest Pop Star in the World?|work=]|date=27 July 2015|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6cFlDxFgo?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html?_r%3D0|archivedate=13 October 2015|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="RStone">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sex-drugs-and-r-b-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-20151021|title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy|date=21 October 2015|accessdate=26 October 2015}}</ref><ref name="Mistry">{{cite web|first=Anupa|last=Mistry|url=http://www.torontostandard.com/culture/daily-disc-the-weeknds-echoes-of-silence|title=Daily Disc: The Weeknd's 'Echoes Of Silence'|publisher=Torontostandard.com|accessdate=30 December 2012}}</ref> He was raised in a multicultural neighbourhood in Scarborough.<ref name="jcaramanica"/> During his youth, his mother would work several jobs to support the family, often as a ] and ], while also attending ].<ref name="RSinterview"/> His father later abandoned the family, prompting his maternal grandmother to take care of him. This allowed him to become fluent in ], with the ] acting as his ]. She would also take him to services at an ] church.<ref name="RSinterview"/><ref name="where the e went">{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama.jhtml|title=The Weeknd Reveals How He Got His Name... And Where The 'E' Went|work=MTV News|publisher=MTV|accessdate=15 September 2013}}</ref>


Tesfaye has sold over 75 million records, making him one of the ]. He has earned seven ] from the ] (RIAA) for his singles, and is the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three spots on the ] chart. "Blinding Lights" became the ] and the longest-charting song by a solo artist in the chart's history. Tesfaye was listed by '']'' as one of the world's ] in 2020, and was dubbed the "world's most popular artist" by '']'' in 2023. An advocate for ] and ], he was appointed a ] ] in 2021. He has donated millions to causes related to racial equality, food security, and disaster relief, including substantial contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts and the Ethiopian humanitarian crisis. His ] include four ]s, 20 ], 22 ]s, six ], three ], a ] and nominations for an ] and a ].
He started smoking ] at age 11, and later moved on to ].<ref name="auto">{{cite web|last1=Wagstaff, Swanson|first1=Keith, David|title=10 Things You Should Know About the Weeknd|url=http://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd|website=GQ|publisher=Condé Nast|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> Describing his teenage years as "'']'' without the ]", he would shoplift from the local supermarket with his high school friend, and began using ], ], ], ] and ].<ref name="jcaramanica"/> He attended ] and ],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.insidetoronto.com/news-story/6163335-scarborough-native-the-weeknd-scores-seven-grammy-nominations/|title=Scarborough native The Weeknd scores seven Grammy nominations|publisher=|accessdate=25 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="Globe and Mail: Mistry">{{cite news|last1=Mistry|first1=Anupa|title=Why The Weeknd is truly Toronto's very own|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-the-weeknd-is-truly-torontos-very-own/article27053702/|publisher=The Globe and Mail|accessdate=26 December 2016|date=30 October 2015}}</ref> but did not graduate from either of these high schools. His stage name was inspired by his high school dropout status, adopting the name "The Weeknd" after he left one weekend and never came home, although producer Jeremy Rose claims the name was his own idea.<ref name="McGuire">{{cite journal|last=McGuire|first=Patrick|date=April 2012|url=http://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed|title=How the Producer of The Weeknd’s Breakout Tracks Got Majorly Screwed|journal=]|location=New York|accessdate=3 March 2013}}</ref> The spelling was modified to avoid trademark issues with the Canadian band ].<ref name="jcaramanica"/><ref name="where the e went"/>


== Career == == Life and career ==
===Early life===
=== 2010–2011: Career beginnings and mixtapes ===
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye{{efn|] but rather their father's first name as their family name. Makkonen would traditionally be his family name and Tesfaye would be his grandfather's name.}} was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-weeknd/|title=The Weeknd|magazine=]|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308080720/https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-weeknd/|archive-date=March 8, 2024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Biggest">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=July 27, 2015 |title=Can The Weeknd Turn Himself into the Biggest Pop Star in the World? |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151001215630/http://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html?_r=0 |archive-date=October 1, 2015|mode=cs2|access-date=March 11, 2024}}</ref> The only child of Ethiopian ] immigrants Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu,{{Efn|Tesfaye's biological parents were never married. When Tesfaye made a donation to the ]'s Ethiopic program in November 2020, the full name of his mother was revealed as Samrawit Hailu.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.utoronto.ca/news/support-weeknd-u-t-s-ethiopic-program-soars-past-500000-endowment-goal|title=With support from The Weeknd, U of T's Ethiopic program soars past $500,000 endowment goal|date=November 2, 2020|website=University of Toronto|access-date=November 3, 2020|archive-date=July 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220706210855/https://www.utoronto.ca/news/support-weeknd-u-t-s-ethiopic-program-soars-past-500000-endowment-goal|url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref>}} who separated shortly after his birth,<ref name="Mistry">{{Cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |date=December 23, 2011 |title=Daily Disc: The Weeknd's 'Echoes Of Silence' |work=] |url=http://www.torontostandard.com/culture/daily-disc-the-weeknds-echoes-of-silence/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129110625/http://www.torontostandard.com/culture/daily-disc-the-weeknds-echoes-of-silence/ |archive-date=November 29, 2019|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name="Fantasy3">{{Cite news |last=Eells |first=Josh |date=October 21, 2015 |title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy |magazine=] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sex-drugs-and-rb-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-176091/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615145745/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/sex-drugs-and-r-b-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-20151021 |archive-date=June 15, 2018|mode=cs2}}</ref> he was raised in the suburb of ] by his mother and grandmother.<ref name="Biggest" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/the-weeknd-songs-lyrics-super-bowl-halftime-show/bbt2m5plh8q216w2yb5jficq9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208022212/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/the-weeknd-songs-lyrics-super-bowl-halftime-show/bbt2m5plh8q216w2yb5jficq9 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |last=Rivera |first=Joe |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Who is The Weeknd? Super Bowl 55 halftime show performer's songs, lyrics & more to know |website=]}}</ref> Tesfaye's patronymic is spelled "Makkonen" instead of the traditional Ethiopian name "]". The similarity with the ] surname ] is pure coincidence. The spelling of Tesfaye's patronymic might be the result of a typographic error or a new form of the traditional name.<ref>{{cite web|last=Määttänen|first=Juuso|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihde/a/201612162200041835|title=Kesällä Suomeen saapuvan supertähden Weekndin oikea nimi on Makkonen - ei silti yhteyttä Suomeen|website=iltalehti.fi|date=December 16, 2016|access-date=April 8, 2024|language=FI|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408103455/https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihde/a/201612162200041835|archive-date=April 8, 2024}}</ref> Tesfaye is proficient in ], his native language acquired from his grandmother,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lamb |first=Karas |date=September 16, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Reveals The Origin Of His Name + More |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/the-weeknd-reddit-ama-interview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223918/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/the-weeknd-reddit-ama-interview.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> and is also fluent in ], as he attended a ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=April 8, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Opens Up About His Past, Turning 30 and Getting Vulnerable on 'After Hours' |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-exclusive-interview-after-hours-1234573754/ |access-date=March 22, 2022 |magazine=] |language=en-US |archive-date=April 8, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408144604/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-exclusive-interview-after-hours-1234573754/ |url-status=live|mode=cs2 }}</ref> He was further educated at ] and ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Scarborough native The Weeknd scores seven Grammy nominations |url=https://www.toronto.com/news-story/6163335-scarborough-native-the-weeknd-scores-seven-grammy-nominations/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223944/https://www.toronto.com/news-story/6163335-scarborough-native-the-weeknd-scores-seven-grammy-nominations/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Tara | last=Hatherly | date=December 7, 2015 | work=]}}</ref>
] in 2011]]
Tesfaye met producer Jeremy Rose, who had an idea for a dark ] musical project called "The Weeknd"<!-- not a typo; cited in the source -->. After trying to pitch the idea to musician ], Rose played one of his instrumentals for Tesfaye, who ] over it, and they began working on an album. He produced three songs – "What You Need", "Loft Music", and "The Morning" – and others that Tesfaye rapped on, which Rose ultimately scrapped. Rose let Tesfaye keep the tracks he had produced under the condition that he would ultimately be credited for them.<ref name="McGuire"/> However, in December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to ] under the name "The Weeknd",<ref name="nytimes">{{cite news| last = Caramanica A-Train| first = Jon| url = https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/arts/music/02playlist.html?_r=4&ref=music| title = Screams That Charmed, and Other Overlooked Highlights| work = ]| date = 26 December 2010| accessdate = 29 March 2011}}</ref> though his identity was initially unknown.<ref name="pforkwynreview">{{cite web| last = Fitzmaurice| first = Larry| url = http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12131-what-you-need/| title = The Playlist – The Weeknd – ''What You Need''| publisher= ]| date = 4 March 2011| accessdate = 29 March 2011}}</ref><ref name="washpost">{{cite web| last = Stewart| first = Allison| url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/14/AR2011031403984.html| title = Singles File: Da Phuture, The Weeknd, Fever Ray| work = ]| date = 14 March 2011| accessdate = 29 March 2011}}</ref> The songs drew attention online through ], including a blog featuring the songs posted by rapper ],<ref name="McGuire"/> who also helped generate interest in The Weeknd.<ref>{{cite web|last=Escobedo Shepherd|first=Julianne|url=http://www.thirteen.org/riffcity/music/love-and-other-drugs-the-weeknds-altered-state-rb/|title=Love and Other Drugs: The Weeknd’s Altered-State R&B|publisher=]|date=23 March 2011|accessdate=21 January 2013}}</ref> They subsequently received coverage from outlets such as ] and '']''.


At seventeen, Tesfaye dropped out of school and relocated to an apartment in the neighbourhood of ] with two friends, one of whom is ]—his best friend and now ].<ref name="veryown">{{Cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |title=Why The Weeknd is truly Toronto's very own |work=] |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-the-weeknd-is-truly-torontos-very-own/article27053702/ |url-status=live |date=October 30, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223920/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-the-weeknd-is-truly-torontos-very-own/article27053702/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2}}</ref> Living a ] lifestyle with his friends,<ref name="Biggest" /><ref name="Know">{{Cite news |last1=Wagstaff |first1=Keith |last2=Swanson |first2=David |title=10 Things You Should Know About the Weeknd |url=https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704214239/https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |archive-date=July 4, 2018 | date=October 26, 2015 |website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> Tesfaye adopted his stage name because he left home on a weekend.<ref name="Went" /> He removed the last 'e' in 'weekend' to avoid ] issues with the Canadian ] band ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=July 20, 2021 |title=Can the Weeknd Turn Himself Into the Biggest Pop Star in the World? - The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720072448/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |magazine=] |mode=cs2}}</ref> He has also experienced homelessness and was incarcerated on several occasions during this time, which encouraged him to "smarten up, to focus".<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-on-overcoming-stage-fright/|title=The Weeknd Reveals How His Fans Helped Him Overcome Stage Fright|date=December 12, 2016|magazine=]|first=Lindsay|last=Kimble|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310182618/https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-on-overcoming-stage-fright/|archive-date=March 10, 2024|url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/03/the-weeknd-abel-tesfaye-interview-music-tom-lamont|title=The Weeknd: 'Drugs were a crutch for me'|newspaper=]|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129120504/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/dec/03/the-weeknd-abel-tesfaye-interview-music-tom-lamont|archive-date=November 29, 2023|url-status=live|mode=cs2|first=Tom|last=Lamont}}</ref> During this time, Tesfaye frequently engaged in drug use, including substances such as ], ], ], ], and ],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fisher |first=Luchina |author-link=Luchina Fisher |date=December 5, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Opens Up About His 'Dark' Past |website=] |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/weeknd-opens-dark-past/story?id=43987671 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224046/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/weeknd-opens-dark-past/story?id=43987671 |archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2}}</ref> stating that drugs were a "crutch" for him when he wrote music.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 2016 |title=The Weeknd opens up about 'heavy' drug use |website=] |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknd-opens-drug-use-1888046 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224108/https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknd-opens-drug-use-1888046 |archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2|first=Nick|last=Levine|access-date=March 11, 2024}}</ref> Before releasing music under his current stage name, he went under the alias 'Kin Kane', as part of a hip-hop duo called 'Bulleez n Nerdz',<ref name="Fantasy3" /> and was part of a production team called 'the Noise'.<ref>{{cite web |last=Breihan |first=Tom |date=May 25, 2011 |title=Hear Unreleased Early Tracks From the Weeknd |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/42635-hear-unreleased-early-tracks-from-the-weeknd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220203713/https://pitchfork.com/news/42635-hear-unreleased-early-tracks-from-the-weeknd/ |archive-date=February 20, 2024 |access-date=February 20, 2024 |website=] |mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=March 22, 2012 |title=How the Producer of the Weeknd's Breakout Tracks Got Majorly Screwed |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/7bexag/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224110035/http://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |language=en |magazine=] |mode=cs2}}</ref>
On 21 March 2011, Tesfaye released the nine-track mixtape '']'' for free through his website.<ref name="mtv">{{cite web| last = Ramirez| first = Erika| url = http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/21/say-hello-to-the-weeknd-drake-co-signs/| title = Say Hello to The Weeknd, Drake Co-Signs| publisher = MTV| date = 21 March 2011| accessdate = 29 March 2011}}</ref> It featured production by ] and ], although it did not credit Rose for his tracks.<ref name="McGuire"/> ''House of Balloons'' was met with critical acclaim,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/the-weeknd|title=House of Balloons Reviews|publisher=]|accessdate=3 March 2013}}</ref> and was named as one of ten shortlisted nominees for the ].<ref name=shortlist>{{cite web|url=http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |title=Polaris Music Prize |author= |date= |work=Polaris Music Prize |accessdate=1 November 2015 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409053023/http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |archivedate=9 April 2014 }}</ref>


=== 2009–2014: ''Trilogy'' and ''Kiss Land'' ===
In July, Tesfaye embarked on a tour and delivered his first performance at the ] in Toronto with Drake looking on from a balcony. The hour-and-a-half long performance created buzz about him.<ref>Ritchie, Kevin (25 July 2011). .'']''. Retrieved 28 March 2012</ref> His next performance took place at Toronto’s ]. He collaborated extensively with Drake, lending his vocals to several standout tracks on Drake's Multi-Platinum '']'' album and appeared as one of the special guests to Drake's second ] on 31 July 2011.<ref>{{cite web|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Larry|date=3 July 2011|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/42716-the-weeknd-to-play-drakes-ovo-festival/|title=The Weeknd to Play Drake's OVO Festival|publisher=Pitchfork Media|accessdate=27 March 2011}}</ref> During the summer, the press noted that The Weeknd refused to participate in interviews and chose to only communicate via Twitter.<ref>{{cite journal|first= Melody|last= Lau |date= 25 July 2011 |title=Mysterious R&B singer sells out first show |url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/drake-protege-the-weeknd-proves-hes-no-fluke-in-live-debut-20110725#ixzz1sE1WqJ6N |journal=] |location=New York|accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref> His second mixtape '']'' was released on 18 August 2011, as a free digital download from The Weeknd's website, and was well received by critics.<ref name=npost>Dunlevy, T’Cha (23 March 2012). .'']''. Retrieved 27 March 2012</ref> The Weeknd's third mixtape, titled '']'', was released on 21 December 2011.<ref name=npost/><ref>The Weeknd's Official site . Retrieved 28 March 2012</ref> Upon this release, the three 2011 mixtapes were collectively known as the ''Balloons Trilogy'',<ref>{{cite web| url= http://thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/echoes-of-silence-the-weeknd-reveals-final-part-of-the-balloons-trilogy-77249| title= Echoes Of Silence The Weeknd reveals final part of the Balloons Trilogy The Line Of Best Fit| date= 22 December 2011| publisher= theLineofBestFit.com| accessdate= 20 October 2013}}</ref> each receiving critical acclaim and growing Tesfaye's fanbase.<ref name="Kellman"/>
In August 2009, Tesfaye began anonymously releasing music on ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 27, 2019|title=10-Year High: The Weeknd's Game-Changing Decade|url=https://www.papermag.com/the-weeknd-2010s-career-2642233169.html|mode=cs2|access-date=December 20, 2021|website=]|language=en|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308153108/https://www.papermag.com/the-weeknd-2010s-career-2642233169.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Everything We Know About The Weeknd Before He Blew Up|url=https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/|access-date=December 20, 2021|website=]|archive-date=March 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315044609/https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/|url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref> The following year, he met the producer Jeremy Rose at a party. Rose asked Tesfaye if he wanted to work together as a dark R&B project after hearing him freestyle over an instrumental. After creating multiple songs and parting ways due to creative differences, Tesfaye was allowed to use the songs they made together under the condition that Rose received production credits.<ref name="Screwed">{{Cite news |last=McGuire |first=Patrick |date=March 22, 2012 |title=How the Producer of The Weeknd's Breakout Tracks Got Majorly Screwed |work=] |url=https://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224110035/http://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |archive-date=December 24, 2012|mode=cs2}}</ref> In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "]" to YouTube under the username "xoxxxoooxo".<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon | author-link=Jon Caramanica |title=Screams That Charmed, and Other Overlooked Highlights |newspaper=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/arts/music/02playlist.html |url-status=live |date=December 31, 2010 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210094135/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/arts/music/02playlist.html?_r=4&ref=music |archive-date=February 10, 2015|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Allison |date=March 14, 2011 |title=Singles File: Da Phuture, The Weeknd, Fever Ray |mode=cs2|newspaper=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/14/AR2011031403984.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208064202/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/14/AR2011031403984.html |archive-date=December 8, 2013}}</ref> His identity remained undisclosed initially. These songs gained attention online and were later acknowledged in a blog post by the rapper ].<ref name=Screwed/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Shepherd |first=Julianne Escobedo |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Love and Other Drugs: The Weeknd's Altered-State R&B |url=https://www.thirteen.org/riffcity/music/love-and-other-drugs-the-weeknds-altered-state-rb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129222613/https://www.thirteen.org/riffcity/music/love-and-other-drugs-the-weeknds-altered-state-rb/ |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |publisher=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> The songs subsequently received coverage from various media outlets, including ] and '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |title=The Weeknd – ''What You Need'' |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12131-the-weeknd-what-you-need/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110326174005/http://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12131-what-you-need |archive-date=March 26, 2011 |date=March 4, 2011 | website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref>


In 2011, Tesfaye met music executives ] and ], with whom, along with Taylor, he founded the ] record label.<ref name=":0">{{Cite magazine|title=The Weeknd on the Crew That Boosted Him From 'Basically Homeless' to the Super Bowl|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/enterprise/9516909/the-weeknd-xo-records-billboard-cover-story-interview-2021|magazine=]|date=January 28, 2021|access-date=June 8, 2021|mode=cs2|archive-date=June 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608184025/https://www.billboard.com/articles/enterprise/9516909/the-weeknd-xo-records-billboard-cover-story-interview-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 21, Tesfaye released his debut mixtape, '']'',{{efn|Multiple sources:<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Kameir|first1=Rawiya|last2=Hockley-Smith|first2=Sam|last3=Mistry|first3=Anupa|date=March 21, 2016|title=How House of Balloons Changed R&B|work=]|url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/21/house-of-balloons-rountable-the-weeknd|mode=cs2|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223914/https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/21/house-of-balloons-rountable-the-weeknd|archive-date=January 7, 2021|quote=Five years since its veiled release, a conversation about The Weeknd's debut and its influence on contemporary pop music...The album was documenting a nascent scene that has gone on to shift the cultural paradigm of Toronto, and it did so through a sound that has had a lasting effect on contemporary pop music.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |title=Say Hello to The Weeknd, Drake Co-Signs |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/genre/hip-hop//2011/03/21/say-hello-to-the-weeknd-drake-co-signs/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012012132/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/21/say-hello-to-the-weeknd-drake-co-signs/ |archive-date=October 12, 2015 |date=March 21, 2011 | website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17548/cohen-gould-buffy-25-best-canadian-debut-albums | title=25 best Canadian debut albums ever | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906183203/http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17548/cohen-gould-buffy-25-best-canadian-debut-albums | archive-date=September 6, 2017 | work=] | date=June 16, 2017|mode=cs2}}</ref>}} which featured production from ] and ]. The mixtape also included tracks produced by Rose, although he did not receive production credits.<ref name="Screwed" /> ''House of Balloons'' was named as one of the ten shortlisted nominees for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Polaris Music Prize |url=https://polarismusicprize.ca/album/house-of-balloons/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409053023/http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref>
=== 2012–2014: ''Trilogy'' and ''Kiss Land'' ===
]
In April 2012, The Weeknd began his U.S. tour by performing at the ].<ref name="tour">{{cite web |url=http://pitchfork.com/news/46157-watch-the-weeknds-entire-coachella-set/?utm_medium=site&utm_source=more-of&utm_name=news |title=Abel Tesfaye makes his U.S. debut |author=Snapes, Laura |date=16 April 2012 |publisher=Pitchfork Media |accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref> He and his band visited various major cities<ref name="tour"/> and culminated in New York, where two sold-out shows were positively reviewed by '']''.<ref name="Stones">{{cite journal|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-mesmerizes-at-bowery-ballroom-20120429 |title=The Weeknd Mesmerizes at Bowery Ballroom |author= Krishnamurthy, Sowmya |journal=Rolling Stone |location=New York|date=29 April 2012 |accessdate=27 May 2012}}</ref> Tesfaye and his tour band continued in major European festivals, including the ]s in Spain and Portugal,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-first-ever-tour |first=Luis|last=Tovar |title=The Weeknd announces first ever tour |publisher=prettymuchamazing.com |accessdate=16 March 2012}}</ref> ] in London,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/line-up/ |title=Wireless line up 2012 |publisher=wirelessfestival.co.uk |accessdate=16 March 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316180853/http://www.wirelessfestival.co.uk/line-up/ |archivedate=16 March 2012 |df= }}</ref> plus concerts in Paris and Brussels. At his debut UK show in London, he covered ]'s "]" in front of an audience which included ] and ].<ref name="June">{{cite journal|url=http://www.nme.com/news/weekend--3/64204 |title=The Weeknd covers Michael Jackson as he plays his debut UK show |journal=] |location=London |accessdate=30 December 2012}}</ref> In June, it was reported that the ''Balloons Trilogy'' had been downloaded 8 million times and that it would be formally released later in the year.<ref name="June"/>


Tesfaye started working with Drake in May 2011, eventually earning a spot at the latter's ] on July 31.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=July 3, 2011 |title=The Weeknd to Play Drake's OVO Festival |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/42716-the-weeknd-to-play-drakes-ovo-festival/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223855/https://pitchfork.com/news/42716-the-weeknd-to-play-drakes-ovo-festival/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=March 11, 2024 |website=] |mode=cs2}}</ref> In July 2011, Tesfaye held his first live performance at the ] in Toronto.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ritchie |first=Kevin |date=July 25, 2011 |title=The Weeknd's perfect premiere |work=] |url=https://nowtoronto.com/the-weeknds-perfect-premiere |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222100021/http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/music/story.cfm?content=181922 |archive-date=December 22, 2011|access-date=March 3, 2011|mode=cs2}}</ref> He also participated in concerts hosted by the Black Student Association at the ].<ref name="before">{{Cite magazine | url=https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/ | title=Everything We Know About The Weeknd Before He Blew Up | first=Calum | last=Marsh | magazine=] | date=February 16, 2021 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=March 15, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315044609/https://www.complex.com/music/everything-we-know-about-the-weeknd-before-he-blew-up/ | url-status=live|mode=cs2 }}</ref> On August 18, Tesfaye released his second mixtape, '']'', which garnered usually positive reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Diver |first=Mike |title=BBC - Music - Review of The Weeknd - Thursday |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/jgq4/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710025008/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/jgq4/ |archive-date=July 10, 2022 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |publisher=] |language=en-GB |mode=cs2}}</ref> Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's second studio album, '']'', released on November 15, as a songwriter, producer and a featured artist on the album's seventh single, "]".<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Berry|first=Peter A.|date=November 16, 2017|title=Drake Sets The Record Straight On How Much The Weeknd Wrote On Take Care Album|magazine=]|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/11/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/|archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2}}</ref> He released his third mixtape, '']'', on December 21. It was a longlisted nominee for the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dunlevy |first=T'Cha |date=March 23, 2012 |title=365 days of Weeknd: We chart Abel Tesfaye's rise to fame a year after House of Balloons |url=https://nationalpost.com/entertainment/365-days-of-weeknd-we-chart-abel-tesfayes-rise-to-fame-a-year-after-house-of-balloons |url-status=live |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20120321220120/http://arts.nationalpost.com/2012/03/20/365%2Ddays%2Dof%2Dweeknd%2Dwe%2Dchart%2Dabel%2Dtesfayes%2Drise%2Dto%2Dfame%2Da%2Dyear%2Dafter%2Dhouse%2Dof%2Dballoons/ |archive-date=March 21, 2012 |access-date=March 11, 2024 |newspaper=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mudhar |first=Raju |date=June 14, 2012 |title=Polaris Prize long list includes lots of Toronto bands |url=https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2012/06/14/polaris_prize_long_list_includes_lots_of_toronto_bands.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141103215956/http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/2012/06/14/polaris_prize_long_list_includes_lots_of_toronto_bands.html |archive-date=November 3, 2014 |access-date=September 28, 2021 |newspaper=] |language=en-CA |issn=0319-0781 |mode=cs2}}</ref>] in 2012]]
] in October 2013]]
In April 2012, Tesfaye began performing at more shows, such as the ],<ref name=debut>{{Cite news |last=Snapes |first=Laura |title=Abel Tesfaye makes his U.S. debut |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/46157-watch-the-weeknds-entire-coachella-set/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223903/https://pitchfork.com/news/46157-watch-the-weeknds-entire-coachella-set/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=April 16, 2012 | website=]|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2}}</ref> and two sold-out shows at the ] in New York City.<ref name=debut/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Sowmya |author-link=Sowmya Krishnamurthy |date=April 29, 2012 |title=The Weeknd Mesmerizes at Bowery Ballroom |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-mesmerizes-at-bowery-ballroom-20120429 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526210653/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-mesmerizes-at-bowery-ballroom-20120429 |archive-date=May 26, 2012 | magazine=] | url-access=subscription|mode=cs2}}</ref> He also performed at various European festivals, such as ] in Spain and Portugal<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/45598-the-weeknd-to-headline-pitchfork-stage-at-primavera/ | title=The Weeknd to Headline Pitchfork Stage at Primavera | first=Carrie | last=Battan | work=] | date=March 1, 2012 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=July 16, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716154744/https://pitchfork.com/news/45598-the-weeknd-to-headline-pitchfork-stage-at-primavera/ | url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref> and the ] in the United Kingdom.{{efn|Multiple sources:<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lough |first=Kate |date=May 31, 2012 |title=Wireless Festival 2012 |work=] |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/wireless-festival-2012-7804424.html |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712094355/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/wireless-festival-2012-7804424.html |url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 27, 2012 |title=The Weeknd, Chiddy Bang & More for Wireless 2012 |magazine=] |url=https://diymag.com/archive/the-weeknd-chiddy-bang-more-for-wireless-2012 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220712094417/https://diymag.com/archive/the-weeknd-chiddy-bang-more-for-wireless-2012 |url-status=dead|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref name=covers>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd covers Michael Jackson as he plays his debut UK show |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/weekend-3-1280196 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.nme.com/news/music/weekend-3-1280196 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Tom | last=Goodwyn | date=June 8, 2012| magazine=] | url-status=live|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2}}</ref>}} In September, Tesfaye signed with ]; XO was assumed as a ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hampp |first=Andrew |title=The Weeknd & Reps Talk Clearing Samples, Touring For 'Trilogy' Release |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474219/the-weeknd-reps-talk-clearing-samples-touring-for-trilogy-release |url-status=live | magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223925/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474219/the-weeknd-reps-talk-clearing-samples-touring-for-trilogy-release |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=November 12, 2012|mode=cs2}}</ref> That same month, he embarked on his first concert tour, the Fall Tour, which included his own headlining shows and some opening shows for the English band ]. The tour was performed in North America in September to November 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/weeknd_schedules_more_canadian_dates_on_north_american_fall_tour|title=The Weeknd Schedules More Canadian Dates on North American Fall Tour|first=Alex|last=Hudson|date=August 14, 2012|access-date=March 11, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210801174448/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/weeknd_schedules_more_canadian_dates_on_north_american_fall_tour|archive-date=August 1, 2021|mode=cs2|url-status=live|magazine=]}}</ref>
In September 2012, The Weeknd signed with ] in a joint venture with his own ] XO.<ref name="Hampp">{{cite journal|last=Hampp|first=Andrew|date=12 November 2012|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/474219/the-weeknd-reps-talk-clearing-samples-touring-for-trilogy-release|title=The Weeknd & Reps Talk Clearing Samples, Touring For 'Trilogy' Release|journal=]|location=New York|accessdate=17 November 2012}}</ref> The compilation album '']'' was released in November, consisting of remastered versions of the mixtapes and three additional songs.<ref name="pitchfork.com">{{cite web| url= http://pitchfork.com/news/48066-the-weeknd-shares-rolling-stone-video-trilogy-artwork| title= The Weeknd Shares 'Rolling Stone' Video, Trilogy Artwork| publisher= ]| accessdate= 30 December 2012}}</ref>{{Better source | date= October 2013|reason= Rich-media, by way of hefty advertising Flash}} It also officially credited Rose as a producer and writer on three songs from ''House of Balloons''.<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=]|others=The Weeknd|year=2012|type=CD liner notes|publisher=]|id=3719793}}</ref> ''Trilogy'' charted at No. 5 on the ], and No. 4 on the U.S. ] with first-week sales of 86,000 copies.<ref name="bb">{{cite web|url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=The weeknd|chart=all}}|title=Trilogy&nbsp;— The Weeknd|work=]|publisher=]|accessdate=23 November 2012}}</ref><ref name="Caulfield">{{cite journal|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=10 October 2012|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474052/one-direction-tops-billboard-200-chart-twilight-debuts-at-no-3|title=One Direction Tops Billboard 200 Chart, 'Twilight' Debuts at No. 3|journal=Billboard|location=Los Angeles|accessdate=21 November 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref> Shortly after in December, the ] announced that The Weeknd had been nominated for the ] poll.<ref name="so13">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010q6bc/profiles/theweeknd|title=Sound of 2013 Profiles: The Weeknd|publisher=BBC|date=9 December 2012|accessdate=10 December 2012}}</ref> In May 2013, ''Trilogy'' was certified ] by the ] and double-platinum by ].<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22THE%20WEEKND%22|title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database|publisher=]|accessdate=19 December 2012}}{{Dead link|date=February 2016}}</ref><ref name="MC">{{cite web|url=http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Trilogy&sa=The+Weeknd&smt=0|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927064324/http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Trilogy&sa=The+Weeknd&smt=0|dead-url=yes|archive-date=27 September 2013|title=Gold and Platinum Search|publisher=]|accessdate=21 December 2012}}</ref>


On November 13, 2012, Tesfaye released '']'', a compilation album comprising re-mixed and remastered versions of his 2011 mixtapes, and three additional tracks.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Diver |first=Mike |title=The Weeknd Trilogy Review |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/gr5c/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407011734/http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/gr5c/ |archive-date=April 7, 2024 |date=November 13, 2012 |website=]|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2}}</ref> The album debuted at number four on the US ] with first-week sales of 86,000 copies,<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=October 10, 2012 |title=One Direction Tops Billboard 200 Chart, 'Twilight' Debuts at No. 3 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474052/one-direction-tops-billboard-200-chart-twilight-debuts-at-no-3 |url-status=live |location=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224023649/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/474052/one-direction-tops-billboard-200-chart-twilight-debuts-at-no-3 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 | magazine=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> and has received ] certifications from the ] (RIAA) and double-platinum from ].<ref name="RIAA">{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php |publisher=] |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=June 26, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626174049/http://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php |url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Gold and Platinum Search |url=https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927064324/http://www.musiccanada.com/GPSearchResult.aspx?st=Trilogy&sa=The+Weeknd&smt=0 |archive-date=September 27, 2013 |publisher=]|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2}}</ref> It also earned Tesfaye a nomination for the ] poll award by ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sound of 2013 Profiles: The Weeknd |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010q6bc/profiles/theweeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213061703/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010q6bc/profiles/theweeknd |archive-date=December 13, 2012 |date=December 9, 2012 |publisher=]|mode=cs2}}</ref>
On 16 May 2013, The Weeknd premiered the ] to his debut studio album '']'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/listen-the-weeknd-kiss-land|accessdate=17 May 2013|title=Listen: The Weeknd "Kiss Land"|last=Nostro|first=Lauren|date=16 May 2013}}</ref> which he said will be released on 10 September.<ref>{{cite web|last=Williott|first=Carl|date=22 July 2013|url=http://idolator.com/7472491/the-weeknd-kiss-land-release-date-cover-artwork|title=The Weeknd Unveils ‘Kiss Land’ Release Date & Cover Artwork|publisher=]|accessdate=22 July 2013}}</ref> It was also promoted by the singles "]", "]" featuring ] and The Weeknd's The Fall tour beginning in September.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thisgoesin.com/2013/07/the-weeknds-kiss-land-arrives-on-august-27th-belong-to-the-world-snippet-news/ |title=The Weeknd’s ‘Kiss Land’ Arrives on August 27th, "Belong To The World" Snippet |date=13 July 2013 |publisher=ThisGoesIn |accessdate=13 July 2013 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130723110346/http://www.thisgoesin.com/2013/07/the-weeknds-kiss-land-arrives-on-august-27th-belong-to-the-world-snippet-news/ |archivedate=23 July 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Live-For-feat-Drake/dp/B00EP54R5U|title=Amazon.com: Live For : The Weeknd: MP3 Downloads|publisher=|accessdate=11 March 2015}}</ref> ''Kiss Land'' received generally positive reviews from music critics.<ref name="metacritic1">{{cite web|url=http://www.metacritic.com/music/kiss-land/the-weeknd |title=Kiss Land Reviews |publisher=Metacritic |date= |accessdate=9 September 2013}}</ref> ''Kiss Land'' debuted at number two on the U.S. ], selling 96,000 copies, just two thousand copies short of ]'s '']'', which took the number one spot that week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5695587/keith-urban-edges-the-weeknd-for-no-1-debut-on-billboard-200 |title=Keith Urban Edges The Weeknd for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 |publisher=Billboard |date=1 December 2012 |accessdate=19 September 2013}}</ref>


] in October 2013]]
The Weeknd also appeared on the ] to '']'', contributing "Devil May Cry" and featuring on "]" by ], the second single from the soundtrack.<ref name=hunger-cos>{{cite web|last=Hakimian|first=Rob|title=Album Review: Various Artists – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2013/11/album-review-various-artists-the-hunger-games-catching-fire-soundtrack/|work=Consequence of Sound|accessdate=5 December 2013|date=19 November 2013}}</ref><ref name="amazon sia">{{cite web|url=http://www.amazon.com/Elastic-Heart-From-Hunger-Games/dp/B00FHU3G6I/ |title=Elastic Heart (From "The Hunger Games: Catching Fire" Soundtrack) : Sia |publisher=] |accessdate=5 December 2013}}</ref> In late 2013, The Weeknd joined ] on his ] for six shows.<ref name="jttour">{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5778176/the-weeknd-to-open-for-justin-timberlake-on-2020-experience-tour | title=The Weeknd To Open For Justin Timberlake On '20/20 Experience' Tour | publisher=Prometheus Global Media | work=Billboard | date=4 November 2013 | accessdate=27 November 2015 | author=Payne, Chris}}</ref> In February 2014, he remixed the ] single "]". The remix was more of a cover, as The Weeknd tweaked the beat to fit better with his version of the song, that is told through the male perspective.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039|title= Beyonce's 'Drunk in Love': Kanye West, The Weeknd Release Remixes|first=Ashley|last=Lee|work=]|accessdate=11 March 2015}}</ref>


On May 17, 2013, Tesfaye released the ] to his debut studio album, '']''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Nostro |first=Lauren |title=Listen: The Weeknd "Kiss Land" |magazine=] |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/listen-the-weeknd-kiss-land |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124205738/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/listen-the-weeknd-kiss-land |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |date=May 16, 2013|access-date=March 11, 2024|mode=cs2}}</ref> and announced the album's release date of September 10.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Williott |first=Carl |date=July 22, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Unveils 'Kiss Land' Release Date & Cover Artwork |url=https://www.idolator.com/7472491/the-weeknd-kiss-land-release-date-cover-artwork |website=] |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029160534/https://www.idolator.com/7472491/the-weeknd-kiss-land-release-date-cover-artwork |url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref> Upon its release, the album debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 with 96,000 copies<ref>{{Cite magazine | first=Keith | last=Caulfield |date=December 1, 2012 |title=Keith Urban Edges The Weeknd for No. 1 Debut on Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5695587/keith-urban-edges-the-weeknd-for-no-1-debut-on-billboard-200 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130919013240/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5695587/keith-urban-edges-the-weeknd-for-no-1-debut-on-billboard-200 |archive-date=September 19, 2013 |magazine=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> and received generally positive reviews from music critics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Kiss Land Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/kiss-land/the-weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223922/https://www.metacritic.com/music/kiss-land/the-weeknd |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=March 11, 2024|website=]|mode=cs2}}</ref> Tesfaye further promoted the album with a fall tour that occurred in North America and England in September to November 2013.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://pitchfork.com/news/51422-the-weeknd-announces-big-fall-tour-kiss-land-out-late-summer/ | title=The Weeknd Announces Big Fall Tour, Kiss Land Out Late Summer | first=Carrie | last=Battan | work=] | date=July 8, 2013 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523145638/https://pitchfork.com/news/51422-the-weeknd-announces-big-fall-tour-kiss-land-out-late-summer/ | url-status=live | mode=cs2}}</ref> Between November 6 and 13, he served as an opening act for ] during ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Payne |first=Chris |date=November 4, 2013 |title=The Weeknd To Open For Justin Timberlake On '20/20 Experience' Tour |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5778176/the-weeknd-to-open-for-justin-timberlake-on-2020-experience-tour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223923/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/5778176/the-weeknd-to-open-for-justin-timberlake-on-2020-experience-tour |archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2}}</ref> He also contributed two songs to the ] for the 2013 film '']'', "Devil May Cry" and the soundtrack's second single, "]" with ] and ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hakimian |first=Rob |date=November 19, 2013 |title=Album Review: Various Artists – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack |url=https://consequence.net/2013/11/album-review-various-artists-the-hunger-games-catching-fire-soundtrack/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211061733/https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/11/album-review-various-artists-the-hunger-games-catching-fire-soundtrack/ |archive-date=December 11, 2018 |magazine=]|mode=cs2}}</ref>
On 26 June 2014, The Weeknd announced that he will be headlining the King of the Fall tour, essentially a mini-tour across America in September and October 2014. ] and ] were confirmed as support acts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/06/the_weeknd_tour_1.html|title=The Weeknd touring w/ Schoolboy Q & Jhene Aiko, playing Barclays Center (dates); SBQ played Central Park|publisher=|accessdate=11 March 2015}}</ref> The announcement came the day after The Weeknd released his new song, "]", on ], leading to speculation that the tour will unveil more new material from him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.idolator.com/entry/view/id/44925|title=Ida Maria Gets Exclamatory|work=Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com}}</ref> On 20 July 2014, The Weeknd released another track titled "]" to promote his upcoming tour, which started in September. On 30 September 2014, the song "]" was released which is a duet between The Weeknd and ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Ariana Grande and The Weeknd Team Up In 'Love Me Harder' Video|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2014/10/03/first-look-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-love-me-harder-video/|website=Rap-Up|accessdate=4 October 2014}}</ref> the song went on to peak at number seven on the ] chart. On 23 December 2014, he released "]", the song was released as a single from the 2015 film '']'', which has peaked at number 3 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The Weeknd performed a rendition of the song alongside ] at the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/60165-janelle-monae-performs-yoga-the-weeknd-performs-earned-it-with-alicia-keys-at-the-bet-awards/|title=Janelle Monáe Performs "Yoga", The Weeknd Performs "Earned It" with Alicia Keys at the BET Awards|first=Molly|last=Beauchemin|work=]|accessdate=28 June 2015}}</ref>


In February 2014, Tesfaye released a remix of "]" from ]'s ],<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/listen-the-weeknd-enters-beyonce-drunk-in-love-remix-battle-with-kanye-west-and-diplo-9133498.html|title=Listen: The Weeknd enters Beyonce Drunk in Love remix battle with Kanye West and Diplo|magazine=]|date=February 17, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2024|archive-date=May 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502064118/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/listen-the-weeknd-enters-beyonce-drunk-in-love-remix-battle-with-kanye-west-and-diplo-9133498.html|url-status=live}}</ref> and ]'s "]".<ref>{{cite web|last=Pelly|first=Jen|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/54068-listen-the-weeknd-remixes-ty-dolla-igns-or-nah/|title=Listen: The Weeknd remixes Ty Dolla Sign's "Or Nah"|website=Pitchfork|date=February 21, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2024|archive-date=May 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502064121/https://pitchfork.com/news/54068-listen-the-weeknd-remixes-ty-dolla-igns-or-nah/|url-status=live}}</ref> He announced the ] in June 2014, a 4-city tour of North America between September and October and was supported by ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 26, 2014 |title=The Weeknd touring w/ Schoolboy Q & Jhene Aiko, playing Barclays Center (dates); SBQ played Central Park |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/the-weeknd-tour-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044926/http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/06/the_weeknd_tour_1.html |archive-date=September 24, 2014 |website=]}}</ref> In promotion of the tour, he released the songs "]" and "]" in July of that year.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Bowe|first=Miles|url=https://www.stereogum.com/1693315/the-weeknd-king-of-the-fall/news/|title=The Weeknd – "King Of The Fall"|magazine=Stereogum|date=July 21, 2014|access-date=May 2, 2024|archive-date=May 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502064118/https://www.stereogum.com/1693315/the-weeknd-king-of-the-fall/news/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 25, Tesfaye collaborated with ] on the song "]" from Grande's second studio album '']''. It was later released on September 30 as the fourth single from the album, and peaked at number seven on the ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 3, 2014 |title=Ariana Grande and The Weeknd Team Up In 'Love Me Harder' Video |work=] |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2014/10/03/first-look-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-love-me-harder-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141005205143/http://www.rap-up.com/2014/10/03/first-look-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-love-me-harder-video/ |archive-date=October 5, 2014}}</ref> On December 23, Tesfaye released the song "]" from the ] for '']'' (2015). The single, which peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, earned Tesfaye his first ] nomination for ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Jamieson |date=February 28, 2016 |title=Oscars 2016: Watch The Weeknd reenact his sultry video for Earned It |work=] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/28/11130062/the-weeknd-earned-it-performance-watch-academy-awards-2016 |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=April 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230418071407/https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/28/11130062/the-weeknd-earned-it-performance-watch-academy-awards-2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song won ] and was nominated for ] and ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Grammys 2016: The Weeknd Wins Two Awards|url=https://people.com/awards/grammys-2016-the-weeknd-wins-two-awards/|access-date=September 28, 2021|website=PEOPLE.com|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929004222/https://people.com/awards/grammys-2016-the-weeknd-wins-two-awards/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== 2015: ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' ===
] in 2015]]
On 27 May 2015, The Weeknd released a music video for a new song "]".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lockett|first1=Dee|title=The Weeknd Returns With 'The Hills,' Which Probably Isn’t About Lauren Conrad|url=http://www.vulture.com/2015/05/weeknd-debuts-new-song-the-hills.html|website=Vulture|accessdate=27 May 2015|ref=vulture-hills}}</ref> The song was later released as a digital download as the first single from The Weeknd's second studio album dubbed, ''Chapter III''. "The Hills" debuted at number 20 on the ], becoming the week's "Hot Shot" debut; the single later went on to top the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.billboard.com/entry/view/id/139265|title=The Weeknd|author=|date=|work=Billboard|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref> In addition to the single's official release, a further three songs were leaked online in the corresponding days.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd, Lil Mama & Maroon 5: Real-Time Twitter Chart Rewind Ep. 52|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/real-time-rewind/6590167/weeknd-lil-mama-maroon-5-real-time-twitter-chart-rewind|publisher=billboard.com|accessdate=18 June 2015}}</ref> On 8 June, "]", one of the leaked tracks, was officially released as a second single following a performance of the song by The Weeknd at ]'s Worldwide Developers Conference on the same day.<ref name="RS1">{{cite web|last1=Kreps|first1=Daniel|title=Hear The Weeknd's Funky New Song 'Can't Feel My Face'|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-funky-new-song-cant-feel-my-face-20150608|website=]|accessdate=17 June 2015|date=8 June 2015}}</ref> The song debuted at number 24 on the ], and reached number-one on the Hot 100, making it his third top 10 hit and his first number-one hit in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Wiz Khalifa No. 1 on Hot 100 'Again,' Selena Gomez Debuts at No. 9|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6613247/wiz-khalifa-no-1-hot-100-selena-gomez-debuts|website=Billboard|date=1 July 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=The Weeknd Tops Hot 100 With 'Can't Feel My Face,' One Direction Debuts at No. 3|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6656820/the-weeknd-no-1-hot-100-cant-feel-my-face-one-direction-drag-me-down|date=10 August 2015}}</ref> On 4 July, The Weeknd headlined ''FVDED in the Park'' in ], Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thisisblueprint.com/news/tickets/fvded-in-the-park-2015-announced|title=FVDED IN THE PARK 2015 ANNOUNCED|author=|date=|work=thisisblueprint.com|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref>


===2015–2016: ''Beauty Behind the Madness''===
In '']'' ] chart for the week of 25 July 2015, The Weeknd held down all of the top three spots, with "Can't Feel My Face" at number one, "The Hills" at number 2 and "Earned It" at number 3.<ref name="alone"/> This made him the first artist in the history of that chart to earn this distinction.<ref name=alone/>
] 2015]]
On May 27, 2015, Tesfaye released the second single from ''Beauty Behind the Madness'', "]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lockett |first=Dee |title=The Weeknd Returns With 'The Hills,' Which Probably Isn't About Lauren Conrad |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/05/weeknd-debuts-new-song-the-hills.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.vulture.com/2015/05/weeknd-debuts-new-song-the-hills.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | date=May 27, 2015 |website=] |ref=vulture-hills}}</ref> The single debuted at number twenty on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and peaked at number one, becoming Tesfaye's second number-one single, following "]", which had reached the number one position before it. In June 2019, "The Hills" was ] by the RIAA, marking Tesfaye's first diamond-certified record.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Hugh |date=June 28, 2019 |title=The Weeknd's No. 1 Hit 'The Hills' Becomes His First Diamond-Certified Single |work=] |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/06/28/the-weeknds-no-1-hit-the-hills-becomes-his-first-diamond-certified-single/ |url-access=limited |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518195601/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/06/28/the-weeknds-no-1-hit-the-hills-becomes-his-first-diamond-certified-single/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lamare |first=Carl |date=June 28, 2019 |title=The Weeknd's 'The Hills' Certified Diamond: Exclusive |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8517989/the-weeknd-the-hills-diamond |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223924/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8517989/the-weeknd-the-hills-diamond |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>


In June 2015, after winning the Centric Award at the ], Tesfaye performed "Earned It" with ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Beauchemin |first=Molly |title=Janelle Monáe Performs "Yoga", The Weeknd Performs "Earned It" with Alicia Keys at the BET Awards |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60165-janelle-monae-performs-yoga-the-weeknd-performs-earned-it-with-alicia-keys-at-the-bet-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223929/https://pitchfork.com/news/60165-janelle-monae-performs-yoga-the-weeknd-performs-earned-it-with-alicia-keys-at-the-bet-awards/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | date=June 28, 2015 |website=]}}</ref> On June 8, he released the song "]" as the album's third single. The track was previously leaked in May, but was released as a single following a performance by Tesfaye at the ].<ref name="RS1">{{Cite news |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=June 8, 2015 |title=Hear The Weeknd's Funky New Song 'Can't Feel My Face' |magazine=] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-funky-new-song-cant-feel-my-face-20150608 |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618031403/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-funky-new-song-cant-feel-my-face-20150608 |archive-date=June 18, 2015}}</ref> The single debuted at number twenty-four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's third top 10 hit and his first number-one song in the United States.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=Wiz Khalifa No. 1 on Hot 100 'Again,' Selena Gomez Debuts at No. 9 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6613247/wiz-khalifa-no-1-hot-100-selena-gomez-debuts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223910/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6613247/wiz-khalifa-no-1-hot-100-selena-gomez-debuts |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=July 1, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=The Weeknd Tops Hot 100 With 'Can't Feel My Face,' One Direction Debuts at No. 3 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6656820/the-weeknd-no-1-hot-100-cant-feel-my-face-one-direction-drag-me-down |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223919/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6656820/the-weeknd-no-1-hot-100-cant-feel-my-face-one-direction-drag-me-down |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=August 10, 2015| magazine=]}}</ref> The song was nominated for ] and ] at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Grammy Nominations 2016: See the Full List of Nominees|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list|access-date=September 28, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=December 7, 2015|language=en|archive-date=December 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210021119/http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6785974/grammy-nominations-2016-full-list|url-status=live}}</ref> He occupied all three slots on ''Billboard's'' ] chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish this.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6633631/weeknd-entire-top-three-hot-rb-songs-chart | title=The Weeknd Is First Artist to Own Entire Top Three on Hot R&B Songs Chart | first=Amaya | last=Mendizabal | magazine=] | date=July 15, 2015 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=May 16, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516023205/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6633631/weeknd-entire-top-three-hot-rb-songs-chart | url-status=live }}</ref> He was also unveiled as one of the musical faces of the streaming service Apple Music, alongside Drake.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Apple's new musical faces – Drake and The Weeknd |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/afp-apples-new-musical-faces---drake-and-the-weeknd-2015-6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304052552/https://www.businessinsider.com/afp-apples-new-musical-faces---drake-and-the-weeknd-2015-6 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 | agency=] | work=] | date=June 8, 2015}}</ref> During the ], Apple debuted a two-part promotional commercial featuring Tesfaye, which had a guest appearance from ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Latest Apple Music ads debut during MTV VMAs, feature The Weeknd & playlists |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/15/08/31/latest-apple-music-ads-debut-during-mtv-vmas-feature-the-weeknd-playlists |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223931/https://appleinsider.com/articles/15/08/31/latest-apple-music-ads-debut-during-mtv-vmas-feature-the-weeknd-playlists |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | date=August 31, 2015}}</ref> In July, Tesfaye headlined the inaugural FVDED in the Park festival in ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 19, 2017 |title=Deadmau5 & The Weeknd headline FVDED IN THE PARK 2015 |work=] |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/fvded-in-the-park-2015-lineup-surrey |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518195601/https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/fvded-in-the-park-2015-lineup-surrey |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 29, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s second studio album '']'' (2015), on the track "Pullin' Up".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Meek Mill Reveals 'Dreams Worth More Than Money' Features |url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34353/title.meek-mill-reveals-dreams-worth-more-than-money-features |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130211403/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34353/title.meek-mill-reveals-dreams-worth-more-than-money-features |archive-date=November 30, 2019 | first=Danielle | last=Harling | date=June 22, 2015 | website=]}}</ref>
Following the announcement of the launch of Apple's new streaming service, ], it was unveiled that The Weeknd has joined as one of the musical faces alongside frequent collaborator Drake.<ref>{{cite web|title=Apple's new musical faces - Drake and The Weeknd|url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-apples-new-musical-faces---drake-and-the-weeknd-2015-6|accessdate=8 June 2015}}</ref> During the ], Apple debuted a two-part promotional commercial featuring The Weeknd and a guest appearance from ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Latest Apple Music ads debut during MTV VMAs, feature The Weeknd & playlists|url=http://appleinsider.com/articles/15/08/31/latest-apple-music-ads-debut-during-mtv-vmas-feature-the-weeknd-playlists|accessdate=31 August 2015}}</ref>


'']'', Tesfaye's second studio album, was released on August 28, 2015, and debuted atop the ''Billboard'' 200, earning 412,000 ]s in its first week.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd's 'Beauty Behind the Madness' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685947/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-debuts-at-no-1-billboard-200-charts |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180323161116/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685947/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-debuts-at-no-1-billboard-200-charts |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |first=Keith | last=Caulfield | date=September 6, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd spends third week at No. 1 on Billboard 200 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6700714/the-weeknd-billboard-200-third-week-no-1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223911/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6700714/the-weeknd-billboard-200-third-week-no-1 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |first=Keith | last=Caulfield | date=September 20, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref> It reached the top 10 in over ten countries and reached number one in Canada, Australia, Norway, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ARIA Albums : The Weeknd Takes Top Spot On Australian Chart |url=http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-the-weeknd-takes-top-spot-on-australian-chart-20150905 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130063137/http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-the-weeknd-takes-top-spot-on-australian-chart-20150905 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 | first=Gavin | last=Ryan | date=September 5, 2015 | work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 20 Albums |url=https://musiccanada.com/charts/2015-09-21/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927193747/http://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums |archive-date=September 27, 2015 | website=]}}</ref> The album was promoted by Tesfaye headlining various summer music festivals, including ], the ], and the ] Festival.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd's new album is coming Aug. 28 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/07/10/weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-august-28-release/29961285/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713235618/http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/07/10/weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-august-28-release/29961285/ |archive-date=July 13, 2015 | first=Brian | last=Mansfield | author-link=Brian Mansfield | date=July 10, 2015 |website=]}}</ref> He announced ], his first large-scale tour across the United States, which began in November, and concluded in December.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd announces The Madness Fall Tour |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60875-the-weeknd-announces-the-madness-fall-tour/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://pitchfork.com/news/60875-the-weeknd-announces-the-madness-fall-tour/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Jeremy | last=Gordon | date=August 20, 2015 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd Announces The Madness Fall Tour With Travi$ Scott, Halsey & Banks |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823233024/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates |archive-date=August 23, 2015 | first=Paley | last=Martin | date=August 21, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref> The album was certified double platinum in the U.S., and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-two-guinness-world-records | title=The Weeknd Now Holds Two Guinness World Records | first=Jessie | last=Morris | work=] | date=August 30, 2016 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523145638/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-two-guinness-world-records | url-status=live }}</ref> It was the most-streamed album in 2015, with over 60 million streams,<ref>{{Cite news |title=Spotify's Year in Music: Drake Most Streamed Artist, Major Lazer & DJ Snake Had Top Song |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6778065/spotify-year-music-lists-2015-drake-rihanna-major-lazer-ed-sheeran |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202172539/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6778065/spotify-year-music-lists-2015-drake-rihanna-major-lazer-ed-sheeran |archive-date=December 2, 2015 | first=Marc | last=Schneider | date=December 1, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref> and was ranked on multiple lists of albums of the year.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd, 'Beauty Behind the Madness' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/50-best-albums-of-2015-146153/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-2-225077/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202125320/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2015-20151201/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-20151130 |archive-date=December 2, 2016 | date=December 1, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref> The three singles that preceded the album were certified platinum in the United States.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd Doubles Up in Hot 100's Top Three |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685989/the-weeknd-hot-100-top-three |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685989/the-weeknd-hot-100-top-three |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Gary | last=Trust | date=September 8, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref> The album won ] and was nominated for ] at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=See All the Winners of the 2016 Grammys|url=https://time.com/4224932/grammys-2016-winners-list-nominees-2/|access-date=September 28, 2021|magazine=Time|language=en|archive-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227150427/https://time.com/hive.org/web/20160227150427/http://time.com/4224932/grammys-2016-winners-list-nominees/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 28 August 2015, The Weeknd's second studio album, '']'', was released and topped the ] with first week sales of 412,000 equivalent units (326,000 pure album sales).<ref name="Billboard">{{cite web|title=The Weeknd's 'Beauty Behind the Madness' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685947/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-debuts-at-no-1-billboard-200-charts|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=6 September 2015}}</ref> It spent three weeks at the top of the chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6700714/the-weeknd-billboard-200-third-week-no-1|title=The Weeknd spends third week at No. 1 on Billboard 200|publisher=Billboard.com|accessdate=1 November 2015}}</ref> The album reached the top 10 in over ten countries and topped the charts in Canada, Australia, Norway and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{cite web|title=ARIA Albums : The Weeknd Takes Top Spot On Australian Chart|url=http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-the-weeknd-takes-top-spot-on-australian-chart-20150905|publisher=Noise11|accessdate=5 September 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Top 20 Albums|url=http://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums|publisher=usatoday.com|accessdate=7 September 2015}}</ref>
The Weeknd promoted the album by headlining summer music festivals, including ] in Chicago, the Hard Summer Music Festival in Pomona, the Summer Set Music and Camping Festival in Somerset, Philadelphia's Made in America Festival, Austin City Limits in Austin, and Seattle's Bumbershoot Festival.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd's new album is coming Aug. 28|url=http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/07/10/weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-august-28-release/29961285/|publisher=usatoday.com|accessdate=15 July 2015}}</ref> 'The Madness Fall Tour 2015', The Weeknd's North American tour to promote his new album was announced on 20 August 2015, and began in November.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd announces The Madness Fall Tour|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/60875-the-weeknd-announces-the-madness-fall-tour/|publisher=Pitchfork|accessdate=21 August 2015}}</ref> The tour featured opening acts from ], ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd Announces The Madness Fall Tour With Travi$ Scott, Halsey & Banks|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=21 August 2015}}</ref> On 24 August 2015, The Weeknd released a video for "Tell Your Friends", a song produced by ] from the album.<ref>{{cite news|title=Watch The Weeknd Get Buried Alive in His 'Tell Your Friends' Video|url=http://time.com/4008610/the-weeknd-tell-your-friends/|publisher=TIME|accessdate=24 August 2015}}</ref>


On September 4, 2015, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s debut album '']'', on the track "Pray 4 Love".<ref>{{Cite news |title=Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Weeknd, & more featuring on Travi$ Scott's 'Rodeo" album |url=https://www.inquisitr.com/2352303/justin-bieber-kanye-west-the-weeknd-more-featuring-on-travis-scott-s-rodeo-album/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117021132/https://www.inquisitr.com/2352303/justin-bieber-kanye-west-the-weeknd-more-featuring-on-travis-scott-s-rodeo-album/ |archive-date=January 17, 2021 | date=June 29, 2017 | website=]}}</ref> On October 10, Tesfaye appeared on '']'' alongside actress ], performing as the show's musical guest.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd & Demi Lovato Announced as 'SNL' Musical Guests |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6685066/weeknd-demi-lovato-snl-musical-guests |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223934/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6685066/weeknd-demi-lovato-snl-musical-guests |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Erin | last=Strecker | date=September 1, 2015 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref name="Perform">{{Cite news | title=Demi Lovato & The Weeknd To Perform On 'Saturday Night Live' This Season | url=https://www.idolator.com/7606572/demi-lovato-the-weeknd-perform-saturday-night-live-season-41 | first=Bianca | last=Gracie | date=September 1, 2015 | website=] | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=October 29, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029160548/https://www.idolator.com/7606572/demi-lovato-the-weeknd-perform-saturday-night-live-season-41 | url-status=live }}</ref> This was his first performance on the show as a solo artist, after appearing with Ariana Grande to perform "Love Me Harder".<ref name="Perform" /> In November, he began his debut ] tour, ], which included shows at Toronto's ] and New York City's ]. On December 18, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s single "]" from his eighth mixtape '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belly 'Might Not' (ft. The Weeknd) |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/belly-might_not_ft_weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031072147/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/belly-might_not_ft_weeknd |archive-date=October 31, 2020 | first=Alex | last=Hudson | date=May 8, 2015 |website=]}}</ref>
On the week of 8 September 2015, The Weeknd became the first male artist in nearly seven years with two songs on the Hot 100's top three in the same week, with "Can't Feel My Face" at number 2 and "The Hills" at number 3, both as a lead act.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd Doubles Up in Hot 100's Top Three|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685989/the-weeknd-hot-100-top-three|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=8 August 2015}}</ref> The Weeknd has been featured in several collaborations this year, including ]'s "Might Not",<ref>{{cite web|title=Belly "Might Not" (ft. The Weeknd)|url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/belly-might_not_ft_weeknd|publisher=Exclaim|accessdate=8 May 2015}}</ref> ]'s "Pullin Up"<ref>{{cite web|title=Meek Mill Reveals "Dreams Worth More Than Money" Features|url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34353/title.meek-mill-reveals-dreams-worth-more-than-money-features|publisher=hiphopdx|accessdate=22 June 2015}}</ref> and ]'s "Pray 4 Love".<ref name="Idolator">{{cite web|title=Demi Lovato & The Weeknd To Perform On ‘Saturday Night Live’ This Season|url=http://www.idolator.com/7606572/demi-lovato-the-weeknd-perform-saturday-night-live-season-41|publisher=Idolator|accessdate=1 September 2015}}</ref> The Weeknd also featured on ]'s sophomore album, '']'', a collaboration entitled "]".<ref>{{cite web|title=Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Weeknd, & more featuring on Travi$ Scott's 'Rodeo" album|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/2352303/justin-bieber-kanye-west-the-weeknd-more-featuring-on-travis-scott-s-rodeo-album/|publisher=Inquisitr|accessdate=20 August 2015}}</ref> On 10 October 2015, The Weeknd joined actress ] on '']'' as a musical guest.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd & Demi Lovato Announced as 'SNL' Musical Guests|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6685066/weeknd-demi-lovato-snl-musical-guests|publisher=Billboard|accessdate=1 September 2015}}</ref> This was his first performance on the show as a solo artist after appearing during ]’s set for their "Love Me Harder" collaboration.<ref name="Idolator"/>


On February 14, 2016, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s seventh studio album '']'' on the track "]".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Guiducci|first=Mark|date=May 3, 2016|title=The Weeknd on Going From Indie R&B Enigma to the Pacesetting Prince of Pop|work=]|url=https://www.vogue.com/article/the-weeknd-musician-profile-met-gala-performance|access-date=May 18, 2021|archive-date=May 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518212957/https://www.vogue.com/article/the-weeknd-musician-profile-met-gala-performance|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Hooton|first=Christopher|author-link=Christopher Hooton|date=February 12, 2016|title=The Life of Pablo tracklist: Kanye West's new album features Frank Ocean, The Weeknd and Young Thug|work=]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/life-pablo-tracklist-kanye-west-s-new-album-features-frank-ocean-weeknd-and-young-thug-a6869016.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/life-pablo-tracklist-kanye-west-s-new-album-features-frank-ocean-weeknd-and-young-thug-a6869016.html |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref> It marked their second collaboration, with West previously writing and producing on Tesfaye's track "]" from ''Beauty Behind the Madness''. On March 1, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s single "]" from his fourth studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Listen: The Weeknd Surprises Fans By Dropping Two New Songs! |url=https://www.kiss925.com/2015/12/27/listen-the-weeknd-surprises-fans-by-dropping-two-new-songs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204083257/https://www.kiss925.com/2015/12/27/listen-the-weeknd-surprises-fans-by-dropping-two-new-songs/ |archive-date=December 4, 2020 | date=December 27, 2015 |website=]}}</ref> On April 23, he was featured on Beyoncé's sixth studio album '']'' on the track "]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 31, 2016 |title=Listen to The Weeknd and Belly's Demo Version of Beyoncé's "6 Inch" |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/10/the-weeknd-new-song-all-that-money-6-inch-demo-feat-belly |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=Complex |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422155236/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/10/the-weeknd-new-song-all-that-money-6-inch-demo-feat-belly |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 26, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s single "]" with ], which served as the lead single from Cashmere Cat's debut studio album '']'' (2017).<ref>{{Cite news|last=Morris|first=Jesse|date=August 24, 2016|title=It Sounds Like a Weeknd and Cashmere Cat Collab Is on the Way|website=]|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-previews-cashmere-cat-collaboration|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223932/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-previews-cashmere-cat-collaboration|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>
In December 2015, ''Billboard'' reported ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' was the most-streamed album throughout 2015 with over 60 million listeners.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6778065/spotify-year-music-lists-2015-drake-rihanna-major-lazer-ed-sheeran|title=Spotify's Year in Music: Drake Most Streamed Artist, Major Lazer & DJ Snake Had Top Song|work=Billboard}}</ref> It was also placed at number five on ''Rolling Stone's'' 50 Best Albums of 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2015-20151201/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-20151130|title=The Weeknd, 'Beauty Behind the Madness'|work=Rolling Stone}}</ref> Later that month, The Weeknd released two new songs, "Low Life" (a collaboration with ]), and a remixed version of ]'s "Pass Dat".<ref>{{cite web|author=Staff|title=LISTEN: The Weeknd Surprises Fans By Dropping Two New Songs!|url=http://www.kiss925.com/2015/12/27/listen-the-weeknd-surprises-fans-by-dropping-two-new-songs/|work=Kiss 92.5|accessdate=5 September 2016|date=27 December 2015}}</ref>


=== 2016–present: ''Starboy'' === === 2016–2019: ''Starboy'' and ''My Dear Melancholy'', ===
] during the '']'' in 2017]]
{{wikinews|'Earned It' earns The Weeknd his first Grammy}}
In early 2016, The Weeknd was featured on the song "FML" from ]'s 2016 album, '']''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanyewest.com/credits/|title=Archived copy|accessdate=17 February 2016|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6fMFARK1V?url=http://www.kanyewest.com/credits/|archivedate=17 February 2016}}</ref> and appeared on ]'s song "]" from her album '']''. In April, ] announced that the Weeknd was among the top five most streamed artists in their first year partnering with ] on ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Spotify and PlayStation® Celebrate One Year Together and Hit More Than Five Billion Streams on PlayStation™Music|url=https://news.spotify.com/us/2016/04/15/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstationmusic/|website=Spotify|accessdate=3 December 2016}}</ref>


In September 2016, Tesfaye announced that his third studio album, '']'', would be released on November 25, and included collaborations with now-disbanded French electronic music duo ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Mench|first=Chris|date=August 23, 2016|title=The Weeknd Is Reportedly Working with Daft Punk|website=]|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-working-with-daft-punk|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824143608/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-working-with-daft-punk|archive-date=August 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|date=September 21, 2016|title=The Weeknd Announces New Album Starboy|website=]|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/67755-the-weeknd-announces-new-album-starboy/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223937/https://pitchfork.com/news/67755-the-weeknd-announces-new-album-starboy/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He released the album's ], which featured the duo on September 21.<ref>{{Cite news|date=September 22, 2016|title=Hear the Weeknd's new track with Daft Punk, Starboy|website=]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/22/hear-the-weeknds-new-track-with-daft-punk-starboy|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210301172411/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/22/hear-the-weeknds-new-track-with-daft-punk-starboy|archive-date=March 1, 2021|issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The song debuted at number 40 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's third number-one single.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 20, 2021|title=The Weeknd's 'Starboy,' Featuring Daft Punk, Hits No. 1 on Hot 100 |magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7633336/hot-100-the-weeknd-starboy-daft-punk-hits-number-one|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120110659/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7633336/hot-100-the-weeknd-starboy-daft-punk-hits-number-one|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 20, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> As of March 2023, the song is certified Diamond by the RIAA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 1, 2021|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|website=]|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=The+Weeknd&ti=Starboy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201081033/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=The+Weeknd&ti=Starboy|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2021|access-date=September 28, 2021}}</ref> Their second collaboration, "]" was released on November 24. The single peaked at number four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Zwilling|first=Eric|date=September 21, 2016|title=Listen to Daft Punk's new collaboration with The Weeknd, 'Starboy'|url=https://dancingastronaut.com/2016/09/daft-punk-the-weeknd-collaboration-listen/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107130837/https://dancingastronaut.com/2016/09/daft-punk-the-weeknd-collaboration-listen/|archive-date=November 7, 2020|website=]}}</ref> On October 1, Tesfaye made a second appearance on ''Saturday Night Live'' as the musical guest alongside actress ]. During the show, he performed "Starboy" and "]".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|date=October 2, 2016|title=Watch The Weeknd Perform 'Starboy' and 'False Alarm' on 'SNL' Season Premiere|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7526619/the-weeknd-perform-starboy-false-alarm-on-snl-saturday-night-live|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525140031/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7526619/the-weeknd-perform-starboy-false-alarm-on-snl-saturday-night-live|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 23, he released the short film ''M A N I A''. Directed by Grant Singer, it featured excerpts from the album, including snippets from "]" featuring ], "]" featuring ], "]" and "]".<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 23, 2016|title=Watch The Weeknd's New Short Film Mania|website=]|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/69997-watch-the-weeknds-new-short-film-mania/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124093812/http://pitchfork.com/news/69997-watch-the-weeknds-new-short-film-mania/|archive-date=November 24, 2016}}</ref> Upon release, the album debuted at number one on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 with 348,000 units, making it Tesfaye's second consecutive number-one album.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 30, 2021|title=The Weeknd's 'Starboy' Bows at No. 1 on Billboard 200 With Third-Biggest Debut of 2016 |magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7597375/the-weeknd-starboy-billboard-200-no-1|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130022651/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/7597375/the-weeknd-starboy-billboard-200-no-1|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2021|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> As of January 2019, the album is certified ] by the RIAA.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 1, 2021|title=Gold & Platinum - RIAA|website=]|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=The+Weeknd&ti=Starboy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201081033/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=The+Weeknd&ti=Starboy|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2021|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> The album won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the ], making it Tesfaye's second win in the category.<ref>{{Cite news|date=January 28, 2018|title=NewsAlert: Starboy Wins Best Urban Contemporary Album for the Weeknd|work=]|agency=]|url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/newsalert-starboy-wins-best-urban-contemporary-album-for-the-weeknd|access-date=April 16, 2019|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/newsalert-starboy-wins-best-urban-contemporary-album-for-the-weeknd|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 24 August 2016, The Weeknd was reportedly working together with French electronic music duo ], and was confirmed by ] executive vice president Wendy Goldstein, while he was interviewed by '']''.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-working-with-daft-punk |title= The Weeknd Is Reportedly Working with Daft Punk |date= 23 August 2016 |accessdate= 23 August 2016}}</ref> On 26 August 2016, ] released a single to his new album, "Wild Love", and The Weeknd is featured on this track providing vocals.


On February 17, 2017, the Weeknd began his fifth concert tour, called ]. The tour was in support of his third studio album ] (2016) and concluded on December 14, 2017. He visited the continents Europa, North- and South America and Oceania. On February 15, 2017, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s commercial debut single "]", which also served as the lead single from his ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Blistein|first=John|date=February 16, 2017|title=Hear the Weeknd's Sultry 'Some Way' Collaboration With Nav|magazine=]|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-sultry-some-way-collaboration-with-nav-w467422|url-status=live|url-access=limited|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223934/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/hear-the-weeknds-sultry-some-way-collaboration-with-nav-192851/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On February 24, he appeared on Future's sixth studio album '']'', on the song "]".<ref>{{Cite news|last=Brandle|first=Lars|date=February 24, 2017|title=Future Releases New Album 'HNDRXX' Featuring The Weeknd and Rihanna: Listen|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7701959/future-album-hndrxx-the-weeknd-rihanna|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7701959/future-album-hndrxx-the-weeknd-rihanna|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On April 19, Tesfaye appeared on the ] and second single from ]'s ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Gaca|first=Anna|date=April 19, 2017|title=For Better or Worse, Lana Del Rey and the Weeknd's "Lust for Life" Is a Lana Del Rey Song|work=]|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/04/lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-song-review/|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=May 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210525034720/https://www.spin.com/2017/04/lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-song-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|date=April 20, 2017|title=Lana Del Rey "Lust for Life" ft. The Weeknd|work=]|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/19012-lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-ft-the-weeknd/|access-date=May 25, 2021|archive-date=April 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422103239/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/19012-lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-ft-the-weeknd/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 15, he was featured on ]'s track "]", the third single from his second studio album '']''. He then appeared on the ]-directed music video for ]'s "]" alongside Nav. He was later featured on Lil Uzi Vert's debut album '']'' on the track "UnFazed" and on ]'s eleventh studio album '']'' on the track "]".]
On 21 September 2016, The Weeknd announced the name of his third studio album, '']''.<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/67755-the-weeknd-announces-new-album-starboy/|title=The Weeknd Announces New Album Starboy|last=Pearce|first=Sheldon|date=21 September 2016|website=pitchfork.com|publisher=|access-date=22 September 2016}}</ref> The 18 track album was released through XO and Republic.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/22/hear-the-weeknds-new-track-with-daft-punk-starboy|title=Hear the Weeknd's new track with Daft Punk, Starboy|last=music|first=editor|date=22 September 2016|work=|newspaper=The Guardian|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077|access-date=22 September 2016|via=}}</ref> The following day he released the ], which features Daft Punk. ''Starboy'' was released on 25 November.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dancingastronaut.com/2016/09/daft-punk-the-weeknd-collaboration-listen/|title=Listen to Daft Punk’s new collaboration with The Weeknd, 'Starboy'|last=Zwilling|first=Eric|date=21 September 2016|website=Dancing Astronaut|publisher=|access-date=|accessdate=22 September 2016}}</ref> On 1 October 2016, The Weeknd was a musical guest on ''Saturday Night Live'' where he performed "Starboy" and "]". On 17 November, The Weeknd announced two new singles from Starboy titled "Party Monster" and another collaboration with Daft Punk called "I Feel It Coming".
On February 2, 2018, Tesfaye contributed to the ] for '']'' on the song "]" with Kendrick Lamar. The track served as the third single from the soundtrack, and peaked at number seven on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Boykins|first=Austin|date=January 31, 2018|title=TDE Reveals Loaded Tracklist for 'Black Panther' Soundtrack|website=Hypebeast|url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/1/tde-black-panther-soundtrack-cover-tracklist|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://hypebeast.com/2018/1/tde-black-panther-soundtrack-cover-tracklist|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Kendrick Lamar And The Weeknd Team Up For 'Pray For Me'|url=https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/02/02/582641529/kendrick-lamar-and-the-weeknd-team-up-for-pray-for-me|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=NPR.org|date=February 2, 2018|language=en|last1=Madden|first1=Sidney|archive-date=February 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202160608/https://www.npr.org/sections/allsongs/2018/02/02/582641529/kendrick-lamar-and-the-weeknd-team-up-for-pray-for-me|url-status=live}}</ref>


On March 30, 2018, Tesfaye released his debut ] '']'',<ref>{{Cite web|last=Sargent|first=Jordan|date=March 29, 2018|title=The Weekend Announces New Album 'My Dear Melancholy,'|url=https://www.spin.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-new-album-my-dear-melancholy-announcement/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223941/https://www.spin.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-new-album-my-dear-melancholy-announcement/|archive-date=January 7, 2021|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=March 27, 2018|title=Is The Weeknd Dropping A New Album This Week?|work=]|url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-dropping-album-rumor-report/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223937/https://www.vibe.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-dropping-album-rumor-report|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> after news of the project were teased and leaked.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Murray|first=Robin|date=March 29, 2018|title=Has Someone Accidentally Leaked News of the Weeknd's New Album?|work=]|url=https://clashmusic.com/news/has-someone-accidentally-leaked-news-of-the-weeknds-new-album|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://clashmusic.com/news/has-someone-accidentally-leaked-news-of-the-weeknds-new-album|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Lamarre|first=Carl|date=March 27, 2018|title=Is The Weeknd Dropping a New Album on Friday?|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8263214/the-weeknd-new-album-instagram|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223915/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8263214/the-weeknd-new-album-instagram|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> The EP debuted at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 with 169,000 units, making it Tesfaye's third consecutive number-one album and the shortest album, by track count, to top the chart in eight years.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=November 9, 2020|title=The Weeknd Scores Third Consecutive No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'My Dear Melancholy'|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8298065/the-weeknd-no-1-album-billboard-200-my-dear-melancholy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109025806/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8298065/the-weeknd-no-1-album-billboard-200-my-dear-melancholy|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 9, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref> On April 6, Tesfaye released the EP's lead single "]", which peaked at number four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite news|date=March 28, 2018|title=The Weeknd teases new song release|work=]|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/the-weeknd-teases-new-song-release-14133016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223934/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/the-weeknd-teases-new-song-release-14133016|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Goddard|first=Kevin|date=March 29, 2018|title=Stream The Weeknd's "My Dear Melancholy" EP|work=HotNewHipHop|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-the-weeknds-my-dear-melancholy-ep-news.46817.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-the-weeknds-my-dear-melancholy-ep-news.46817.html|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On April 13, he headlined the ] for the first time.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Unterberger |first=Andrew |date=April 14, 2018 |title=The Weeknd Fulfills His Coachella Destiny With Triumphant Headlining Set |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/weeknd-coachella-2018-day-one-recap-8318723/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420032630/https://www.billboard.com/culture/events/weeknd-coachella-2018-day-one-recap-8318723/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=January 3, 2018 |title=Beyonce, Eminem, the Weeknd to Headline Coachella 2018 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-eminem-the-weeknd-to-headline-coachella-2018-201999/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420032453/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/beyonce-eminem-the-weeknd-to-headline-coachella-2018-201999/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He appeared in multiple festivals throughout 2018 to support the EP, most notably the ] Festival in Morocco,<ref>{{cite news|last=Senoussi|first=Zoubida|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2018/06/249735/mawazine-2018-friday-night-fever-with-starboy-the-weeknd-at-olm-souissi|title=Mawazine 2018: Friday Night Fever with 'Starboy' The Weeknd at OLM Souissi|work=]|date=June 30, 2018|access-date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=February 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220200411/https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2018/06/249735/mawazine-2018-friday-night-fever-with-starboy-the-weeknd-at-olm-souissi|url-status=live}}</ref> Lollapalooza in both Chicago and Berlin,<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Legaspi|first=Althea|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lollapalooza-2018-the-weeknd-dua-lipa-carly-rae-jepsen-highlight-day-three-706709/|title=Lollapalooza 2018: The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, Carly Rae Jepsen Highlight Day Three|magazine=]|date=August 5, 2018|access-date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=February 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220200410/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lollapalooza-2018-the-weeknd-dua-lipa-carly-rae-jepsen-highlight-day-three-706709/|url-status=live}}</ref> and a post-race concert at the ].<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Engelman|first=Nicole|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-abu-dhabi-trip-8486438/|title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Take a PDA-Filled Trip to Abu Dhabi|magazine=]|date=November 26, 2018|access-date=February 20, 2024|archive-date=February 20, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220200410/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-abu-dhabi-trip-8486438/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 23 November 2016, The Weeknd released a 12-minute-long short film in promotion of the album, directed by Grant Singer, who also directed the "]" music video. Named ''Mania'' (stylized as ''M A N I A''),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBsycvSU6r8|title=Watch The Weeknd – M A N I A on YouTube|publisher=]|date=23 November 2016|accessdate=2 March 2017}}</ref> it features the songs such as "All I Know" featuring ], "Sidewalks" featuring ], "Secrets", "]" (with background vocals from ]) and "]" featuring Daft Punk.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/69997-watch-the-weeknds-new-short-film-mania/|title=Watch The Weeknd's New Short Film Mania|work=]|date=23 November 2016|accessdate=23 November 2016}}</ref> Within 24 hours of releasing ''Starboy'', it was the number one album in over 80 countries.


On June 6, 2018, Tesfaye announced his new ] radio show '']''. The first episode was released two days later.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Penrose|first=Nerisha|date=June 6, 2018|title=The Weeknd Announces New Beats 1 Radio Show Memento Mori|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8459680/the-weeknd-memento-mori-beats-one-radio-show|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223921/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8459680/the-weeknd-memento-mori-beats-one-radio-show|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He would later feature on two tracks from Travis Scott's third studio album, ], which were "Skeletons" and "]" on August 3, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 31, 2018 |title=Here are the full album credits for Travis Scott's ASTROWORLD |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/03/travis-scott-astroworld-credits |access-date=January 1, 2024 |website=The FADER |language=en |archive-date=March 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302204615/https://www.thefader.com/2018/08/03/travis-scott-astroworld-credits |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 21, he released his first ] ''].''<ref>{{Cite web|title=ザ・ウィークエンド・イン・ジャパン(シングルス・コレクション|trans-title=The Weeknd in Japan (Singles Collection)|url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/the-weeknd/products/uicu-1305/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020154836/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/the-weeknd/products/uicu-1305/|archive-date=October 20, 2019|publisher=]|language=ja}}</ref> In support of the album and his EP ], he began his sixth concert tour, ], a six-show tour of Asia during November and December. On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye was featured on ]'s song "]", the second single from his second studio album ''].''<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blais-Billie |first=Braudie |date=January 11, 2019 |title=Listen to Gesaffelstein and the Weeknd's New Song "Lost in the Fire" |work=] |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-gesaffelstein-and-the-weeknds-new-song-lost-in-fire/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223939/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-gesaffelstein-and-the-weeknds-new-song-lost-in-fire/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On April 18, he released "]" with ] and Travis Scott, the lead single from the '']''-inspired ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |date=April 18, 2019 |title=SZA / The Weeknd / Travis Scott 'Power Is Power' |work=] |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-the-weeknd-travis-scott-power-is-power/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419144546/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-the-weeknd-travis-scott-power-is-power/ |archive-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews050619sza-8510131 |title=SZA, The Weeknd and Travis Scott Share Video For 'Game of Thrones' Inspired Track |date=May 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223921/https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews050619sza-8510131 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |url-status=live |website=]}}</ref>
In 2017, he also appeared on ], on the track "Comin Out Strong", ]'s "Some Way" and ]'s "Lust For Life".


== Artistry and image == === 2019–2021: ''After Hours'' ===
On November 24, 2019, Tesfaye teased his single "]" through a ] commercial.<ref>{{Cite news |date=November 24, 2019 |title=The Weeknd to Release New Single 'Blinding Lights' on Black Friday |work=] |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/24/the-weeknd-new-single-blinding-lights/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128132032/https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/24/the-weeknd-new-single-blinding-lights/ |archive-date=November 28, 2019}}</ref> On November 27, he released "]" as the lead single from his fourth studio album. The song debuted at number thirty-two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's fourth number-one single.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Five Burning Questions: Billboard Staffers Discuss The Weeknd's Top 40 Debut For 'Heartless' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545288/the-weeknd-heartless-five-burning-questions |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319225809/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545288/the-weeknd-heartless-five-burning-questions |archive-date=March 19, 2020 | date=December 3, 2019 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=The Weeknd's 'Heartless' Hits No. 1 on Hot 100, Mariah Carey's 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Returns to No. 3 High |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545778/the-weeknd-heartless-no-1-hot-100 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116053415/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545778/the-weeknd-heartless-no-1-hot-100 |archive-date=January 16, 2020 |date=December 9, 2019 |magazine=]}}</ref> "Blinding Lights" was released two days after the release of "Heartless" on November 29. The single debuted at number eleven on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's fifth number-one single.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Hits No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, Doja Cat's 'Say So' Enters Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9346375/weeknd-blinding-lights-number-one-hot-100 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331195920/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9346375/weeknd-blinding-lights-number-one-hot-100 |archive-date=March 31, 2020 |date=March 30, 2020 |magazine=]}}</ref> "Blinding Lights" would then go on to become the first song in the chart's history to hold a spot in the top ten for an entire year.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=March 9, 2021|title=The Weeknd Talks Unprecedented Year in Hot 100's Top 10 With 'Blinding Lights': 'This Is Truly a Result of the Fans'|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-chart-record-reaction/|access-date=November 26, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126174840/https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-chart-record-reaction/|url-status=live}}</ref> It also became the ] at 90 weeks, ending the week of September 11, 2021.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=August 16, 2021|title=The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Spends Record-Breaking 88th Week on Billboard Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-hot-100-record-88-weeks/|access-date=November 26, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126174838/https://www.billboard.com/pro/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-hot-100-record-88-weeks/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" Is Now the Longest-Charting Billboard Hot 100 Song of All Time|url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-longest-charting-song-billboard-hot-100|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929152346/https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-longest-charting-song-billboard-hot-100|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 23, 2021, "Blinding Lights" was ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by ''Billboard'', surpassing "]" by ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Mamo|first=Heran|date=November 23, 2021|title=The Greatest Hit: The New No. 1 Song of All Time|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-billboard-cover-story-2021-interview-1235001282/|access-date=November 26, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=December 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202115058/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/the-weeknd-blinding-lights-billboard-cover-story-2021-interview-1235001282/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 1, 2023, it became the most streamed song on Spotify with 3.3 billion streams.<ref>{{Citation |title=The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' becomes the most-streamed song on Spotify |date=January 4, 2023 |url=https://www.cbc.ca/music/the-weeknd-s-blinding-lights-becomes-the-most-streamed-song-on-spotify-1.6704361 |language=en |access-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-date=January 31, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230131185916/https://www.cbc.ca/music/the-weeknd-s-blinding-lights-becomes-the-most-streamed-song-on-spotify-1.6704361 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Tesfaye cites ], ] and ] as his main inspirations.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scott|first=Damien|date=15 July 2013|url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story|title=The Weeknd: Kiss And Tell (2013 Cover Story)|publisher=]|accessdate=9 June 2015}}</ref> He often says it was Jackson's music that made him want to be a singer, and the lyrics to "]".<ref name="RSinterview"/> He also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced by ] singers like ].<ref name="RSinterview"/> He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including ], ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Roberts|first=Randall|date=17 December 2012|url=http://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/17/entertainment/la-et-ms-weeknd-review-20121217|title=Review: Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd, has hall smoldering|newspaper=]|accessdate=1 February 2013}}</ref> His other influences include ],<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd Talks David Bowie, Prince Influences on New Album|author=Ryan Reed|work=]|date=2 November 2016|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-talks-david-bowie-prince-influences-on-new-album-w448191|accessdate=28 March 2017}}</ref> ], ], ], ]<ref name="bruce">{{cite web|title=The Weeknd's New Album Is Inspired by Bad Brains, Talking Heads and the Smiths|author=Calum Slingerland|work=]|date=6 February 2016|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_weeknds_new_album_is_inspired_by_bad_brains_talking_heads_and_the_smiths|accessdate=6 September 2016}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{cite web|title=THE WEEKND SAYS EMINEM DESTROYED "THE HILLS" REMIX AND JAY Z ON 'RENEGADE'|url=http://www.southpawer.com/2016/11/25/the-weeknd-eminem-jay-z-renegade-the-hills-interview/|website=Southpawer|accessdate=26 November 2016}}</ref>


On February 19, 2020, Tesfaye revealed that his fourth studio album would be titled '']'', and would be released on March 20. He also released the album's ] as a promotional single.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=February 19, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Sets 'After Hours' Release Date, Shares Dark Title Track: Listen |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8551359/the-weeknd-after-hours-release-date-title-track-release |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200313135747/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8551359/the-weeknd-after-hours-release-date-title-track-release |archive-date=March 13, 2020}}</ref> On March 7, he made his third appearance as a musical guest on ''Saturday Night Live'', alongside actor ]. On the show, he performed "Blinding Lights" and debuted the track "]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Young |first=Alex |date=March 8, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Debuts New Song, Appears in Sketch on SNL |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/the-weeknd-snl-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320035057/https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/the-weeknd-snl-video/ |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> Tesfaye released the album's third single "]" on March 24. The track peaked at number sixteen on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 27, 2020|title=The Weeknd Loses His Head in Gory New "In Your Eyes" Video |website=]|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-loses-his-head-in-gory-new-in-your-eyes-video/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127021729/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-loses-his-head-in-gory-new-in-your-eyes-video/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2020|access-date=September 29, 2021}}</ref>
The Weeknd's songs are "built around a fogged, ] production",<ref name="Hoby"/> and feature slow ]s,<ref name="Cohen"/> rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes.<ref name="Mistry"/> The Weeknd sings in a ] register,<ref>{{cite web|last=Robbins|first=Winston|date=7 December 2011|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/rookie-of-the-year-2011/|title=Rookie of the Year: The Weeknd|publisher=]|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> exhibiting an enticing tone. ] finds his singing's "] quality" similar to Michael Jackson, but writes that he eschews Jackson's "strong basis in the ]" for a more ]-influenced ].<ref name="Considine"/> His music incorporates ] that are unconventional in R&B production, including ] and ].<ref name="Considine">{{cite news|last=Considine|first=J. D.|authorlink=J. D. Considine|date=17 November 2012|url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/how-the-weeknd-became-rbs-next-big-thing/article5370329/|title=How The Weeknd became R&B’s next big thing|newspaper=]|location=Toronto|accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> Marc Hogan of '']'' says that The Weeknd's samples tend "to draw from ]-approved sources, though generally ones that already share elements of his sexual menace", with samples of artists such as ], ] and Aaliyah.<ref name="Hogan">{{cite journal|last=Hogan|first=Marc|date=26 October 2012|url=http://www.spin.com/#articles/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths|title=The Weeknd Imbues 'Enemy' With the Smiths' Seductive Power|journal=]|location=New York|accessdate=19 January 2013}}</ref> The Weeknd worked mostly with producers ] and ], whom ]'s Ian Cohen credits with developing "a state-of-the-art ] template" with The Weeknd.<ref name="Cohen">{{cite web|last=Cohen|first=Ian|date=13 November 2012|url=http://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17280-the-trilogy/|title=The Weeknd: Trilogy|publisher=Pitchfork Media|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> In concert, The Weeknd reappropriates his digitized productions with a ]-like ] aesthetic.<ref name="Mistry"/>


Upon release,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |title=Listen to the Weeknd's New Album After Hours |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-the-weeknds-new-album-after-hours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320145830/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-the-weeknds-new-album-after-hours/ |archive-date=March 20, 2020 |date=March 20, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> ''After Hours'' debuted atop the ''Billboard'' 200, earning 444,000 units, marking Tesfaye's fourth consecutive number-one album.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |title=The Weeknd's 'After Hours' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart With Biggest Week of 2020 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9345850/the-weeknd-after-hours-billboard-200-debut-2020-biggest-week |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329225706/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9345850/the-weeknd-after-hours-billboard-200-debut-2020-biggest-week |archive-date=March 29, 2020 |date=March 29, 2020 |magazine=]}}</ref> It became the most streamed R&B album of all time, surpassing Tesfaye's own ''Starboy''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=THE WEEKND CAPTURES #1 ALBUM AND #1 ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 WITH AFTER HOURS AND BLINDING LIGHTS|url=https://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/the-weeknd-captures-1-album-and-1-on-billboard-hot-100-with-after-hours-and-blinding-lights/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=Umusic|language=en-US|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126192241/https://www.umusic.ca/press-releases/the-weeknd-captures-1-album-and-1-on-billboard-hot-100-with-after-hours-and-blinding-lights/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="McIntyre">{{Cite web|last=McIntyre|first=Hugh|title=The Weeknd Scores The Largest Streaming Week Ever For An R&B Album|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2020/04/02/the-weeknd-scores-the-largest-streaming-week-ever-for-an-rb-album/|access-date=November 26, 2021|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=November 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211126192238/https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2020/04/02/the-weeknd-scores-the-largest-streaming-week-ever-for-an-rb-album/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the album's first charting week, Tesfaye also became the first artist to lead the ''Billboard'' 200, ''Billboard'' Hot 100, ], Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts simultaneously, and repeated his lead the following week.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trust |first=Gary |title=The Weeknd on Being the First Artist to Top These 5 Charts at Once: 'It Feels Like a Huge Blessing' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223939/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=April 1, 2020 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd also repeats at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Hot 100 & Artist 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9353926/the-weeknd-songwriters-chart-30roc-producers |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223925/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9353926/the-weeknd-songwriters-chart-30roc-producers |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Xander | last=Zellner | date=April 8, 2020 |magazine=]}}</ref> The deluxe version of ''After Hours'' was released on March 29, 2020, and contained the tracks "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby".<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=March 30, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Adds Three New Songs to 'After Hours' Deluxe Edition |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-new-songs-after-hours-deluxe-edition-974989/ |access-date=April 22, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=April 22, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422155237/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-new-songs-after-hours-deluxe-edition-974989/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
His emotional, plaintive lyrics often express feelings of hurt and deal with subject matter such as sex,<ref name="Hoby"/> drugs, and partying.<ref name="Mistry"/> Hermione Hoby of '']'' characterizes The Weeknd's songs as "narcotised-]s" and delineates their message as "partying is an existential experience, sex is fraught with alienation, and everything registers as unreal and unsettling".<ref name="Hoby"/> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Paul MacInnes interprets The Weeknd's trilogy of mixtapes as "a rough trajectory of party, after-party and ]".<ref>{{cite news|last=MacInnes|first=Paul|date=15 November 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review|title=The Weeknd: Trilogy – review|newspaper=The Guardian|location=London|at=section G2, p. 23|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> Anupa Mistry of the '']'' observes throughout his mixtapes a "cast of supine, stoned zombie-women ... whose legs willingly part after being plied with substances and who morph into threats only when ] and feeling vulnerable".<ref name="Mistry"/> The Weeknd viewed that, by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is paying homage to R. Kelly and to some degree Prince.<ref>{{cite web|last=Morgan|first=Nakiya|date=15 July 2013|url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/07/15/the-weeknds-kiss-land-album-captures-first-experiences-outside-of-toronto/|title=The Weeknd's Kiss Land Album Captures First Experiences Outside Of Toronto|publisher=MTV News|accessdate=19 July 2013}}</ref>


On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye was featured on the late ]'s single "]" from his first posthumous album '']''. On August 28, he was featured on ]' single "]". On October 30, Tesfaye appeared on Ariana Grande's song "]" from her sixth studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Ariana Grande And The Weeknd's 'Off The Table' Lyrics Are About Her Finding Love After Losing Mac Miller |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34532474/ariana-grande-the-weeknd-off-the-table-lyrics-meaning-mac-miller/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223926/https://www.elle.com/culture/music/a34532474/ariana-grande-the-weeknd-off-the-table-lyrics-meaning-mac-miller/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=ALYSSA | last=BAILEY | date=October 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Ariana Grande Unveils 'Positions' Track List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9472449/ariana-grande-positions-track-list/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024235455/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9472449/ariana-grande-positions-track-list/ |archive-date=October 24, 2020 | first=Ashley | last=Iasimone | date=October 24, 2020 | magazine=]}}</ref> On the same day, he appeared on ]'s track "No Nightmares" from his ninth studio album '']'', which he also executive produced with OPN.<ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd Joins Oneohtrix Point Never on New Song 'No Nightmares' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/oneohtrix-point-never-the-weeknd-new-song-no-nightmares-1081251/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223954/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/oneohtrix-point-never-the-weeknd-new-song-no-nightmares-1081251/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=October 26, 2020 | url-access=limited | magazine=]}}</ref> On November 5, he appeared on the remix of ]'s "]", was nominated for ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite news | title=The Weeknd Sings in Spanglish on Fiery 'Hawái' Remix With Maluma: Watch the Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/9478647/maluma-the-weeknd-hawai-remix-video/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/9478647/maluma-the-weeknd-hawai-remix-video/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Jessica | last=Roiz | date=November 5, 2020 | magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2021 Latin Grammy nominations: Bad Bunny, Maluma, and more|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/2021-latin-grammy-nominations-bad-133000922.html|access-date=September 29, 2021|website=www.yahoo.com|date=September 28, 2021|language=en-US|archive-date=September 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210929152346/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/2021-latin-grammy-nominations-bad-133000922.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 10, he performed at ]'s ].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Harry Styles, Billie Eilish, Shawn Mendes to Perform at Virtual iHeartRadio Jingle Ball |url=https://people.com/music/virtual-iheartradio-jingle-ball-2020-performers/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223952/https://people.com/music/virtual-iheartradio-jingle-ball-2020-performers/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | first=Georgia | last=Slater | date=October 30, 2020 | website=]}}</ref> On February 5, 2021, Tesfaye released his second greatest hits album '']''. The album debuted at number two on the US ''Billboard'' 200, making it Tesfaye's highest charting compilation album and the biggest first week debut for a greatest hits album since '']'' (2019).<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=February 14, 2021 |title=Morgan Wallen's 'Dangerous' No. 1 for Fifth Week on Billboard 200 While 'If I Know Me' Hits Top 10 for First Time |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9526109/morgan-wallen-dangerous-tops-billboard-200-for-fifth-week/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415045949/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9526109/morgan-wallen-dangerous-tops-billboard-200-for-fifth-week/ |archive-date=April 15, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}}</ref>] at the ] in 2021]]Tesfaye headlined the ] on February 7, 2021, becoming the first Canadian solo artist to headline the show.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCarriston |first=Shanna |date=November 12, 2020 |title=Super Bowl LV: The Weeknd announced as Pepsi Halftime Show performer |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-lv-the-weeknd-announced-as-pepsi-halftime-show-performer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224001/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-lv-the-weeknd-announced-as-pepsi-halftime-show-performer/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=O'Connor |first1=Roisin |last2=Michallon |first2=Clémence |date=February 8, 2021 |title=Super Bowl halftime show live: The Weeknd performs with dancers in face bandages at 2021 game |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/super-bowl-halftime-show-the-weeknd-live-b1798883.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208011804/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/super-bowl-halftime-show-the-weeknd-live-b1798883.html |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Steussy |first1=Lauren |last2=DeNinno |first2=Nadine |date=February 8, 2021 |title=What happened to The Weeknd's face at Super Bowl 2021 halftime show? |url=https://nypost.com/2021/02/07/what-happened-to-the-weeknds-face-at-super-bowl-2021-halftime-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208014344/https://nypost.com/2021/02/07/what-happened-to-the-weeknds-face-at-super-bowl-2021-halftime-show/ |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Best of The Weeknd and the Super Bowl 55 halftime show |url=https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2021/02/08/best-photos-super-bowl-5-halftime-show-the-weeknd/4430380001/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209021700/https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/sports/nfl/super-bowl/2021/02/08/best-photos-super-bowl-5-halftime-show-the-weeknd/4430380001/ |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> He reportedly spent US$7 million of his own money on the Super Bowl performance.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bain |first=Katie |date=January 28, 2021 |title=The Weeknd on the Crew That Boosted Him From 'Basically Homeless' to the Super Bowl |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9516909/the-weeknd-xo-records-billboard-cover-story-interview-2021 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128235510/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9516909/the-weeknd-xo-records-billboard-cover-story-interview-2021/ |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |magazine=]}}</ref> Reviews of the performance were generally positive.<ref name="Caramanica">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |author-link=Jon Caramanica |date=February 8, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Emerges From the Shadows at the Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/arts/music/the-weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-review.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015941/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/arts/music/the-weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-review.html |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=February 8, 2021 |title=Super Bowl halftime show review: The Weeknd wasn't great (but it's not all his fault) |url=https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/02/super-bowl-halftime-show-weeknd-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015211/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/02/super-bowl-halftime-show-weeknd-review |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Kornhaber |first=Spencer |date=February 8, 2021 |title=The First Super Bowl Halftime Show About the Depravity of Halftime Shows |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/02/the-cynical-fun-of-the-weeknds-halftime-show/617960/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210210113958/https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2021/02/the-cynical-fun-of-the-weeknds-halftime-show/617960/ |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Patten |first=Dominic |date=February 8, 2021 |title=The Weeknd's Super Bowl Halftime Show Scores A Touchdown With A Technical Spectacle & Mixtape Of Hits – Review |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-show-review-nfl-cbs-1234689348/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015623/https://deadline.com/2021/02/weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-show-review-nfl-cbs-1234689348/ |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Julious |first=Britt |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Review: The Weeknd's Super Bowl halftime performance was an expensive nothing |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/sc-ent-super-bowl-halftime-review-0207-20210208-ie2smv3xwbg45l6vqxc4zrhlp4-story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208025139/https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/music/sc-ent-super-bowl-halftime-review-0207-20210208-ie2smv3xwbg45l6vqxc4zrhlp4-story.html |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Fekau |first=Mesfin |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Review: Yawn, is it Monday yet? The Weeknd bores at halftime |url=https://apnews.com/article/nfl-new-york-super-bowl-her-football-f375de5012d0dcaa454462d4c8752c16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208004138/https://apnews.com/article/nfl-new-york-super-bowl-her-football-f375de5012d0dcaa454462d4c8752c16 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |work=]}}</ref> The show resulted in a surge in streaming and downloads for Tesfaye's ''After Hours'' album as well as for the seven other songs he performed.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=February 11, 2021 |title=The Weeknd's Streams Increase 41% After Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9524744/the-weeknd-streams-increase-super-bowl-halftime-show |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211073241/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9524744/the-weeknd-streams-increase-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=February 9, 2021 |title=The Weeknd's Sales Up 385% After Super Bowl Halftime Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9523400/the-weeknd-sales-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209233740/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9523400/the-weeknd-sales-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |magazine=]}}</ref> The halftime show earned three nominations at the ]: ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Libbey |first=Peter |date=July 13, 2021 |title=Emmys 2021: The List of Nominees |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/arts/television/emmys-nominees-list-2021.html |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/13/arts/television/emmys-nominees-list-2021.html |archive-date=December 28, 2021 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
Some journalists have associated The Weeknd with a broadening of R&B's musical palette to incorporate ] and ] styles; his work has been categorized with the ] tag<ref>Billboard Staff. . '']''. 13 February 2016.</ref> (sometimes humorously referred to as PBR&B).<ref name="Hoby"/> Mistry writes that he "will be obsequiously praised as the future of R&B music – because is a black singer, not because he’s making quantifiable, canonical R&B".<ref name="Mistry"/> ]'s Andy Kellman categorizes him as an "alternative R&B act".<ref name="Kellman">{{cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162|title=The Weeknd – Music Biography, Credits and Discography|publisher=]. ]|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> Prior to his major label deal, The Weeknd withheld his identity and maintained an enigmatic, shadowy persona while releasing his mixtapes online.


Over 2021, Tesfaye reissued his three mixtapes in its authentic form with the original mixes and samples to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their release, with ''House of Balloons'' coming first in March 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kiefer |first=Halle |date=March 21, 2021 |title=Step Inside the Weeknd's House of Balloons, Reissued for Its 10th Anniversary |url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/03/the-weeknds-house-of-balloons-reissued-for-10th-anniversary.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161009/https://www.vulture.com/2021/03/the-weeknds-house-of-balloons-reissued-for-10th-anniversary.html |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=Vulture |language=en-us}}</ref> '']'''s reissue followed in August 2021,<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 18, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Shares Original Version of 'Thursday' Mixtape and MR. Capsule Collection for Its Tenth Anniversary |url=https://hypebeast.com/2021/8/the-weekend-thursday-mixtape-listen |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830204325/https://hypebeast.com/2021/8/the-weekend-thursday-mixtape-listen |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |website=HYPEBEAST}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd and MR. Team Up for Capsule Collection to Commemorate 'Thursday (Original)' Streaming Release |url=https://www.complex.com/style/the-weeknd-mr-capsule-collection-thursday-original-streaming-release/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830204327/https://www.complex.com/style/the-weeknd-mr-capsule-collection-thursday-original-streaming-release/ |archive-date=August 30, 2021 |access-date=August 30, 2021 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref> and in December, '']'' was reissued.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd shares new "Echoes of Silence" video |url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/12/21/the-weeknd-echoes-of-silence-video |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161017/https://platform.twitter.com/widgets/widget_iframe.d37472b4a6622d0b1fff46ad904f6896.html?origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thefader.com |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=The FADER |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of 'Echoes of Silence' by Sharing Title-Track Video |url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-new-echoes-of-silence-video-anniversary |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211221170308/https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-new-echoes-of-silence-video-anniversary |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |access-date=December 21, 2021 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref>
The Weeknd has received praise from many musical artists. Veteran artist ] who spoke positively about The Weeknd stated, "I do love The Weeknd, and I love how, whoever he's working with, they're using pieces of R&B with other things that feel really great. It's promising in the sense that I think there are other unknowns that will come forward and get back to being musicians. I think more than anything, what I miss is the musicians being part of the process".<ref>{{cite web|title=Babyface Talks New Album, Binge-Watching TV & Why He Loves The Weeknd|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6685788/babyface-return-of-the-tender-lover-new-album-weeknd|accessdate=3 September 2014}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|title=Drake Says The Weeknd Will Be on 'Take Care'|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/467984/drake-says-the-weeknd-will-be-on-take-care|accessdate=10 August 2011}}</ref> ],<ref>{{cite web|first=Alex|last=Kazemi|title=Halsey On Satire, Sexuality And Finding Solace In Music|url=http://www.oystermag.com/halsey-on-satire-sexuality-and-finding-solace-in-music|work=]|date=27 August 2015|accessdate =26 March 2017}}</ref> ]<ref>{{cite web|title=Nick Jonas Reveals Solo Album Influenced by Prince, The Weeknd, Jhene Aiko|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeLBpP66xIA|accessdate=26 September 2014}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{cite web|author=Cathy Applefeld Olson|title=Tove Lo Says The Weeknd Is 'A Big Inspiration' for Her Second Album|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/6812867/tove-lo-the-weeknd-second-album|work=Billboard|accessdate=5 September 2016|date=16 December 2015}}</ref> have cited him as a musical influence.


On April 23, Tesfaye released a remix of "]" with Ariana Grande, marking their third collaboration.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=April 23, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Drops 'Save Your Tears' Remix With Ariana Grande: Stream It Now |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-save-your-tears-remix-stream-9561503/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215181340/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-save-your-tears-remix-stream-9561503/ |archive-date=December 15, 2022 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> The remix launched the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated May 8, 2021, becoming both artists' sixth number one hit.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blanchet |first=Brenton |title=The Weeknd and Ariana Grande Score No. 1 Hit for "Save Your Tears" |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/b-blanchet/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-no-1-hit-save-your-tears |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107111437/https://www.complex.com/music/a/b-blanchet/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-no-1-hit-save-your-tears |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=Complex |language=en-us}}</ref> He later began to tease new music in the same month. When asked about a new album during an interview with '']'', he explained that "if the last record is the ''After Hours'' of the night, then ''The Dawn'' is coming".<ref>{{cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=May 4, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Drops Hints About 'Beautiful' New Music: 'The Dawn Is Coming' |url=https://www.variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-hints-new-music-the-dawn-1234965810/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214620/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-hints-new-music-the-dawn-1234965810/ |archive-date=June 2, 2021 |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=]}}</ref> On May 11, Tesfaye performed "Save Your Tears" at the ]. He also accepted his first Brit Award for ], which was presented to him by former ] ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=May 11, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Brings Rainy 'Save Your Tears' to 2021 Brit Awards: Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9570807/the-weeknd-save-your-tears-brit-awards/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210622233536/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9570807/the-weeknd-save-your-tears-brit-awards/ |archive-date=June 22, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |magazine=Billboard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |date=May 11, 2021 |title=Brit awards 2021: the ceremony as it happened, with Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and more |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2021/may/11/brit-awards-2021-follow-it-live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629124919/https://www.theguardian.com/music/live/2021/may/11/brit-awards-2021-follow-it-live |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |access-date=June 30, 2021 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> On May 24, Tesfaye performed "Save Your Tears" at the ]. He was nominated for a record sixteen awards, and won ten, including ] and ]. When accepting his awards, Tesfaye continued to tease new music by saying "the ''After Hours'' are done, and ''The Dawn'' is coming".<ref name="Cryptic">{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Ashish |date=May 28, 2021 |title=Is The Weeknd dropping an album? Fans say 'dawn is coming' after cryptic post |url=https://meaww.com/amp/the-weeknd-announce-new-album-the-dawn-is-coming-new-tweet-latest-new-billboard-awards-after-hours |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161004/https://meaww.com/the-weeknd-announce-new-album-the-dawn-is-coming-new-tweet-latest-new-billboard-awards-after-hours |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |access-date=June 1, 2021 |work=Meaww.com}}</ref> On May 28, he performed the remix of "Save Your Tears" at the ] with Ariana Grande. On June 25, Tesfaye appeared on ]'s single "]" from her third studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Park |first=Sabrina |date=June 25, 2021 |title=Doja Cat and The Weeknd Take Us to Another Universe in Their "You Right" Music Video |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a36843818/doja-cat-you-right-the-weeknd-video-lyrics/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211009141039/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/culture/art-books-music/a36843818/doja-cat-you-right-the-weeknd-video-lyrics/ |archive-date=October 9, 2021 |access-date=September 29, 2021 |magazine=Harper's BAZAAR |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 22, he appeared on Belly's single "]" with ] from his third studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belly Enlists The Weeknd, Young Thug For 'Better Believe' |url=https://915thebeat.com/news/8052089/belly-enlists-the-weeknd-young-thug-for-better-believe/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803203646/https://915thebeat.com/news/8052089/belly-enlists-the-weeknd-young-thug-for-better-believe/ |archive-date=August 3, 2021 |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=91.5 The Beat |language=en}}</ref>
== Awards and nominations ==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by The Weeknd}}
The Weeknd has won two ]s, eight ]s, two ]s, nine ]s,<ref name=":1"/> and has been nominated for one ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/artist/the-weeknd|title=The Weeknd|publisher=The Recording Academy|accessdate=3 March 2016}}</ref>


===2021–2023: ''Dawn FM''===
== Business ventures ==
]
In November 2015, to further promote his album '']'' during the "]" Tour, The Weeknd collaborated with PAX Labs to release a limited edition version of the PAX 2 vaporizer.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Keating|first1=Lauren|title=The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke|url=http://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm|website=Tech Times|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> PAX was also an official sponsor for the "Madness" tour, which included presenting special backstage VIP activations.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Banning|first1=Tristan|title=PAX LABS X THE WEEKND PRESENTS THE MADNESS TOUR LIMITED EDITION PAX 2|url=http://sidewalkhustle.com/pax-labs-x-the-weeknd-presents-the-madness-tour-limited-edition-pax-2/|website=Sidewalk Hustle|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> The limited edition vaporizer featured The Weeknd's "xo" brand on the front, and plays "]" when turned on.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE WEEKND GETS LIMITED VERSION OF PAX 2 VAPORIZER|url=http://porhomme.com/2015/11/the-weeknd-gets-limited-version-of-pax-2-vaporizer/|website=Por Homme|publisher=Pausr Media LLC|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> The original PAX 2 was priced $279.99, while the "Madness" Tour Limited Edition cost $324.99.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Miragliotta|first1=Joe|title=PAX 2 is a Refined and Durable Vaporizer Unlike Any Other|url=http://www.joesdaily.com/gear/pax-2-is-a-refined-and-durable-vaporizer-unlike-any-other/|website=Joe's Daily|publisher=GQ|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref>
On August 2, 2021, Tesfaye released a snippet of new music on social media.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9608939/the-weeknd-the-dawn-is-coming-new-music|title=The Weeknd Previews New Era With 'The Dawn Is Coming' Teaser: Watch|last=Lynch|first=Joe|magazine=]|date=August 2, 2021|access-date=August 2, 2021|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802131336/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9608939/the-weeknd-the-dawn-is-coming-new-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> He appeared on the cover of the September 2021 issue of '']'', marking the magazine's first global publication.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 2, 2021|title=Announcing the Worldwide Era of GQ|url=https://www.gq.com/story/editors-letter-september-2021|access-date=August 2, 2021|website=GQ|language=en-US|archive-date=August 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802111546/https://www.gq.com/story/editors-letter-september-2021|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=August 2, 2021|title=The Weeknd vs. Abel Tesfaye|url=https://www.gq.com/story/the-weeknd-september-cover-interview|access-date=August 2, 2021|website=GQ|language=en-US|archive-date=March 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301172754/https://www.gq.com/story/the-weeknd-september-cover-interview|url-status=live}}</ref> Then, in a collaboration with ] and the ], Tesfaye announced his single "]", which was released on August 6.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hussey|first=Allison|date=August 2, 2021|title=The Weeknd Releasing New Song "Take My Breath" This Friday: Watch Preview|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-shares-preview-of-new-song-listen/|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Pitchfork|language=en-US|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209102300/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-shares-preview-of-new-song-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sinha|first=Charu|date=August 3, 2021|title=The Weeknd Announces New Single, 'Take My Breath'|url=https://www.vulture.com/2021/08/listen-the-weeknd-announces-new-single-take-my-breath.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Vulture|language=en-us|archive-date=August 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210803050044/https://www.vulture.com/2021/08/listen-the-weeknd-announces-new-single-take-my-breath.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that month, he appeared on ]'s tenth studio album '']'' on the track "]", which won ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Every Song on Kanye West's 'Donda' Album, Ranked: Critic's Pick|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9611383/kanye-west-donda-album-songs-ranked|access-date=September 2, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=August 29, 2021|language=en|archive-date=August 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210830002338/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9611383/kanye-west-donda-album-songs-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref>


On October 4, 2021, during an episode of ''Memento Mori'', Tesfaye revealed that his fifth studio album was complete and that he was waiting on a "couple characters that are key to the narrative."<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Heran|last=Mamo|title=The Weeknd Says His Next Album Is 'Complete'|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9640546/the-weeknd-new-album-complete/|date=October 5, 2021|access-date=October 5, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161112/https://mb.moatads.com/n.js?e=35&ol=616457646&qn=%604%7BZEYwoqI%24%5BK%2BdLLU)%2CMm~tR%23e.%5BMhS%3A15.snxNz3%2B1bmlLntoDUj%7B!%3CFeid%5BOV%7C%2B2x%3D(%3Ce7%25%7DSlx%3Am4%2C..8WLdA1%3BxTiWio8bYLaXBjA%3AmQ)%3CF!tAbjrzJ%3BgoVYGVxc%40lQQV%23tc3%2Fh%7C%3FVKV%3BaBgS%3F%2BWx%3Ba5%2F%5BGI%3F4YtmN%3Dn%3Cy)j%3BG%24%7D%23%2F8YCC2J.bq!CASw%5EXm0okt%24b_o%3FtVD%5D%5BpN%7CQF%40Sy7%7B%2CNr1U*%26ujMUU8fvb%26%22B&tf=1_nMzjG---CSa7H-nHVQZC-bW7qhB-LRwqH-nMzjG-&vi=111111&rc=0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C1%2C0%2C0%2Cprobably%2Cprobably&rb=1-u0LprlteFlxSeIKWBFuET31Epk3Oj90BFaPgx%2FCwrOl2tvnQIIWF3cA%2B&rs=1-VkX1JxJzs6uFgA%3D%3D&sc=1&os=1-kw%3D%3D&qp=00000&is=BBBBB2BBEYBvGl2BBCBBtUTBBRmsqbKW8BsrBu0rCFE48CRBeeBS2hWTMBBQeQBBn2soYggyUig0CBlWZ0uBBCCCCCCOgRBBiOfnE6Bkg7OxCb8MxOtJYHCBdm5kBhBBC9Y8oBXckXBR76iUUsJBCBBBBBBBBBWBSqj3BBBZeGV2BBBCMciUBBBjgEBBBBBB94UMgTdJMtEcpMBBBQBBBniOccBBBBBB47kNBBBBBBBBBBBBBhcjG6BBJM2L4Bk8BwCBQmIoRBBCzBz1BBCTClBBrbGBC4ehueB57NG9aJeRzBqEKiuwBBBB&iv=8&qt=0&gz=0&hh=0&hn=0&tw=%40Dmfv)6YAS&qc=0&qd=0&qf=1400&qe=900&qh=1400&qg=900&qm=0&qa=1400&qb=900&qi=1400&qj=900&to=000&po=1-0020002000002120&vy=ot%24b%5Bh%40%22oDgO%3DLlE6%3AYnIBMwqCf%5D)4%5Dz%2C%5B%26u9L%2F%2F%24b4%5DIAIbzbld%7Dt00%7Ca_BB%3FVxyEO%22zf4%5D%24cr16Zh5YigBghs%7ClTr1W*d%5B4kf%2FLyUoRdByZ%3C99Ks(I%7DY(T0c%7BDQ3MY.NjDby7p%26C&ql=&qo=0&qr=0&i=TRAVELAUDIENCE_DISPLAY1&hp=1&wf=1&ra=1&pxm=7&sgs=3&vb=7&kq=1&hq=0&hs=0&hu=0&hr=0&ht=0&dnt=0&bq=0&f=0&j=&t=1698595871669&de=682657930032&m=0&ar=0c7a73c5c3d-clean&iw=eaa0026&q=2&cb=0&ym=0&cu=1698595871669&ll=2&lm=0&ln=1&r=0&em=0&en=0&d=30000487%3A50005204%3A60023909%3A70014673&zMoatSSP=0&zMoatDeal=-1&zMoatSubdomain=billboard.com&zMoatIMPID=zvviOiY1MqIa1x_z2D58CsvyY5NtEk-ol_fF1w&zMoatGSR=1&ph=&pj=standard&zGSRC=1&gu=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.billboard.com%2Fmusic%2Fpop%2Fthe-weeknd-new-album-complete-9640546%2F&id=1&ii=4&bo=832aeb183ab3408baf361e325c1e760c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com&bd=300x250&zMoatOrigSlicer1=832aeb183ab3408baf361e325c1e760c.safeframe.googlesyndication.com&zMoatOrigSlicer2=300x250&zMoatDomain=billboard.com&gw=travel198849194933&fd=1&it=500&ti=0&ih=2&pe=1%3A1182%3A1182%3A0%3A1397&jk=-1&jm=-1&fs=205668&na=1883493068&cs=0&ord=1698595871669&jv=1043408664&callback=DOMlessLLDcallback_99927131|url-status=live}}</ref> On October 18, Tesfaye announced that his upcoming tour, originally titled the After Hours Tour, would be held entirely in stadiums due to arena constraints and was scheduled to commence in July 2022.<ref>{{Cite magazine|first=Daniel|last=Kreps|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-after-hours-til-dawn-north-american-stadium-tour-1315843/|title=The Weeknd Sets 'After Hours Til Dawn' North American Stadium Tour|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=March 3, 2022|access-date=April 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303155331/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-after-hours-til-dawn-north-american-stadium-tour-1315843/|archive-date=March 3, 2022|url-status=live}}</ref> The tour was renamed as the ], and would incorporate elements from his fourth and fifth studio albums.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=October 18, 2021|title=The Weeknd Moves Tour Dates to Summer 2022|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-after-hours-tour-dates-to-summer-2022-1235091675/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=October 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211018154928/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-after-hours-tour-dates-to-summer-2022-1235091675/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd Announces 'After Hours Til Dawn' Stadium Tour|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2021/10/18/the-weeknd-after-hours-til-dawn-stadium-tour/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=Rap-Up|language=en-US|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024153636/https://www.rap-up.com/2021/10/18/the-weeknd-after-hours-til-dawn-stadium-tour/|url-status=live}}</ref>
PAX Labs chief marketing officer Richard Mumby stated "Music and fashion have always been a natural fit for Pax...This was the perfect opportunity to bring together The Weeknd's style with our technology."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Cox|first1=Jamieson|title=The Weeknd is teaming up with Pax Labs to create the ultimate fashion vape|url=http://www.theverge.com/2015/11/4/9663712/the-weekend-pax-labs-vaporizer-limited-edition|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref>


On October 22, 2021, Tesfaye appeared on ]'s single "]" from their debut studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=October 22, 2021|title=The Weeknd and Swedish House Mafia Team Up for Smoldering New Single, 'Moth to a Flame'|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/weeknd-swedish-house-mafia-new-single-moth-to-a-flame-1235095476/|access-date=October 24, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024141826/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/weeknd-swedish-house-mafia-new-single-moth-to-a-flame-1235095476/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 5, he appeared on ]'s single "]" from his fourth studio album ''Twelve Carat Toothache''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 3, 2021|title=Listen to a snippet of Post Malone and The Weeknd's new collaboration 'One Right Now'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/post-malone-the-weeknd-collaboration-one-right-now-3085963|access-date=November 4, 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111214321/https://www.nme.com/news/music/post-malone-the-weeknd-collaboration-one-right-now-3085963|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Weeknd & Post Malone Tease First-Ever Collaboration: Listen|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9654735/the-weeknd-post-malone-song-tease/|access-date=November 4, 2021|magazine=Billboard|date=November 3, 2021|language=en|archive-date=November 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111214345/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9654735/the-weeknd-post-malone-song-tease/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 11, he was featured on ]'s single "]" from her third studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Rosalía and the Weeknd share trailer for new track "La Fama"|url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/11/08/rosala-and-the-weeknd-share-trailer-for-new-track-la-fama|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=The FADER|language=en|archive-date=November 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108232158/https://www.thefader.com/2021/11/08/rosala-and-the-weeknd-share-trailer-for-new-track-la-fama|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sport|date=November 8, 2021|title=Rosalía - La Fama: Así es la primera canción del nuevo disco de Rosalía junto a 'The Weeknd'|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/cultura/fama-sera-primera-cancion-nuevo-12794023|access-date=November 9, 2021|website=sport|language=es|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161007/https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/cultura/fama-sera-primera-cancion-nuevo-12794023|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 16, Tesfaye was featured on ]' single "]" from her debut mixtape '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=December 13, 2021|title=FKA twigs teases new The Weeknd collaboration 'Tears In The Club'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/fka-twigs-teases-new-the-weeknd-collaboration-tears-in-the-club-3117604|access-date=December 14, 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161025/https://www.nme.com/news/music/fka-twigs-teases-new-the-weeknd-collaboration-tears-in-the-club-3117604|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Sisavat|first=Monica|date=December 14, 2021|title=FKA Twigs Teases a Collab With The Weeknd, and It Sounds Like a Total Banger|url=https://www.popsugar.com/node/48649449|access-date=December 14, 2021|website=POPSUGAR Entertainment|language=en-US|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029160626/https://www.instagram.com/p/CVLDiXlqZa1/embed/captioned/?cr=1&v=14&wp=658&rd=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.popsugar.com&rp=%2Fbeauty%2Fhush-cut-49287201|url-status=live}}</ref> The next day, on December 17, he was featured on ]'s single "]" from her posthumous album '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=December 14, 2021|title=The Weeknd Follows Drake & Chris Brown By Landing Posthumous Aaliyah Collaboration|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.66511/title.the-weeknd-follows-drake-chris-brown-by-landing-posthumous-aaliyah-collaboration|access-date=December 15, 2021|website=HipHopDX|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161008/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.66511/title.the-weeknd-follows-drake-chris-brown-by-landing-posthumous-aaliyah-collaboration|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=December 14, 2021|title=Aaliyah's Posthumous Song With The Weeknd "Poison" Coming Soon: Report|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/aaliyahs-posthumous-song-with-the-weeknd-poison-coming-soon-report-news.144584.html|access-date=December 15, 2021|website=HotNewHipHop|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161015/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/387689-aaliyahs-posthumous-song-with-the-weeknd-poison-coming-soon-report-news|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2016, The Weeknd announced a partnership with ], signing on to the company as the new Global Brand ambassador, and will represent the "Run the Streets" campaign. Puma released an official statement saying "His laidback, streetwise style and swagger make him the right fit to headline PUMA's latest Sportstyle campaign, 'Run The Streets' which launches in November".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mench|first1=Chris|title=The Weeknd Partners With Puma as New Creative Collaborator and Ambassador|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2016/09/the-weeknd-partners-puma-creative-collaborator-ambassador|website=Complex|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> The Weeknd will also star in ]'s Spring 2017 campaign, which would feature new collaborative pieces developed with the Weeknd’s XO brand. The menswear collection will be called "Spring Icons Selected by The Weeknd" and was released on 2 March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE WEEKND TEAMS WITH H&M ON CURATED MEN’S COLLECTION|url=http://www2.hm.com/en_cn/life/culture/inside-h-m/the-weeknd-teams-with-h-m-on-curated-mens-collection.html|website=H&M|publisher=Hennes & Mauritz}}</ref>

Tesfaye released his fifth studio album '']'' on January 7, 2022.<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Nina|last1=Corcoran|first2=Jazz|last2=Monroe|date=January 3, 2022|title=The Weeknd Releasing New Album Dawn FM This Week|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-releasing-new-album-dawn-fm-this-week/|access-date=January 3, 2022|website=Pitchfork|language=en-US|archive-date=January 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220103142639/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-releasing-new-album-dawn-fm-this-week/|url-status=live}}</ref> Upon release, the album debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200 with 148,000 units, marking Tesfaye's eighth top ten entry and his second non-consecutive album to debut at number two.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=January 18, 2022|title=Gunna Scores Second No. 1 Album on Billboard 200 Chart With 'DS4Ever'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/gunna-tops-billboard-200-chart-ds4ever-1235019775/|access-date=January 19, 2022|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118172202/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/gunna-tops-billboard-200-chart-ds4ever-1235019775/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Gunna's 'DS4EVER' Scores the No. 1 Spot on the Billboard 200 as The Weeknd's 'Dawn FM' Debuts at No. 2|url=https://www.complex.com/music/gunna-ds4ever-first-week-sales|access-date=January 19, 2022|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118223756/https://www.complex.com/music/gunna-ds4ever-first-week-sales|url-status=live}}</ref> He also broke the record for the most simultaneous entries for a male soloist on the ], with twenty-four songs on the chart.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd Breaks Billboard Global 200 Record With 'Dawn FM'|url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-breaks-global-200-chart-record-with-dawn-fm|access-date=January 20, 2022|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161509/https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/the-weeknd-breaks-global-200-chart-record-with-dawn-fm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Unterberger|first=Andrew|date=January 19, 2022|title=The Weeknd's New 'Dawn FM' Tops Charts Around The World, Showing His 'Undeniable Global Appeal'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-weeknds-dawn-fm-top-charts-world-1235020035/|access-date=January 20, 2022|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=January 20, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120033009/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/the-weeknds-dawn-fm-top-charts-world-1235020035/|url-status=live}}</ref> In addition to "Take My Breath", ''Dawn FM'' was supported by the singles "]" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch The Weeknd's New Video for "Sacrifice" |url=https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-sacrifice-video |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=Complex |language=en |archive-date=January 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108030952/https://www.complex.com/music/the-weeknd-sacrifice-video |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Daniela|last=Avila|url=https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-drops-out-of-time-music-video-featuring-jim-carrey/|title=The Weeknd Drops a Creepy, Karaoke-Singing 'Out of Time' Music Video — and It Features Jim Carrey!|website=People|date=April 5, 2022|access-date=April 19, 2022|language=en-US|archive-date=October 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161515/https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-drops-out-of-time-music-video-featuring-jim-carrey/|url-status=live}}</ref> February 26, Tesfaye premiered ''The Dawn FM Experience'', a television music special in partnership with ].<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Kreps |first=Daniel |date=February 21, 2022 |title=The Weeknd to Premiere 'Dawn FM Experience' Special This Weekend |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-dawn-fm-experience-special-prime-video-1310313/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=February 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223165719/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-dawn-fm-experience-special-prime-video-1310313/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

].]]
On March 20, the Weeknd played in an episode of the cartoon '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=March 21, 2022 |title=Watch The Weeknd appear in new episode of 'The Simpsons' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-the-weeknd-appear-in-new-episode-of-the-simpsons-3186557 |access-date=April 22, 2023 |work=NME |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161517/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-the-weeknd-appear-in-new-episode-of-the-simpsons-3186557 |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 18, he headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the second time, performing alongside Swedish House Mafia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=April 18, 2022 |title=The Weeknd Closes Out Coachella With Hit-Filled, Tag-Team Set With Swedish House Mafia |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/the-weeknd-coachella-swedish-house-mafia-1235234529/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029161519/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/the-weeknd-coachella-swedish-house-mafia-1235234529/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2022 |title=Coachella 2022: The Weeknd covers Kanye, Drake as part of hits-filled headlining set |url=https://consequence.net/2022/04/coachella-2022-the-weeknd-kanye-drake-setlist/ |access-date=April 20, 2022 |website=Consequence |language=en-US |archive-date=April 20, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420032453/https://consequence.net/2022/04/coachella-2022-the-weeknd-kanye-drake-setlist/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 26, 2022, the Weeknd announced that he would host a ] at ] and ], as part of ] hosted every Halloween.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=July 26, 2022 |title=The Weeknd Brings 'After Hours' to Universal Studios' Halloween Horror Nights |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-after-hours-nightmare-halloween-horror-nights-1388229/ |access-date=August 26, 2022 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=August 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826152429/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-after-hours-nightmare-halloween-horror-nights-1388229/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye appeared on the song "]" from Metro Boomin's album, '']'', on December 2, 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Brodsky|first=Rachel|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2207303/stream-metro-boomins-new-album-heroes-villains-feat-the-weeknd-travis-scott-young-thug-more/music/|title=Stream Metro Boomin's New Album Heroes & Villains Feat. The Weeknd, Travis Scott, Young Thug, & More|magazine=Stereogum|date=December 2, 2022|access-date=April 6, 2024|archive-date=January 14, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240114205921/https://www.stereogum.com/2207303/stream-metro-boomins-new-album-heroes-villains-feat-the-weeknd-travis-scott-young-thug-more/music/|url-status=live}}</ref> His song "]," made for the film ]{{'}}s official soundtrack, was released on December 16, 2022.

On February 24, 2023, following months-long renewed interest in and virality of the Weeknd's 2016 song "Die for You," which began charting in 2022 and reached a new peak of 6 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 6 years after its release, ] of the song featuring Ariana Grande was released. The remix marked their fourth collaboration.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=February 24, 2023 |title=The Weeknd Enlists Ariana Grande for New "Die for You (Remix)" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-enlists-ariana-grande-for-new-die-for-you-remix-listen/ |access-date=February 27, 2023 |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=August 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819222159/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-enlists-ariana-grande-for-new-die-for-you-remix-listen/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=February 6, 2023 |title=Miley Cyrus' 'Flowers' Tops Billboard Hot 100 for Third Week, Lil Uzi Vert's 'Just Wanna Rock' Hits Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-lil-uzi-vert-just-wanna-rock-hot-100-top-10-1235213867/ |access-date=February 27, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207064022/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/miley-cyrus-flowers-lil-uzi-vert-just-wanna-rock-hot-100-top-10-1235213867/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 issue dated March 11, 2023, the remix reached the top of the chart, becoming both artists' seventh number one hit.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=March 6, 2023 |title=The Weeknd & Ariana Grande's 'Die for You' Leaps to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-die-for-you-number-one-billboard-hot-100-1235280422/ |access-date=March 7, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=March 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230306180602/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/the-weeknd-ariana-grande-die-for-you-number-one-billboard-hot-100-1235280422/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 27, 2023, in the wake of the remix's success, the Weeknd became the first artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Rowley |first=Glenn |date=February 27, 2023 |title=The Weeknd Becomes First Artist to Hit This Spotify Milestone |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-spotify-100-million-monthly-listeners-1235263328/ |access-date=February 28, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228015429/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-spotify-100-million-monthly-listeners-1235263328/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On March 3, 2023, the Weeknd released his first live album, titled ''].''<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-weeknd-first-live-album-live-at-sofi-stadium-1235279121/|title=The Weeknd Drops First Live Album, 'Live at SoFi Stadium'|first=Gil|last=Kaufman|magazine=Billboard|date=March 3, 2023|accessdate=March 3, 2023|archive-date=March 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230310143734/https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/the-weeknd-first-live-album-live-at-sofi-stadium-1235279121/|url-status=live}}</ref> It featured recordings from his HBO concert film of the same name, showcasing the last concert of the North American leg of his ] at ]. He subsequently featured on four songs — "Artificial Intelligence," "Defame Moi," "More Coke!!," and "Emotionless" — from ]'s album '']'', released on April 29, 2023. In May 2023, the Weeknd stated that he was intending to retire the moniker of "the Weeknd" in favor of performing under his birth name, or adopting a new pseudonym altogether. He explained that his upcoming album would most likely serve as his "final hurrah" under the name.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-weeknd-doesnt-want-to-be-the-weeknd-anymore |title=The Weeknd Doesn't Want to Be The Weeknd Anymore |last=Holmes |first=Helen |website=The Daily Beast |date=May 8, 2023 |publisher=The Daily Beast Company LLC |access-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-date=May 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230508200344/https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-weeknd-doesnt-want-to-be-the-weeknd-anymore |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 2023–present: ''The Idol'' and ''Hurry Up Tomorrow'' ===
The Weeknd co-created the ] drama series '']'' with ], and stars in the show alongside ]. The series premiered at the ] out of competition, where it received significant controversy for its graphic depiction of onscreen nudity and sexual content. The series debuted to widespread negative reviews from critics. '']'' stated that the series confirms the allegations that "Instead of subtly skewering the misogynistic and predatory nature of the business, ''The Idol'' became a forbidden love story — the stuff of a toxic man's fantasy", and called it "regressive rather than transgressive".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-idol-review-lily-rose-depp-and-the-weeknd-in-an-hbo-series-thats-more-regressive-than-transgressive-1235497665/|title= 'The Idol' Review: Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd in an HBO Series That's More Regressive Than Transgressive|website= ]|date= May 23, 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= May 23, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230523014216/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/the-idol-review-lily-rose-depp-and-the-weeknd-in-an-hbo-series-thats-more-regressive-than-transgressive-1235497665/|url-status= live}}</ref> He received negative reviews for his acting, with critic Robert Daniels of ''The Playlist'' writing, "Tesfaye is also a terrible actor. He lacks the comfortability, the gravitas, charisma, and charm to increase the viability of Jocelyn being attracted to him. In most scenes, Tesfaye either hides under the cover of dim lighting, obtrusive coverage, or re-recorded dialogue dubbed into several scenes."<ref>{{cite web|url= https://theplaylist.net/the-idol-review-sam-levinsons-crude-provocation-with-the-weeknd-lily-rose-depp-is-gross-sexist-cannes-20230523/|title= 'The Idol' Review: Sam Levinson's Crude Provocation With The Weeknd & Lily-Rose Depp Is Gross & Sexist |website= The Playlist|date= May 23, 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= June 19, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230619064317/https://theplaylist.net/the-idol-review-sam-levinsons-crude-provocation-with-the-weeknd-lily-rose-depp-is-gross-sexist-cannes-20230523/|url-status= live}}</ref> On August 28, 2023, HBO announced it had cancelled ''The Idol'' after one season.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Campione |first=Katie |date=August 28, 2023 |title='The Idol' Canceled At HBO After One Season |url=https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-idol-canceled-at-hbo-after-one-season-1235429399/ |access-date=August 29, 2023 |website=Deadline |language=en-US |archive-date=August 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829042346/https://deadline.com/2023/08/the-idol-canceled-at-hbo-after-one-season-1235429399/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On June 8, 2023, the Weeknd announced a series of ]s featuring ]. Originally intended as a ], each EP was released following the premiere of each episode of the show, which featured collaborations with ], ], ], ], ], and ] from the South Korean girl group ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Galindo |first1=Thomas |title=The Weeknd Announces Soundtrack for Upcoming HBO Series 'The Idol' |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-weeknd-announces-soundtrack-for-upcoming-hbo-series-the-idol/ |website=American Songwriter |date=April 12, 2023 |access-date=June 12, 2023 |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518045900/https://americansongwriter.com/the-weeknd-announces-soundtrack-for-upcoming-hbo-series-the-idol/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in June he received an invitation from ] to become a member.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=June 28, 2023 |title=Movie Academy Invites Nearly 400 New Members Including Taylor Swift, Ke Huy Quan, The Daniels & Austin Butler |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/oscars-academy-membership-invites-2023-list-1235426384/ |access-date=June 28, 2023 |website=Deadline |archive-date=September 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913115533/https://deadline.com/2023/06/oscars-academy-membership-invites-2023-list-1235426384/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On July 21, Tesfaye appeared on Travis Scott's lead single "]" from his fourth studio album ],<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Madarang |first=Charisma |date=July 21, 2023 |title=Travis Scott Releases 'K-POP,' Recruits The Weeknd and Bad Bunny |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/travis-scott-k-pop-the-weeknd-bad-bunny-song-1234792160/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208190115/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/travis-scott-k-pop-the-weeknd-bad-bunny-song-1234792160/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and later appeared on another track on Scott's album, "]". Tesfaye appeared on ]'s single "]" on September 15, which he called his "final feature",<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=September 15, 2023 |title=Diddy Busts Out 'In the Air Tonight' Sample for the Weeknd's Final Feature on 'Another One of Me' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/diddy-another-one-of-me-final-weeknd-feature-1234825947/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=December 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231208190115/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/diddy-another-one-of-me-final-weeknd-feature-1234825947/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=August 11, 2023 |title=The Weeknd Says He's Done With Features — Unless This Group Gets Back Together |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-final-feature-unless-daft-punk-reunites-1235390268/ |access-date=November 26, 2023 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=November 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127001545/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-final-feature-unless-daft-punk-reunites-1235390268/ |url-status=live }}</ref> despite releasing multiple collaborations with ] and ] in 2024.

On December 2, 2023, ] announced that the Weeknd would be featured as the headlining artist for its ] gamemode and outfits of him would become available to play with on December 9. His outfits have three different variants of himself; the red suit seen throughout the promotional material for ''After Hours'', the outfit from his 2022 Coachella performance, and two of the costumes that he was seen wearing during the After Hours til Dawn Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2023 |title=Fortnite Festival Season 1: Opening Night Features The Weeknd! |url=https://www.fortnite.com/news/fortnite-festival-season-1-opening-night-features-the-weeknd?lang=en-US |access-date=March 2, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302195944/https://www.fortnite.com/news/fortnite-festival-season-1-opening-night-features-the-weeknd?lang=en-US |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tesfaye first teased news of a follow-up album to '']'' in 2022, telling his fans: " wonder... did you know you're experiencing a new trilogy?" via ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 10, 2022 |title=The Weeknd: 'Did You Know You're Experiencing a New Trilogy?' |website=] |url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/the-weeknd-did-you-know-youre-experiencing-a-new-trilogy |access-date=March 2, 2024 |language=en-US |archive-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302200914/https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/the-weeknd-did-you-know-youre-experiencing-a-new-trilogy |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 8, 2024, he further teased an upcoming album, posting pictures of his last two albums and a question mark on his social media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=January 8, 2024 |title=3️⃣ |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/C10UBfGPQpj/ |access-date=March 2, 2024 |archive-date=January 22, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122144012/https://www.instagram.com/p/C10UBfGPQpj/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 22, 2024, he appeared on the track "]" from Future and ]'s collaborative album, '']'' as well as several tracks on Future and Metro Boomin's '']'' album.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Horvath|first=Zachary|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/779893-young-metro-music-video-future-metro-boomin-the-weeknd-hip-hop-news|title=Future, Metro Boomin, & The Weeknd Reunite Once Again For "Young Metro" Music Video|magazine=HotNewHipHop|date=March 25, 2024|access-date=April 7, 2024|archive-date=April 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406155720/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/779893-young-metro-music-video-future-metro-boomin-the-weeknd-hip-hop-news|url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 17, 2024, Tesfaye announced a one-night show in São Paulo, Brazil, set to take place on September 7, 2024.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bloom|first=Madison|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-one-night-only-stadium-concert-in-sao-paulo/|title=The Weeknd Announces One-Night Only Stadium Concert in São Paulo|website=Pitchfork|date=July 17, 2024|access-date=July 17, 2024}}</ref> He announced the title of his upcoming sixth album, '']'', three days prior to the concert.<ref>{{Cite x |number=1831324908510470596 |user=theweeknd |title=ALBUM TITLE |first=Abel |last=Tesfaye |date=September 4, 2024 |access-date=September 4, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=September 4, 2024 |title=The Weeknd Reveals Title, New Details About Next Album |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/the-weeknd-reveals-title-new-details-album-hurry-up-tomorrow-1236129931/ |access-date=September 4, 2024 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Artistry==

=== Influences ===
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| footer = Tesfaye cites ], ], and ] as his main musical inspirations.
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Tesfaye cites ], ], and ] as his main musical inspirations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Scott |first=Damien |title=The Weeknd: Kiss And Tell (2013 Cover Story) |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614024520/http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |date=July 15, 2013 |website=]}}</ref> He has attributed Jackson's music as key in spurring him to be a singer, referencing the lyrics to "]" as an example.<ref name="Fantasy3"/> His high-flying vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singers such as ].<ref name="Fantasy3"/> He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Randall |title=Review: Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd, has hall smoldering |work=] |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2012-dec-17-la-et-ms-weeknd-review-20121217-story.html |url-status=live |date=December 17, 2012 | url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223950/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/la-xpm-2012-dec-17-la-et-ms-weeknd-review-20121217-story.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> Tesfaye is heavily influenced by ], and credits the video game '']'' (2002) for "opening my eyes" to the music of that era.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 24, 2021|title=The Weeknd: 'Grand Theft Auto: Vice City' "opened my eyes to '80s music"|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-80s-music-3103875|access-date=February 16, 2022|website=NME|language=en-GB|archive-date=February 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220216043000/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-grand-theft-auto-vice-city-80s-music-3103875|url-status=live}}</ref> "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born", he said in an interview for '']''. "You can hear it as far back as my first mixtape that the '80s – ], ] – play such a huge role in my sound."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=April 1, 2020 |title=The Weeknd on Being the First Artist to Top These 5 Charts At Once: 'It Feels Like a Huge Blessing' (Exclusive) |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive/ |access-date=May 18, 2021 |archive-date=May 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210529115936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Tesfaye has named ] as one of his influences during the making of '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref name="Metal Sucks genres">{{Cite web|date=August 22, 2021|title=The Weeknd Says Deftones Inspired His Music|url=https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/08/22/the-weeknd-says-deftones-inspired-his-music/|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=MetalSucks|language=en|archive-date=January 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107183847/https://www.metalsucks.net/2021/08/22/the-weeknd-says-deftones-inspired-his-music/|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also cited ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mistry|first=Anupa|date=August 31, 2015|title=The Dark Knight Returns: A Conversation With the Weeknd|url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9711-the-dark-knight-returns-a-conversation-with-the-weeknd/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223955/https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9711-the-dark-knight-returns-a-conversation-with-the-weeknd/?page=1|archive-date=January 7, 2021|website=]}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Reed|first=Ryan|date=November 2, 2016|title=The Weeknd Talks David Bowie, Prince Influences on New Album|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-talks-david-bowie-prince-influences-on-new-album-w448191|url-status=live|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223944/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-talks-david-bowie-prince-influences-on-new-album-122216/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> ], ], ], ],<ref name="bruce">{{Cite web|last=Slingerland|first=Calum|date=February 6, 2016|title=The Weeknd's New Album Is Inspired by Bad Brains, Talking Heads and the Smiths|url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_weeknds_new_album_is_inspired_by_bad_brains_talking_heads_and_the_smiths|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225173258/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_weeknds_new_album_is_inspired_by_bad_brains_talking_heads_and_the_smiths|archive-date=February 25, 2021|website=]}}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|last=Schwadron|first=Eli|date=December 14, 2016|title=50 Cent and Wu-Tang Are Influences on The Weeknd's New 'Starboy' Album Read More: 50 Cent, Wu-Tang Are Influences on The Weeknd's New 'Starboy' Album|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/50-cent-wu-tang-influenced-the-weeknds-starboy-album/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325061023/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/50-cent-wu-tang-influenced-the-weeknds-starboy-album/|archive-date=March 25, 2017|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Exposito|first1=Suzy|last2=Harris|first2=Keith|last3=Mistry|first3=Anupa|last4=Murray|first4=Nick|last5=Spanos|first5=Brittany|date=October 21, 2015|title=12 Great Songs That Wouldn't Exist Without the Weeknd|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/12-great-songs-that-wouldnt-exist-without-the-weeknd-20151021/drake-hold-on-were-going-home-2013-20151021|url-status=live|magazine=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223941/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/12-great-songs-that-wouldnt-exist-without-the-weeknd-160938/drake-hold-on-were-going-home-2013-154472/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> and ] as influences and inspirations.<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0b6RGdLqTM|title=The Weeknd Says Eminem Crashed Jay Z on 'Renegade,' Talks "The Hills" Remix|date=November 25, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0b6RGdLqTM|archive-date=January 7, 2021|url-status=live|work=Southpawer|via=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 25, 2016|title=The Weeknd Says Eminem Destroyed 'The Hills' Remix and Jay Z on 'Renegade'|url=http://www.southpawer.com/2016/11/25/the-weeknd-eminem-jay-z-renegade-the-hills-interview/|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218123555/http://www.southpawer.com/2016/11/25/the-weeknd-eminem-jay-z-renegade-the-hills-interview/|archive-date=February 18, 2019|website=Southpawer}}</ref> When ] announced their split in 2021, Tesfaye praised them during an interview with '']'', saying: "Those guys are one of the reasons I make music, so I can't even compare them to other people..."<ref>{{Cite news|date=February 23, 2021|title=The Weeknd Recalls Working With Daft Punk: 'They're One of the Reasons I Make Music'|newspaper=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-daft-punk-starboy-1234913297/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226001913/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-daft-punk-starboy-1234913297/|archive-date=February 26, 2021 |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem }}</ref>

=== Production and songwriting ===
Tesfaye's songs are "built around a fogged, ] production",<ref name="Hoby">{{Cite news |last=Hoby |first=Hermione |title=The Weeknd: Sounds and sensibility |work=] | author-link=Hermione Hoby |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |url-status=live |date=November 8, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002143549/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |archive-date=October 2, 2013}}</ref> and feature slow ]s,<ref name="Trilogy" /> rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes.<ref name="Mistry" /> His music incorporates ] that are unconventional in R&B production, including ], ], ] and ].<ref name="thing">{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=J. D. |author-link=J. D. Considine |title=How The Weeknd became R&B's next big thing |work=] |location=Toronto |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/how-the-weeknd-became-rbs-next-big-thing/article5370329/ |url-status=live |date=November 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223955/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/how-the-weeknd-became-rbs-next-big-thing/article5370329/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> ] of '']'' says that Tesfaye's samples tend "to draw from ] sources, though generally ones that already share elements of his sexual menace", sampling artists such as ], Siouxsie and the Banshees and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hogan |first=Marc | author-link=Marc Hogan |title=The Weeknd Imbues 'Enemy' With the Smiths' Seductive Power |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/10/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths/ |url-status=live |location=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223927/https://www.spin.com/2012/10/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=October 26, 2012 | website=]}}</ref> Tesfaye worked mostly with producers ] and ], whom Ian Cohen of '']'' credits with developing "a state-of-the-art ] template" with the artist.<ref name="Trilogy">{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Ian |title=The Weeknd: Trilogy |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17280-the-trilogy/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223948/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17280-the-trilogy/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |date=November 13, 2012 |website=]}}</ref> In concert, Tesfaye reappropriates his digitized productions with a ]-like ] aesthetic.<ref name="Mistry" />

His emotional, plaintive lyrics often express feelings of hurt and deal with subject matter such as sex,<ref name="Hoby" /> drugs, and partying; this is seen especially in '']'' and ''House of Balloons''.<ref name="Mistry" /> ] of '']'' characterizes Tesfaye's songs as "narcotised-]s" and delineates their message as "partying is an existential experience, sex is fraught with alienation, and everything registers as unreal and unsettling."<ref name="Hoby" /> Paul MacInnes of '']'' stated that he views Tesfaye's three mixtapes as "a rough trajectory of party, after-party and ]."<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |title=The Weeknd: Trilogy – review |at=section G2, p. 23 |work=] |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review |url-status=live |date=November 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030193412/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review |archive-date=October 30, 2013}}</ref> Anupa Mistry of the ''Toronto Standard'' observes throughout his mixtapes a "cast of supine, stoned zombie-women... whose legs willingly part after being plied with substances and who morph into threats only when ] and feeling vulnerable."<ref name="Mistry" /> Tesfaye has stated that by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is "paying homage to R Kelly, and even Prince to a certain extent."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Damien |title=The Weeknd: Kiss And Tell (2013 Cover Story) |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110063852/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |date=July 15, 2013 |publisher=Complex}}</ref>

=== Voice and music style ===
Tesfaye often sings in a ] register.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robbins |first=Winston |date=December 7, 2011 |title=Rookie of the Year: The Weeknd |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/rookie-of-the-year-2011/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112021827/http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/rookie-of-the-year-2011/ |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |website=]}}</ref> ] finds his singing's "] quality" similar to Michael Jackson, but writes that he eschews Jackson's "strong basis in the ]" for a more ]-influenced ].<ref name="thing" /> Tesfaye possesses a wide light-lyric ] vocal range, which spans over three octaves. His vocal range reaches its extreme low at the bass F (F<sub>2</sub>), and its peak high at the tenor G{{sharp}} (G{{sharp}}<sub>5</sub>), with a natural ] within the upper fourth octave.<ref>{{Cite AV media | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr-K4d9BbzM | title=(HD) The Weeknd's Vocal Range: D2 - C6 | work=Prettiboimico | via=] | date=January 5, 2013 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523145647/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wr-K4d9BbzM | url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="range">{{Cite news | url=https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/is-the-weeknd-good-singer-vocal-range/ | title=Is The Weeknd a good singer, and what is his vocal range? | first=Kyle | last=Macdonald | work=] | date=March 22, 2021 | access-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-date=May 23, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523145638/https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/is-the-weeknd-good-singer-vocal-range/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye often makes use of his ] to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave.<ref name="range" /> Tesfaye's vocals have a recognizable ] characteristic. Hannah Giogis of '']'' notes that "his trademark ], the characteristically pained whine that pervades much of Tesfaye's music, draws from a long Ethiopian musical legacy of tortured pining. Imbuing our voices with the shaky pain of loss—romantic or otherwise—is a hallmark of Ethiopian musical tradition. Tesfaye, with his ] wails and aching nostalgia, is a young, North American addition to a dynasty of ]tic Ethiopian singers."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Giorgis |first1=Hannah |title=The Weeknd's East African Roots |url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/793-the-weeknds-east-african-roots/ |work=Pitchfork |date=June 11, 2015 |access-date=March 4, 2022 |archive-date=January 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220130004835/https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/793-the-weeknds-east-african-roots/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, '']'' ranked the Weeknd at number 110 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=January 1, 2023|title=The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/the-weeknd-12-1234643026/|access-date=May 24, 2023|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|archive-date=May 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230524221408/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/best-singers-all-time-1234642307/the-weeknd-12-1234643026/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Tesfaye's discography spans ], ], ], ], ] and ] genres.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=October 1, 2020|title=Is the Weeknd Pop, R&B or Hip-Hop? Why the Distinction Matters at the Grammys|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammys-pop-hip-hop-category-1234789560/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215133202/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammys-pop-hip-hop-category-1234789560/|url-status=live}}</ref> His work is generally categorized as ], due to his contributions in broadening the genre's musical palette to incorporate ] and ] styles.<ref name="Preview">{{Cite news|date=February 13, 2016|title=Grammys 2016 Preview: The Weeknd, D'Angelo and More Soulful Singers Nominated for Best R&B Song and Best Urban Contemporary Album|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6813596/grammys-2016-preview-best-r-and-b-song-best-urban-contemporary-album-nominees-the-weeknd-dangelo-more|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223949/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/grammys/6813596/grammys-2016-preview-best-r-and-b-song-best-urban-contemporary-album-nominees-the-weeknd-dangelo-more|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref name="allmusicbio">{{Cite web|last=Kellman|first=Andy|title=The Weeknd – Music Biography, Credits and Discography|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162|archive-date=January 7, 2021|website=]|url-status=live|mode=cs2}}</ref> Mistry writes that he "will be obsequiously praised as the future of R&B music—because Tesfaye is a black singer, not because he's making quantifiable, canonical R&B."<ref name="Mistry" /> Tesfaye shared his thoughts on the primary label during an interview with '']'' in 2015, stating: "Alternative R&B is in my soul. It's not going anywhere. When I put out songs from ''House of Balloons'' in 2010, people said I made R&B cool again. I'm assuming that's when the label was created. I feel honored that a good part of today's music is inspired by it, consciously or subconsciously. The only way I could have done that was to be ambitious and grand."<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=The Rise of the Weeknd: 'I Want to Make Pop Cool Again'|url=https://time.com/4011859/the-weeknd-interview-beauty-behind-themadness/|access-date=February 15, 2022|magazine=Time|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215203439/https://time.com/4011859/the-weeknd-interview-beauty-behind-themadness/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye's first three mixtapes; ''House of Balloons'', ''Thursday'' and ''Echoes of Silence'', are alternative R&B projects that draw on dream pop, post-punk and ], amongst others.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Conteh|first=Mankaprr|date=March 22, 2021|title=The Weeknd's 'The Party & the After Party' Paved the Way for our Genre-less Future|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/house-of-balloons-the-weeknd-best-track-1145332/|access-date=December 9, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US|quote=The Weeknd's massive career was built on a foundation of dream pop and post-punk.|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209055045/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/house-of-balloons-the-weeknd-best-track-1145332/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Scarano|first=Ross|date=November 21, 2019|title=Songs That Defined the Decade: The Weeknd's 'House of Balloons/Glass Table Girls'|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544245/|access-date=February 15, 2022|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215180545/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-songs-that-defined-the-decade-8544245/|url-status=live}}</ref> His debut studio album '']'' is categorized as R&B and ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Charlton|first=Lauretta|title=How the Weeknd Went From Underground Anonymity to Superstar in 5 Years, According to His Collaborators|url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/the-weeknd-collaborators-chronicle-his-rise.html|access-date=December 9, 2021|website=Vulture|date=September 7, 2015|language=en-us|quote=It sounded like he was merging goth, dark-wave, and R&B with a punk-rock sensibility. It sounded like something completely new.|archive-date=December 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209055039/https://www.vulture.com/2015/08/the-weeknd-collaborators-chronicle-his-rise.html|url-status=live}}</ref> His next three albums, '']'', '']'' and ''After Hours'', are considered R&B and pop; with ''Starboy'' utilizing heavy ] influences,<ref>{{Cite web|last=Berry|first=Peter A.|title=The Weeknd Shines Brightly on 'Starboy' - XXL|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-starboy-album-review/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=XXL Mag|date=December 5, 2016|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215133205/https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-starboy-album-review/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Feeney|first=Nolan|date=November 29, 2016|title=The Weeknd's Starboy: EW Review|url=https://ew.com/article/2016/11/29/weeknd-starboy-ew-review/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=EW.com|language=en|archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215133202/https://ew.com/article/2016/11/29/weeknd-starboy-ew-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''After Hours'' drawing on new wave and dream pop influences.<ref name="Consequence AH">{{Cite news |last=McDuffie |first=Candace |date=March 24, 2020 |title=The Weeknd – After Hours |url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/album-review-the-weeknd-after-hours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324135956/https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/album-review-the-weeknd-after-hours/ |archive-date=March 24, 2020 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Herrera|first=Isabella|date=March 24, 2020|title=The Weeknd: After Hours|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-weeknd-after-hours/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=Pitchfork|language=en-US|archive-date=March 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324073404/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-weeknd-after-hours/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye's fifth studio album '']'' explores ] and ] genres.<ref>{{Cite web|last=DeVille|first=Chris|date=January 7, 2022|title=Review: The Weeknd's 'Dawn FM' Is An Art-Damaged Dancefloor Opus Inspired By Pandemic Purgatory|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2171899/the-weeknd-dawn-fm/reviews/premature-evaluation/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=Stereogum|language=en|archive-date=January 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220108204719/https://www.stereogum.com/2171899/the-weeknd-dawn-fm/reviews/premature-evaluation/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Mitchell|first=Matt|date=January 7, 2022|title=Dawn FM Is The Weeknd's Grandest Synth-Pop Gesture and a Thoughtful Rumination on Mortality|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/the-weeknd/dawn-fm-album-review/|access-date=February 15, 2022|website=]|language=en|archive-date=January 12, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220112024904/https://www.pastemagazine.com/music/the-weeknd/dawn-fm-album-review/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Controversies ==

=== Plagiarism allegations ===
In December 2015, Tesfaye was sued by Cutting Edge Music, which alleged that the ] for "]" had been taken from a composition featured in the score for the 2013 ] film '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 9, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Sued over 'The Hills' |website=] |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/12/09/the-weeknd-the-hills-lawsuit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224110/https://www.tmz.com/2015/12/09/the-weeknd-the-hills-lawsuit/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> One of the producers of the song was alleged to have sent a private ] message to Tom Raybould, the composer of the film's score, to tell him about the sample.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Renshaw |first=David |date=December 10, 2015 |title=The Weeknd sued over alleged similarities between 'The Hills' and sci-fi movie score |work=] |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-18-1203899 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224138/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-18-1203899 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In September 2018, Tesfaye and ] were sued for allegedly stealing the rhythm for "]" from Ethiopian poet and singer-songwriter Yasminah.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 18, 2018 |title=The Weeknd and Daft Punk Sued for Stealing 'Starboy' |website=] |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/09/18/the-weeknd-daft-punk-lawsuit-starboy-stolen/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224051/https://www.tmz.com/2018/09/18/the-weeknd-daft-punk-lawsuit-starboy-stolen/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> Tesfaye denied the allegations.<ref>{{Cite news |date=May 18, 2019 |title=The Weeknd Denies Stealing "Starboy" Beat From Somali-American Singer |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/the-weeknd-denies-stealing-starboy-beat-from-somali-american-singer-news.80542.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224110/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/the-weeknd-denies-stealing-starboy-beat-from-somali-american-singer-news.80542.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In April 2019, Tesfaye was sued by British trio William Smith, Brian Clover, and Scott McCulloch, who accused Tesfaye of ] from plagiarising their song "I Need to Love" in order to create his song "]". They sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and ]. In August 2019, the lawsuit was dismissed via ] with the option to amend, with the court ruling that they had failed to show that Tesfaye or anyone else involved in making "A Lonely Night" had access to their song or that the works were substantially similar.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Brittain |first=Blake |date=September 8, 2020 |title=The Weeknd's Copyright Win Fails to Justify Attorneys' Fees |publisher=] |url=https://convergenceapi.bna.com/ContentItem/ArticlePublic/253904988000000002/298944 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210401003732/https://convergenceapi.bna.com/ContentItem/ArticlePublic/253904988000000002/298944?itemGuid=b4f14fef-d221-4cbb-9c99-7b96a557a9d7&dashboardId=0&alertGuid=7dba4c60-b2f0-4b22-81cb-a45dff01addb&emailaddress=%24%24%24EMAILADDRESS%24%24%24 |archive-date=April 1, 2021}}</ref> In September 2019, the plaintiffs filed an amended claim based on secondary infringement, which is still in litigation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Connor |first=Roisin |date=April 4, 2019 |title=The Weeknd sued by British songwriters over 'A Lonely Night' plagiarism accusations |website=] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-weeknd-a-lonely-night-copied-plagiarism-lawsuit-belly-rapper-a8854351.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224103/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/weeknd-lonely-night-copied-plagiarism-lawsuit-belly-rapper-a8854351.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Malt |first=Andy |date=November 11, 2019 |title=The Weeknd has move to dismiss song-theft lawsuit dismissed denied |website=] |url=https://completemusicupdate.com/article/the-weeknd-has-move-to-dismiss-song-theft-lawsuit-dismissed-denied/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224125/https://completemusicupdate.com/article/the-weeknd-has-move-to-dismiss-song-theft-lawsuit-dismissed-denied/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In February 2020, Tesfaye and ] were sued by the now-defunct indie band ], claiming that "]" includes an unauthorized sample of their song "Sunrise".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=February 24, 2020 |title=Yeasayer Sue the Weeknd, Kendrick Lamar Over 'Black Panther' Song |magazine=] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yeasayer-the-weeknd-kendrick-lamar-black-panther-song-lawsuit-957606/ |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720093908/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yeasayer-the-weeknd-kendrick-lamar-black-panther-song-lawsuit-957606/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Later that year, Yeasayer voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=July 10, 2020 |title=Yeasayer Drop Lawsuit Against the Weeknd |work=] |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/yeasayer-drop-lawsuit-against-the-weeknd/ |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917101716/https://pitchfork.com/news/yeasayer-drop-lawsuit-against-the-weeknd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2021, Tesfaye, ], and ] were sued for copyright infringement by producers Suniel Fox and Henry Strange, protesting that "]" is "strikingly substantially similar, if not identical" to their 2015 track "Vibeking".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Madison |date=September 22, 2021 |title=The Weeknd and Nicolás Jaar Sued for Copyright Infringement Over "Call Out My Name" |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-and-nicolas-jaar-sued-for-copyright-infringement-over-call-out-my-name/ |access-date= |website=Pitchfork |language=en-US |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028214607/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-and-nicolas-jaar-sued-for-copyright-infringement-over-call-out-my-name/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Robinson |first=Kristin |date=September 22, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Accused of Plagiarizing 2018 Song 'Call Out My Name' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/legal-and-management/9633774/the-weeknd-copyright-lawsuit-call-out-my-name |magazine=Billboard |language=en |access-date= |archive-date=October 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028025152/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/legal-and-management/9633774/the-weeknd-copyright-lawsuit-call-out-my-name/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Allegations of homophobic lyrics ===
In January 2019, Tesfaye was criticized for some of the lyrics in his and ]'s single "]". The second verse of the song, with the lines "You said you might be ], said you're going through a phase / Keeping your heart safe / Well, baby, you can bring a friend / She can ] / While I fuck you ]", were accused of being ], fetishizing ], and perpetuating the falsehood that a person who identifies as being part of the ] can be "]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Whitehead |first=Joanna |date=January 14, 2019 |title=The Weeknd's lyrics were homophobic – who cares if it's 'sensitive' to point that out? |work=] |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/weeknd-lost-fire-homophobia-snowflakes-metoo-music-lgbtq-abuse-a8727666.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220620/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/weeknd-lost-fire-homophobia-snowflakes-metoo-music-lgbtq-abuse-a8727666.html |archive-date=June 20, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Dodgson |first=Lindsay |date=January 14, 2019 |title=People are calling out The Weeknd for a 'homophobic' new song that suggests lesbianism is a 'phase' and he can 'f— a girl straight' |work=] |url=https://www.insider.com/the-weeknd-called-out-for-homophobic-lyrics-lost-in-the-fire-2019-1 |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=October 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029160607/https://www.insider.com/the-weeknd-called-out-for-homophobic-lyrics-lost-in-the-fire-2019-1 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye subtly addressed the controversy in the song "]" from ''After Hours'', with the lines "Every month another accusation / Only thing I'm phobic of is failing".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Watch The Weeknd's Wild, Semi-Autobiographical Anime Video for 'Snowchild' |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-snowchild-anime-video-watch-1234713552/ |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104161455/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-snowchild-anime-video-watch-1234713552/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 22, 2020 |title=Watch The Weeknd face up to his past in animated 'Snowchild' video |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-the-weeknd-face-up-to-his-past-in-animated-snowchild-video-2713136 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=NME |language=en-GB |archive-date=November 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104161454/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-the-weeknd-face-up-to-his-past-in-animated-snowchild-video-2713136 |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== ''The Idol'' allegations ===
On March 1, 2023, '']'' released a lengthy exposé on the working conditions and set life of the ] drama series '']'', a series in which Tesfaye stars, co-created and co-wrote alongside ]. The series received significant controversy for its graphic depiction of sexual content, which critics labeled "]". The series was originally directed by ] who suddenly "exited with roughly 80 percent of the six-episode series finished". The series saw a major creative overhaul, as it was reported that Tesfaye felt the show had too much of a "female perspective". Over 14 crew members alleged a toxic work environment with one adding "What I signed up for was a dark satire of fame and the fame model in the 21st century..." however, "It went from satire to the thing it was satirizing." Sources alleged that Seimetz's approach to the story was scrapped and the show became "like any ] that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-idol-hbo-next-euphoria-torture-porn-the-weeknd-sam-levinson-lily-rose-depp-blackpink-jennie-1234688754/|title= 'The Idol': How HBO's Next 'Euphoria' Became Twisted 'Torture Porn'|website= ]|date= March 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= March 1, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230301220933/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/the-idol-hbo-next-euphoria-torture-porn-the-weeknd-sam-levinson-lily-rose-depp-blackpink-jennie-1234688754/|url-status= live}}</ref>

In response to the allegations, Tesfaye mocked the reporting on his Twitter account, posting a clip of the characters in the show discussing the magazine saying, "''Rolling Stone''? Aren't they a little irrelevant?". Tesfaye posted the comment in the caption: "@''Rolling Stone'' did we upset you?".<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-03-02/the-weeknd-rolling-stone-the-icon|title= The Weekend mocked online for his Rolling Stone response|website= ]|date= March 3, 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= June 18, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230618131211/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2023-03-02/the-weeknd-rolling-stone-the-icon|url-status= live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/the-weeknd-the-idol-clip-rolling-stone-1234814937/|title= The Weeknd Posts 'The Idol' Clip Mocking Rolling Stone After Report of On-Set Dysfunction|website= ]|date= March 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= June 19, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230619235015/https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/the-weeknd-the-idol-clip-rolling-stone-1234814937/|url-status= live}}</ref> Tesfaye's response received widespread criticism.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.newsweek.com/weeknd-idol-hbo-set-chaos-report-allegations-reaction-1785005|title= The Weeknd Mocked After Hitting Back at 'Idol' Set Drama Report: 'Bad Look'|website= Newsweek|date= March 2, 2023|accessdate= June 19, 2023|archive-date= June 19, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230619105818/https://www.newsweek.com/weeknd-idol-hbo-set-chaos-report-allegations-reaction-1785005|url-status= live}}</ref> In an interview with '']'', he continued to dismiss the reporting, saying that logistical difficulties with Seimetz's schedule and production timelines, as well as a desire not to rush his first show, propelled the overhaul.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/05/the-weeknd-remade-pop-music-will-the-idol-remake-the-weeknd|title= The Weeknd Remade Pop Music. Will The Idol Remake The Weeknd?|magazine= Vanity Fair|date= May 16, 2023|accessdate= June 27, 2023|archive-date= June 18, 2023|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230618173531/https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2023/05/the-weeknd-remade-pop-music-will-the-idol-remake-the-weeknd|url-status= live}}</ref>

==Other ventures==

=== Acting ===
Tesfaye is a ], and has made numerous movie references in his music videos and teasers.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Movie References in The Weeknd's After Hours You Never Noticed|url=https://www.moviefone.com/2021/02/16/movie-references-in-the-weeknds-after-hours-you-never-noticed/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=www.moviefone.com|language=en|archive-date=March 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240310195100/https://www.moviefone.com/news/movie-references-in-the-weeknds-after-hours-you-never-noticed/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Willman|first=Chris|date=September 10, 2019|title=How the Weeknd Came to Play Himself in the Safdie Brothers' Berserk 'Uncut Gems'|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/the-weeknd-acting-safdie-brothers-uncut-gems-1203329975/|access-date=July 1, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=February 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208020551/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/the-weeknd-acting-safdie-brothers-uncut-gems-1203329975/|url-status=live}}</ref> On August 30, 2019, during the ], he made his acting debut in the film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Gwee |first=Karen |date=September 10, 2019 |title=The Weeknd recorded music with Oneohtrix Point Never intended for 'Uncut Gems' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/film/weeknd-recorded-music-oneohtrix-point-never-intended-uncut-gems-2546398 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929014540/https://www.nme.com/news/film/weeknd-recorded-music-oneohtrix-point-never-intended-uncut-gems-2546398 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |website=]}}</ref>

On March 7, 2020, during his third appearance as a musical guest on '']'', he starred in the skit "On The Couch" with actors ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 9, 2020|title=SNL's 'On the Couch' Song Is Brutal and Hilariously Relatable|url=https://www.fatherly.com/news/snls-on-the-couch-song-is-brutal-and-hilariously-relatable/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=Fatherly|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185806/https://www.fatherly.com/news/snls-on-the-couch-song-is-brutal-and-hilariously-relatable/|url-status=live}}</ref> On May 4, he co-wrote and starred in an episode of ''].''<ref>{{Cite news|last=Pedersen|first=Erik|date=April 1, 2020|title=American Dad!' Gets TBS Return Date – Watch The Promo|website=]|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-dad-premiere-date-trailer-seth-macfarlane-the-weeknd-tbs-1202897703/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223933/https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-dad-premiere-date-trailer-seth-macfarlane-the-weeknd-tbs-1202897703/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In July, he voiced three characters during the 200th episode of '']''.<ref>{{Cite web|date=July 28, 2020|title=The Weeknd makes cameo appearance on 'Robot Chicken'|url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/the-weeknd-makes-cameo-appearance-on-robot-chicken-2716813|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB}}</ref>

On June 29, 2021, Tesfaye announced that he would be co-creating, co-writing, executive producing and starring in the ] television drama series '']'', alongside his producing partner Reza Fahim and '']'' creator ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd to Co-Create and Star in New HBO Series The Idol|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-to-co-create-and-star-in-new-hbo-series-the-idol/|access-date=June 30, 2021|website=Pitchfork|date=June 29, 2021|language=en-US}}</ref> On March 20, 2022, Tesfaye voiced two characters during an episode of '']''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Dailey |first=Hannah |date=March 7, 2022 |title=The Weeknd Announces 'Dream' Cameo on 'The Simpsons': 'Proud of This One' |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/the-weeknd-the-simpsons-cameo-1235040261/ |access-date=March 16, 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2023, it was announced that Tesfaye is co-writing a film with ], who is attached to direct; Tesfaye is also set to star in the film, alongside ] and ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |title=The Weeknd, Jenna Ortega And Barry Keoghan To Star In New Film Based On Original Idea From The Weeknd With Trey Edward Shults Directing |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/the-weeknd-jenna-ortega-barry-keoghan-trey-edward-shults-1235274366/ |website=] |date=February 28, 2023 |access-date=August 1, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/the-weeknd-jenna-ortega-trey-edward-shults-1234814337/|title=The Weeknd, 'Waves' Director Trey Edward Shults' to Co-Write New Film|last=Chapman|first=Wilson|date=February 28, 2023|website=]|access-date=November 16, 2023}}</ref>

=== Business ===
In 2013, Tesfaye collaborated with ] company ONE to give away limited-edition condoms at his shows during the Kiss Land Fall Tour.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battan |first=Carrie |date=September 26, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Giving Away Kiss Land Condoms |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52443-the-weeknd-giving-away-kiss-land-condoms/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224014/https://pitchfork.com/news/52443-the-weeknd-giving-away-kiss-land-condoms/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hudson |first=Alex |date=September 26, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Gets His Own 'Kiss Land' Condoms |work=] |url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/weeknd_gets_his_own_kiss_land_condoms}}</ref> In November 2015, he partnered with ] company ] to release a limited edition vaporizer.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Keating |first=Lauren |date=November 4, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke |work=Tech Times |url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224001/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 13, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Gets Limited Version of Pax 2 Vaporizer |url=https://porhomme.com/2015/11/the-weeknd-gets-limited-version-of-pax-2-vaporizer/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223952/http://porhomme.com/2015/11/the-weeknd-gets-limited-version-of-pax-2-vaporizer/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Por Homme |publisher=Pausr Media LLC}}</ref> He also collaborated with fashion designer ] for an apparel collection.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasse |first=Lemola |date=November 14, 2015 |title=HYPEBEAST Exclusive: WANGXO Apparel Collection |url=https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/wangxo-apparel |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224043/https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/wangxo-apparel |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> In 2016, Tesfaye became a creative collaborator and ] for the clothing brand ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mench |first=Chris |date=September 29, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Partners With Puma as New Creative Collaborator and Ambassador |url=https://www.complex.com/style/2016/09/the-weeknd-partners-puma-creative-collaborator-ambassador |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223947/https://www.complex.com/style/2016/09/the-weeknd-partners-puma-creative-collaborator-ambassador |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> With the partnership, he released numerous capsule collections and hosted several ] stores.<ref name="Pop-Up">{{Cite news |last=Tucker |first=Alexa |date=May 4, 2017 |title=Where Are The Weeknd's Pop-Up Shops? If You Live in One Of These Eight Cities, You're in Luck |website=] |url=https://www.bustle.com/p/where-are-the-weeknds-pop-up-shops-if-you-live-in-one-of-these-eight-cities-youre-in-luck-55779 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223950/https://www.bustle.com/p/where-are-the-weeknds-pop-up-shops-if-you-live-in-one-of-these-eight-cities-youre-in-luck-55779 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=November 22, 2017 |title=A Closer Look at The Weeknd x PUMA XO Collection Launch in NYC |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/11/he-weeknd-x-puma-xo-collection-nyc |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224005/https://hypebeast.com/2017/11/he-weeknd-x-puma-xo-collection-nyc |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref>

In 2017, Tesfaye partnered with retail company ] for their men's collection.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Christian |first=Scott |date=February 2, 2017 |title=The Weeknd and H&M Team Up for the New Spring Icons Collection |work=] |url=https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/news/a52793/the-weeknd-hm-spring-icons-collection/}}</ref> He cut ties with the company in 2018, following a racist incident within the company.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yoo |first=Noah |date=January 8, 2018 |title=The Weeknd Cuts Ties With H&M Over "Deeply Offensive" Photo |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-cuts-ties-with-hm-over-deeply-offensive-photo/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224033/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-cuts-ties-with-hm-over-deeply-offensive-photo/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> In July 2018, Tesfaye collaborated with ] to release a comic book inspired by his third studio album '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Marvel Unveils 'The Weeknd Presents: Starboy' Comic Book Release Date |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8257745/marvel-the-weeknd-starboy-comic-book-release-date |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224057/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8257745/marvel-the-weeknd-starboy-comic-book-release-date |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In August, he released an apparel collection in collaboration with ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=July 30, 2018 |title=The Weeknd x BAPE Summer Capsule Collection Dropping August 4 |website=] |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-weeknd-bape-summer-2018-capsule/ }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=BAPE® x XO |url=https://us.bape.com/blogs/news/bape-x-xo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224039/https://us.bape.com/blogs/news/bape-x-xo |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | website=]}}</ref> A second collection was released in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stavropoulos |first=Laura |date=January 8, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Reveals Latest XO And BAPE Capsule Collection |website=] |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-weeknd-xo-bape-collection/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224041/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-weeknd-xo-bape-collection/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In April 2019, Tesfaye became an owner and global ambassador of the ] company ], who owns the ] and ] team ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=April 10, 2019 |title=The Weeknd signs on as part owner, global ambassador of esports firm |publisher=] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/weeknd-overactive-overwatch-1.5091861 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224059/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/weeknd-overactive-overwatch-1.5091861 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

On August 31, 2020, Tesfaye partnered with ] to launch Black HXOUSE, an entrepreneurial initiative within the incubator HXOUSE, where he serves as a ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=August 31, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Joins With TD Bank to Launch Black Hxouse Entrepreneurship Initiative |work=] |url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/the-weeknd-td-bank-black-hxouse-entrepreneurship-1234754550/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224036/https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/the-weeknd-td-bank-black-hxouse-entrepreneurship-1234754550/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On September 9, Canadian Prime Minister ] announced a CA$221,000,000 joint venture with HXOUSE for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 9, 2020 |title=Trudeau announces cash for loans, support to Black Canadian entrepreneurs |work=] |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/trudeau-announces-cash-for-loans-support-to-black-canadian-entrepreneurs-1.5098035 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224112/https://www.cp24.com/news/trudeau-announces-cash-for-loans-support-to-black-canadian-entrepreneurs-1.5098035 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In March 2021, Tesfaye auctioned a collection of visual artwork and an unreleased song in the form of a ] (NFT) on ].<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd Teases Upcoming NFT Song|url=https://vman.com/article/the-weeknd-teases-upcoming-nft-song/ |date=March 29, 2021|website=Vman}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd will sell an unreleased song and visual art via NFT auction|url=https://techcrunch.com/2021/03/31/the-weeknd-nft/ |date=March 31, 2021 |website=TechCrunch |first= Anthony|last= Ha}}</ref> In October, he joined football player ]'s NFT platform Autograph as a member of their ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tom Brady Announced Partnership With The Weeknd in the Best Way Possible |url=https://foxsportsradio.iheart.com/content/2021-10-22-tom-brady-announced-partnership-with-the-weeknd-in-the-best-way-possible/ |access-date=March 22, 2022 |website=FOX Sports Radio |language=en}}</ref>

In 2022, Tesfaye invested in plant-based beverage brand ].<ref>{{Cite web|date=April 21, 2022|title=Plant-based beverage brand Koia Gets Investments from All-Stars to provide Plant-Based Accessibility For All|url=https://vegworldmag.com/plant-based-beverage-brand-koia-gets-investments-from-all-stars-to-provide-plant-based-accessibility-for-all/|website=VegWorld Magazine|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Philanthropy ==
After being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence in 2014, Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the ] to fund a new course on ], the classic language of Ethiopia.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Carissimo|first=Justin|date=August 7, 2016|title=The Weeknd donates $50,000 to language class at the University of Toronto|work=]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/the-weeknd-donates-50000-to-the-university-of-toronto-to-help-start-an-ethiopic-studies-program-a7177606.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224216/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/weeknd-donates-50-000-university-toronto-help-start-ethiopic-studies-program-a7177606.html|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In May 2016, during ], Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the St. Mary ] Cathedral in Toronto, Canada, a church he attended growing up.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Min|first=Lilian|date=August 7, 2016|title=The Weeknd donated $50,000 to a cause dear to his heart|work=]|url=https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/weeknd-donated-50000-cause-dear-heart/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 2, 2016|title=The Weeknd Donates $50,000 to St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Toronto|url=https://www.ethiosports.com/2016/05/02/the-weeknd-donates-50000-to-st-mary-ethiopian-orthodox-church-in-toronto/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218171133/https://www.ethiosports.com/2016/05/02/the-weeknd-donates-50000-to-st-mary-ethiopian-orthodox-church-in-toronto/|archive-date=February 18, 2021}}</ref> In August 2016, he funded a new ] program at the University of Toronto.<ref name="blm250">{{Cite news|last=Daly|first=Rhian|date=August 14, 2016|title=The Weeknd has donated $250,000 to Black Lives Matter|magazine=]|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-6-1194305|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224054/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-6-1194305|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In June 2017, Tesfaye donated US$100,000 to the Suubi Health Center, a maternity and children's medical facility in Budondo, ]. He was inspired to support the center after learning of ]'s work with ] and Mama Hope to help raise awareness for Suubi and the people of Uganda.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Malkin|first=Marc|title=The Weeknd Donates $100,000 to Health Center in Uganda|publisher=]|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/858296/the-weeknd-donates-100-000-to-health-center-in-uganda|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224216/https://www.eonline.com/news/858296/the-weeknd-donates-100-000-to-health-center-in-uganda|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>

In April 2020, Tesfaye launched a line of non-medical ] with all of the proceeds going to the ], a campaign launched by ] to help musicians affected by the ].<ref>{{Cite news|date=April 23, 2020|title=The Weeknd Brings Back XO Face Mask For COVID-19 Relief|website=HYPEBAE|url=https://hypebae.com/2020/4/the-weeknd-face-mask-xo-restock-coronavirus-covid-19-donation-musicares-relief-fund-announcement|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224129/https://hypebae.com/2020/4/the-weeknd-face-mask-xo-restock-coronavirus-covid-19-donation-musicares-relief-fund-announcement|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In addition, Tesfaye donated US$500,000 to ] and CA$500,000 to the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=June 29, 2020|title=The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to MusiCares' and His Hometown's Coronavirus Relief|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-donates-1-million-coronavirus-relief-1234693172/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224111/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-donates-1-million-coronavirus-relief-1234693172/|archive-date=January 7, 2021|website=]}}</ref>

In August 2016, Tesfaye donated US$250,000 to the ] following numerous reports of ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Melas|first=Chloe|date=August 11, 2016|title=The Weeknd donates $250,000 to Black Lives Matter|publisher=]|url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/08/11/media/the-weeknd-250000-black-lives-matter/}}</ref><ref name="blm250" /><ref>{{Cite news|date=August 11, 2016|title=The Weeknd gives $250,000 to Black Lives Matter|website=]|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/11/the-weeknd-black-lives-matter-beyonce-jay-z-drake|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224112/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/11/the-weeknd-black-lives-matter-beyonce-jay-z-drake|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In May 2020, in response to the ] and the ] that followed, Tesfaye donated US$500,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, ]'s Know Your Rights Camp, and the National Bail Out.<ref>{{Cite magazine|date=June 2, 2020|title=The Weeknd Donated $500K to Racial Justice Initiatives: 'Please Give What You Can Even If It's a Small Amount'|magazine=]|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9395412/the-weeknd-donated-500k-racial-justice-initiatives|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224055/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9395412/the-weeknd-donated-500k-racial-justice-initiatives|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He then urged other music executives, major record labels, and streaming services to donate to the cause as well.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=June 2, 2020|title=The Weeknd Calls on Major Music Companies to 'Go Big and Public' With Blackout Tuesday Donations|url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/the-weeknd-blackout-tuesday-black-lives-matter-major-labels-donations-1234623619/|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Curto|first=Justin|date=June 3, 2020|title=WMG Creates Vague $100 Million Anti-Racism Fund Following the Weeknd's Criticism|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/06/the-weeknd-blm-record-labels-warner-music-group.html|access-date=August 3, 2021|website=Vulture|language=en-us}}</ref>

On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye held the "Weeknd Experience", an interactive ] on the social media platform ] that drew two million total viewers, including 275,000 concurrent viewers. The concert raised over US$350,000 for the ]. He also donated US$300,000 to Global Aid for Lebanon in support of victims of the ].<ref>{{Cite news|last=Spangler|first=Todd|date=August 12, 2020|title=The Weeknd Virtual Concert on TikTok Drew Over 2M Viewers, Raised $350,000 for Equal Justice Initiative|work=]|url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-weeknd-tiktok-virtual-concert-2-million-viewers-1234733104/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224119/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-weeknd-tiktok-virtual-concert-2-million-viewers-1234733104/|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Mahadevan|first=Tara C.|date=August 12, 2020|title=The Weeknd, TikTok Raise $350K for Equal Justice Initiative, Singer Also Donates $300K to Beirut Explosion Victims|work=]|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/08/the-weeknd-tiktok-raise-350000-equal-justice-initiative-virtual-concert}}</ref> On November 2, the ] announced that it was able to reach and surpass its fundraising goal of CA$500,000 for its ] program, which included a CA$30,000 donation from Tesfaye.<ref>{{Cite news|date=November 2, 2020|title=With support from The Weeknd, U of T's Ethiopic program soars past $500,000 endowment goal|website=]|url=https://www.utoronto.ca/news/support-weeknd-u-t-s-ethiopic-program-soars-past-500000-endowment-goal|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224120/https://www.utoronto.ca/news/support-weeknd-u-t-s-ethiopic-program-soars-past-500000-endowment-goal|archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, he was among the celebrities expressing more solidarity for <!--maintain neutrality--> civilians who died during the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Nolan|first=Emma|date=May 11, 2021|title=Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and the Other Celebs Supporting Palestine Over Israel|url=https://www.newsweek.com/palestine-celebrities-support-conflict-israel-bella-gigi-hadid-mark-ruffalo-dua-lipa-1590420|url-access=limited|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=May 11, 2021|title=The Weeknd Shares Instagram Posts Protesting Sheikh Jarrah Eviction|website=]|url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/the-weekend-shares-instagram-posts-protesting-sheikh-jarrah-eviction-1.9794503}}</ref> On September 23, Tesfaye was honored with the ] Humanitarian Award at the inaugural Music in Action Awards, presented by the Black Music Action Coalition.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Halperin|first1=Shirley|last2=Tangcay|first2=Jazz|date=September 24, 2021|title=The Weeknd, Motown's Ethiopia Habtemariam Highlight Emotional Night at Black Music Action Coalition Awards|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/weeknd-black-music-action-coalition-awards-1235073379/|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=Variety|language=en-US}}</ref>

On January 9, 2024, Tesfaye partnered with the non-profit organization ] to support more than 1,000 students experiencing homelessness.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=January 9, 2024 |title=The Weeknd & School on Wheels Team Up to Provide Laptops, Tutoring & Mentorship for Homeless L.A. Students |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-school-on-wheels-laptops-tutoring-mentorship-homeless-students-los-angeles-1235578590/ |access-date=January 9, 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> To coincide with his concert in Brazil, Tesfaye released merchandise and will donate 10% of the net profits to the Brazilian Soul Fund of BrazilFoundation.<ref>{{cite web |title=São Paulo XO Logo Hoodie |url=https://xo.store/products/sao-paulo-xo-logo-hoodie |access-date=September 8, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd's São Paulo concert: A night to remember |date=August 22, 2024 |url=https://rollingout.com/2024/08/22/the-weeknds-sao-paulo-concert/ |access-date=September 8, 2024}}</ref>

=== WFP ambassadorship ===
On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye announced a US$1,000,000 donation through the ] ] (WFP) to relief efforts in ] for people affected by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shafer|first=Ellise|date=April 4, 2021|title=The Weeknd Donates $1 Million to Relief Efforts in Ethiopia|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-1-million-hunger-relief-ethiopia-1234943921/|website=]}}</ref> On June 9, he met with the administrator of the ], ], to discuss the humanitarian crisis of the Tigray War.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 9, 2021|title=USAID Administrator Power Held Urgent Meetings on Famine and Atrocities in Tigray, Ethiopia, including Ministerial Convening with Nine Countries and Conversation with The Weeknd, And Announced $181 Million in New USAID Assistance|url=https://usaid.gov/news-information/press-releases/jun-9-2021-usaid-administrator-power-held-urgent-meetings-famine-atrocities-tigray|access-date=June 10, 2021|website=usaid.gov}}</ref> Tesfaye was appointed as a UN ] for the World Food Programme on October 7.<ref>{{Cite web|title=It's The Weeknd! Superstar singer becomes World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador |url=https://www.wfp.org/stories/its-weeknd-superstar-singer-becomes-world-food-programme-goodwill-ambassador|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=www.wfp.org|date=October 8, 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd Becomes U.N. Goodwill Ambassador for World Food Programme|url=https://www.wfpusa.org/theweeknd/|access-date=October 8, 2021|website=World Food Program USA|language=en-US}}</ref> On March 3, 2022, he partnered with the WFP to launch the XO Humanitarian Fund. Through the fund, Tesfaye was to donate US$1 from every ticket sold at his ], in addition to a US$500,000 donation, to the WFP.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=March 3, 2022 |title=The Weeknd Unveils Stadium Tour Dates, Launches XO Humanitarian Fund With Combined $1.5 Million Donation |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/the-weeknd-stadium-tour-dates-un-world-food-programme-1235195142/ |access-date=March 3, 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> $2,500,000 from the XO Humanitarian Fund was directed toward WFP's humanitarian response efforts in the ], providing four million emergency meals for those affected by the ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Abby |date=December 1, 2023 |title=The Weeknd Donates $2.5 Million to Gaza Food Deliveries |url=https://consequence.net/2023/12/the-weeknd-donates-emergency-food-deliveries-gaza/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Consequence of Sound |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cho |first=Regina |date=December 1, 2023 |title=The Weeknd To Provide 4 Million Emergency Meals To Humanitarian Efforts In Gaza |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/the-weeknd-provide-4-million-emergency-meals-to-gaza-1234824577/ |access-date=December 1, 2023 |website=Vibe |language=en-US}}</ref> On April 29, 2024, Tesfaye announced he will donate another $2 million to Palestine as loaves of bread.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=The Weeknd Donates $2 Million to Provide 18 Million Loaves of Bread to Gaza Families |magazine=] |date=April 29, 2024 |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-2-million-dollar-donation-gaza-food-aid-1235011969/ |access-date=April 29, 2024}}</ref>


== Personal life == == Personal life ==
Tesfaye prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Why The Weeknd Wants to Keep an Air of "Mystery" About His Personal Life |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/871163/why-the-weeknd-wants-to-keep-an-air-of-mystery-about-his-personal-life |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=E! Online}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Vanderhoof |first=Erin |date=April 3, 2018 |title=Can the Weeknd Recapture the Mystery? |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2018/04/can-the-weeknd-recapture-the-mystery |access-date=May 22, 2022 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}</ref> In the beginning of his career, he refrained from participating in interviews and instead chose to communicate via ], which he attributed to shyness and insecurities.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lau |first=Melody |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Mysterious R&B singer sells out first show |magazine=] |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/drake-protege-the-weeknd-proves-hes-no-fluke-in-live-debut-186124/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223933/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/drake-protege-the-weeknd-proves-hes-no-fluke-in-live-debut-186124/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He prefers to be interviewed only in rare situations.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cooper |first=Leonie |date=July 15, 2013 |title=The Weeknd says he's 'boring' in first ever interview |work=] |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-58-1257785}}</ref> Tesfaye was raised as an ].<ref name="Fantasy3"/><ref name="Went">{{Cite web |last=Ehrlich |first=Brenna |date=September 13, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Reveals How He Got His Name... And Where The 'E' Went |publisher=] |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223909/http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021|mode=cs2}}</ref> When asked whether or not he was still religious, he stated to '']'' in 2020, "I dunno...everything is a test, and if you are religious or spiritual, you have to go through things."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mamo |first=Heran |title=The Weeknd Says His Song 'Faith' Recalls 'The Darkest Time of My Entire Life' |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9354157/the-weeknd-faith-interview-darkest-time |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211180021/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9354157/the-weeknd-faith-interview-darkest-time |archive-date=February 11, 2021}}</ref>
Tesfaye began dating model ] at the beginning of 2015; the couple were first seen together in April at Coachella.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/style-blog/wp/2015/09/11/kylie-jenner-and-bella-hadid-are-18-their-boyfriends-are-25-why-do-their-relationships-elicit-such-different-reactions/|title=Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid are 18. Their boyfriends are 25. Why do their relationships elicit such different reactions|date=11 September 2015|author=Soraya Nadia McDonald|work=Washington Post|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a31091/bella-hadid-19th-birthday/|title=Bella Hadid Spends Her Birthday Weekend With The Weeknd|first=Sarah|last=Lindig|work=ELLE|accessdate=17 October 2015}}</ref> Hadid has starred in his music video "]" in December 2015. They also made their red carpet appearance as a couple at the 2016 Grammy Awards in February.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Weeknd-Bella-Hadid-Grammys-2016-40199219#photo-40199219|title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Made Their Red Carpet Debut at the Grammys|last=Sisavat|first=Monica|website=POPSUGAR Celebrity|language=en-US|access-date=6 June 2016}}</ref> On 11 November 2016, it was reported that the couple had split; citing that although the two are still in love, their schedules conflicted too much.<ref>{{cite web|last1=TRACY|first1=BRIANNE|title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Have Split: 'They Still Have a Great Deal of Love for One Another'|url=http://people.com/music/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-split/|website=People|publisher=Time INC.|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref> He began a relationship with singer ] in January 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.elleuk.com/life-and-culture/culture/news/a33406/the-weeknd-and-selena-gomez-are-in-relationship/|title=The Weeknd And Selena Gomez Weren't Shy With The PDA At Coachella|last=O'Malley|first=Katie|date=17 April 2017|work=ELLE UK|access-date=19 April 2017|archive-url=|archive-date=|dead-url=|language=en}}</ref> 


From April 2015 to August 2019, Tesfaye was in an ] with American model ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lindig |first=Sarah |date=October 10, 2015 |title=Bella Hadid Spends Her Birthday Weekend with the Weeknd |work=] |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a31091/bella-hadid-19th-birthday/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011190536/http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a31091/bella-hadid-19th-birthday/ |archive-date=October 11, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Why Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Reportedly Broke Up for the Second Time |work=] |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a28625896/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-breakup-2019-reason/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224039/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a28625896/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-breakup-2019-reason/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> She starred in the music video for his single "]" in December 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd's Super Bloody 'In the Night' Music Video Stars Girlfriend Bella Hadid as a Stripper Assassin |url=https://www.etonline.com/music/177660_the_weeknd_super_bloody_in_the_night_music_video_stars_girlfriend_bella_hadid_as_a_stripper_assassin |access-date=May 22, 2022 |website=www.etonline.com |date=December 8, 2015 |language=en-US}}</ref> He dated American singer-actress ] from January to October 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Yagoda |first=Maria |title=Everything We Know About Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Whirlwind Romance |website=] |url=https://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |url-status=live |date=May 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224105/https://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | last1=Chiu | first1=Melody | first2=Char |last2=Adams | title=Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Split After 10 Months Together | work=] | url=https://people.com/music/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-breakup/ | url-status=live | date=October 30, 2017 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224138/https://people.com/music/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-breakup/ | archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> Both of the relationships received widespread media attention, and were the topic of ] speculation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Savannah |date=February 6, 2021 |title=Bella Hadid and The Weeknd's Complete Relationship Timeline, Through Every Breakup and Reconciliation |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a29122950/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-relationship-timeline/ |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=ELLE |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 30, 2017 |title=Why Did Selena Gomez Go Public—And Then Private—With Her Relationship With The Weeknd? |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-instagram-official |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A Breakdown of The Weeknd's Most Emo Lyrics About Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid On His New EP |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/story/the-weeknd-my-dear-melancholy-selena-gomez-bella-hadid |access-date=May 23, 2022 |website=W Magazine |date=March 30, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Tesfaye has been in a relationship with Saudi-born disc jockey Simi Khadra since February 2022; publications have noted that unlike his previous romances, he has kept his relationship with Khadra private from the press.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Lutkin |first1=Aimeé |date=April 16, 2023 |title=All About The Weeknd's Girlfriend Simi Khadra |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a43611543/who-is-simi-khadra-the-weeknd-girlfriend/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |website=Elle}}</ref>
His hairstyle—which was partly inspired by ]—was by far his most recognizable trait.<ref name="RSinterview"/> "There's not much to maintaining it", he said — just a hard shampoo every once in a while. He began growing it out around 2011: "I want to be remembered as iconic and different," he said. "So I was like, 'Fuck it — I'm gonna let my hair just be what it wants'. I'll probably cut it if it starts interfering with my sight. I can kind of see it right now. But if I cut it, I'd look like everyone else. And that's just so boring to me".<ref name="RSinterview"/> In 2016, he cut his hair, which was visually illustrated in the ]; the ] off of his third album, '']''.


Tesfaye's hairstyle, which has been described as one of his most recognizable traits, has been claimed to be partly inspired by American artist ].<ref name="Fantasy3"/><ref>{{Cite news |last=Leung |first=Andrew |date=February 10, 2016 |title=The Weeknd's Hair: It's More Than an Homage to Basquiat |work=] |url=https://www.mic.com/articles/134936/the-weeknd-s-hair-it-s-more-than-an-homage-to-basquiat}}</ref> He began growing it out in 2011 and remarked at how easy it was to maintain with "a hard shampoo every once in a while".<ref name="Fantasy3" /> He cut his hair in 2016, prior to the release of '']''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=September 22, 2016 |title=5 '80s & '90s Artists Who May Have Inspired The Weeknd's New Haircut |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7518696/80s-90s-artists-inspired-the-weeknd-new-haircut |url-status=live |magazine=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7518696/80s-90s-artists-inspired-the-weeknd-new-haircut |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> On social media, Tesfaye typically suffixed his first name with "xo",<ref name="Hoby2">{{Cite news |last=Hoby |first=Hermione |author-link=Hermione Hoby |date=November 8, 2012 |title=The Weeknd: Sounds and sensibility |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002143549/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |archive-date=October 2, 2013}}</ref> which is often used as an ] for ].<ref name="Hoby2" /> According to '']''{{'s}} ], this was his intention, though others believe it was a reference to his recreational use of ] and ].<ref name="Know2">{{Cite news |last1=Wagstaff |first1=Keith |last2=Swanson |first2=David |date=October 26, 2015 |title=10 Things You Should Know About the Weeknd |website=] |url=https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704214239/https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |archive-date=July 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Why is The Weeknd's crew called 'XO' |publisher=] |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/lists/the-weeknd-facts/why-is-his-crew-called-xo/}}</ref> He later altered the handles on his social media to reflect his stage name in preparation for the release of '']''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dow |first=Gabriele |date=February 21, 2012 |title=The Weeknd is ready for take-off |work=] |publisher=] |url=https://www.torchonline.com/culture/arts-culture/2012/02/21/the-weeknd-is-ready-for-take-off/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224119/https://www.torchonline.com/culture/arts-culture/2012/02/21/the-weeknd-is-ready-for-take-off/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In August 2021, during a cover story with '']'', he described himself as being "sober lite", meaning that he has stopped using drugs with the exception of ]. He also noted that he drinks alcohol occasionally, stating: "I'm not a heavy drinker, as much as I used to be. The romance of drinking isn't there."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd says he's 'sober lite' after giving up drugs, except for weed |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/the-weeknd-california-sober-hard-drugs-weed-173803618.html |access-date=August 3, 2021 |website=www.yahoo.com |date=August 2, 2021 |language=en-US |archive-date=August 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210802232420/https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/the-weeknd-california-sober-hard-drugs-weed-173803618.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
On social media outlets such as Twitter, he suffixed his name with "xo".<ref name="Hoby"/> According to Hoby, it is meant as an emoticon for "]",<ref name="Hoby">{{cite news|last=Hoby|first=Hermione|date=8 November 2012|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility|title=The Weeknd: Sounds and sensibility|newspaper=]|location=London|at=section G2, p. 12|accessdate=6 January 2013}}</ref> while ]'s Zara Golden, The Torch and '']'' have said that it is instead a reference to his recreational use of ] and ].<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Golden |first=Zara |date=16 November 2012 |url=http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-11-16/who-is-the-weeknd-5-things-you-should-know |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130127024250/http://www.vh1.com/music/tuner/2012-11-16/who-is-the-weeknd-5-things-you-should-know |dead-url=yes |archive-date=27 January 2013 |title=Who Is The Weeknd? 5 Things You Should Know |publisher=] |accessdate=16 August 2013 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Dow|first1=Gabriele|title=The Weeknd is ready for take-off|url=http://www.torchonline.com/entertainment/arts-culture/2012/02/21/the-weeknd-is-ready-for-take-off/|website=the Torch|publisher=St. John's University|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref>


In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer in ] after being taken into an elevator to break up a fight.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stutz |first=Colin |date=January 12, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Arrested For Punching Las Vegas Police Officer |magazine=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6436581/the-weeknd-arrested-for-punching-las-vegas-police-officer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224117/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6436581/the-weeknd-arrested-for-punching-las-vegas-police-officer |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=October 23, 2015 |title=The Weeknd avoids jail time after punching police officer |work=] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/23/the-weeknd-abel-tesfaye-avoids-jail-time-after-punching-police-officer |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123215917/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/23/the-weeknd-abel-tesfaye-avoids-jail-time-after-punching-police-officer |archive-date=January 23, 2021}}</ref> He pleaded ] and was sentenced to complete fifty hours of ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 22, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Pleads No Contest To Punching a Cop |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/10/22/the-weeknd-no-contest-punching-cop/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224114/https://www.tmz.com/2015/10/22/the-weeknd-no-contest-punching-cop/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref>
He is a fan of the ] hit series '']''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Ehrlich|first1=Brenna|title=THE WEEKND REVEALS HOW HE GOT HIS NAME... AND WHERE THE 'E' WENT|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/|website=MTv.com|publisher=Viacom|accessdate=27 November 2016}}</ref> In the context of media outlets reporting cases of police brutality, in 2016, he tweeted "blue lives murder".<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd on Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/theweeknd/status/751143486590623744|website=Twitter|accessdate=13 November 2016}}</ref>


As of August 2021, Tesfaye was residing in ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Clarke |first=Katherine |date=August 19, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Buys $70 Million Mansion in One of L.A.'s Biggest Deals of the Year |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-weeknd-buys-70-million-los-angeles-mansion-11629400904 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230821203607/https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-weeknd-buys-70-million-los-angeles-mansion-11629400904 |archive-date=August 21, 2023 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |work=] |language=en-US |issn=0099-9660}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 20, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Drops $70 Million on a Massive Bel Air Mansion |url=https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-weeknd-buys-bel-air-mansion |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230826143731/https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-weeknd-buys-bel-air-mansion |archive-date=August 26, 2023 |access-date=November 4, 2021 |website=Architectural Digest |language=en-US}}</ref> In 2017, he purchased a home in ] for $18.5 million, which he sold to ] in 2021 for $19.3 million.<ref>{{Cite news |date=April 12, 2021 |title=Madonna Drops $19.3 Million on The Weeknd's Hidden Hills Estate |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/madonna-buys-19-3-million-house-from-the-weeknd-4164951/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023050807/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/style/madonna-buys-19-3-million-house-from-the-weeknd-4164951/|archive-date=October 23, 2023|work=]}}</ref> Tesfaye previously lived in ] in ]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Leitereg |first=Neal J. |date=November 21, 2019 |title=The Weeknd buys a penthouse in Westwood's Beverly West for $21 million |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-11-21/the-weeknd-buys-penthouse-westwood-beverly-west-for-21-million |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307025533/https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-11-21/the-weeknd-buys-penthouse-westwood-beverly-west-for-21-million |url-access=limited |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 7, 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/the-weeknd-snaps-up-21-million-los-angeles-penthouse-209605 | title=The Weeknd Snaps Up $21 Million Los Angeles Penthouse | first=Beckie | last=Strum | date=November 22, 2019 | website=]}}</ref> and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Halberg |first=Morgan |date=May 1, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Isn't Giving Up His Tribeca Penthouse Just Yet |url=https://observer.com/2020/05/the-weeknd-keeps-renting-tribeca-penthouse-renew-lease-coronavirus/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240108135914/https://observer.com/2020/05/the-weeknd-keeps-renting-tribeca-penthouse-renew-lease-coronavirus/ |archive-date=January 8, 2024 |work=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Brandt |first=Libertina |date=March 31, 2022 |title=Home for The Weeknd: How the R&B Superstar Built a Property Portfolio Worth Millions |url=https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/home-for-the-weeknd-how-the-r-b-superstar-built-a-property-portfolio-worth-millions-01648758019 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231023053009/https://www.mansionglobal.com/articles/home-for-the-weeknd-how-the-r-b-superstar-built-a-property-portfolio-worth-millions-01648758019 |archive-date=October 23, 2023 |access-date=April 4, 2022 |website=www.mansionglobal.com |language=en-US |quote=The Weeknd no longer rents the unit, according to a source with knowledge of his holdings.}}</ref>
=== Legal issues ===
In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for punching a Las Vegas police officer.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Stutz|first1=Colin|title=The Weeknd Arrested For Punching Las Vegas Police Officer|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6436581/the-weeknd-arrested-for-punching-las-vegas-police-officer|website=Billboard|accessdate=8 August 2016}}</ref> He pleaded no contest, and was sentenced to 50 hours of community service.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE WEEKND Pleads No Contest TO PUNCHING A COP|url=http://www.tmz.com/2015/10/22/the-weeknd-no-contest-punching-cop/|website=TMZ|accessdate=8 August 2016}}</ref>


In April 2023, Tesfaye revealed that he has ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=O. Harris |first=Jeremy |date=April 14, 2023 |title=The Weeknd Introduces Us to Abel Tesfaye |url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/the-weeknd-introduces-us-to-abel-tesfaye |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231209110641/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/music/the-weeknd-introduces-us-to-abel-tesfaye |archive-date=December 9, 2023 |work=]}}</ref>
=== Philanthropy ===
Being presented the Bikila Award for Professional Excellence Award in 2014, he decided to donate $50,000 towards a class at the ] on ], the classic language of Ethiopia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/the-weeknd-donates-50000-to-the-university-of-toronto-to-help-start-an-ethiopic-studies-program-a7177606.html|title=The Weeknd donates $ 50, 000 to language class at the University of Toronto|last=Carissimo|first=Justin|date=7 August 2016|website=]|accessdate=7 August 2016}}</ref> In 2015, he collaborated with ]'s foundation to visit Children's Hospital in Atlanta.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Weeknd Does Charity Work Amidst Cheating Rumors + Do-Gooder 2 Chainz Donates Minivan To Family With Brain Damaged Son|author1=Natasha|url=http://theybf.com/2015/12/17/the-weeknd-does-charity-work-amidst-cheating-rumors-do-gooder-2-chainz-donates-minivan-to|website=Young, Black & Fabulous|accessdate=31 October 2016}}</ref> In 2016, he donated $250,000 to ].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Lockett|first1=Dee|title=The Weeknd Donates $250,000 to the Black Lives Matter Movement|url=http://www.vulture.com/2016/08/weeknd-donates-250k-to-black-lives-matter.html|website=Vulture|publisher=New York Media LLC}}</ref>


== Discography == ==Accolades==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by the Weeknd}}
{{main article|The Weeknd discography}}
Tesfaye has won four ], a ], twenty ], six ]s, three ] and twenty-two ]s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=David |title=The Weeknd really cleaned up this Juno Awards weekend |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082 |url-status=live |date=April 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224133/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> He has also received nominations for an ] and a ].<ref name="grammy2">{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd|url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/weeknd/18167|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419192514/https://www.grammy.com/artist/the-weeknd|archive-date=April 19, 2017|publisher=]}}</ref>
<!-- Per ], The discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works". -->

In October 2014, Tesfaye was awarded the ] Honour by ] for "making a positive impact in the fields of music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation or philanthropy".<ref name="slaight">{{Cite press release |title=The Weeknd honoured with Allan Slaight Award from Canada's Walk of Fame |date=February 14, 2015 |publisher=] |via=] |url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-weeknd-honoured-with-allan-slaight-award-from-canadas-walk-of-fame-515623821.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150214052542/http://www.canadaswalkoffame.com/news/story/the-weeknd-honoured-with-allan-slaight-award-from-canadas-walk-of-fame |archive-date=February 14, 2015}}</ref>

] mayor ] announced that the city would observe February 7, 2021, as the Weeknd Day to commemorate Tesfaye's ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Peters|first=Mitchell|date=February 7, 2021|title=Toronto Declares 'The Weeknd Day' to Honor Singer's Super Bowl Performance|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/toronto-the-weeknd-day-super-bowl-9522634/|access-date=December 3, 2021|magazine=Billboard|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=February 7, 2021|title=The Weeknd has been given his own day by Toronto mayor|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-given-own-day-toronto-mayor-2874646|access-date=December 3, 2021|website=NME|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{main|The Weeknd discography|List of songs recorded by the Weeknd}}
<!-- Per ], The discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works". Studio albums only. -->
'''Studio albums'''
* '']'' (2013) * '']'' (2013)
* '']'' (2015) * '']'' (2015)
* '']'' (2016) * '']'' (2016)
* '']'' (2020)
* '']'' (2022)
* '']'' (2025)
<!-- STUDIO ALBUMS ONLY! Per ], The discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works". -->


== Concert tours == ==Filmography==
{{main|The Weeknd videography}}
; Headlining
<!-- There is no need to list his full filmography since there's now an article dedicated to it. A bulleted list of selected works is all this article needs. -->
* The Weeknd International Tour (Spring 2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2012/04/11/the-weeknd-announces-first-us-tour|title=The Weeknd Announces First US Tour|first=Duncan|last=Cooper|work=The FADER}}</ref>
* '']'' (2016)
* The Weeknd Fall Tour (2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2012/08/the-weeknd-announces-fall-tour/|title=The Weeknd announces fall tour|work=Consequence of Sound}}</ref>
* '']'' (2019)
* The Weeknd Kiss Land Fall Tour (2013)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/51422-the-weeknd-announces-big-fall-tour-kiss-land-out-late-summer/|title=The Weeknd Announces Big Fall Tour, Kiss Land Out Late Summer|work=Pitchfork}}</ref>
* '']'' (2021)
* King of the Fall (2014)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Davis|first1=Justin|title=The Weeknd Announces "King of The Fall" Tour|url=http://www.complex.com/music/2014/06/the-weeknd-announces-king-of-the-fall-tour|website=Complex|accessdate=26 June 2014}}</ref>
* '']'' (2023)
* ] (2015)<ref>{{cite web|last1=Martin|first1=Paley|title=The Weeknd Announces The Madness Fall Tour With Travi$ Scott, Halsey & Banks|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates|website=Billboard|date=21 August 2015|accessdate=21 August 2015|publisher=Prometheus Global Media}}</ref>
* '']'' (2023)
* ] (2017)<ref name="Rolling Stone">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-maps-out-massive-starboy-legend-of-the-fall-tour-w447500|title=The Weeknd Sets 'Phase One' of Massive Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour|work=]|date=31 October 2016|accessdate=31 October 2016|author=Kreps, Daniel}}</ref>
; Supporting
* ] {{small|(with ])}} (2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pitchfork.com/news/46423-the-weeknd-to-open-for-florence-and-the-machine/|title=The Weeknd to Open for Florence and the Machine|work=Pitchfork|date=7 May 2012|accessdate=27 November 2015}}</ref>
* ] {{small|(with ])}} (2013)<ref name="jttour"/>
* ] {{small|(with ])}} (2014) <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/drake-announces-news.7909.html|title=Drake Announces "Would You Like a Tour?" European Dates w/ The Weeknd|publisher=hotnewhiphop|date=29 October 2013|accessdate=27 November 2015}}</ref>


== References == ==Tours==
'''Headlining'''
{{reflist|30em}}
* The Fall Tour (2012)
* ] (2013)
* ] (2014)
* ] (2015)
* ] (2017)
* ] (2018)
* ] (2022-)
'''Supporting'''
* ] – ] (2012)
* ] – ] (2013)
* ] – ] (2014)


'''Touring members'''{{efn|During his early performances in 2011, respective tours in 2012 and 2013 prior to the Kiss Land Fall Tour, he had other guitar, bass, and keyboard players, as well as two female backup singers; these former members' names are unknown.}}
== External links ==
* Patrick Greenaway – lead guitar (2012–present), synthesizer (2020–present)
{{wikimedia|collapsible=true|c=Category:The Weeknd|d=Q2121062|voy=no|v=no|species=no|wikt=no|b=no|s=no|n=no}}
* Ledaris "LJ" Jones – bass, keyboards (2013–present){{efn|Jones was absent during the European and Latin American legs of the After Hours til Dawn Tour (2023).}}
* Ricky Lewis – drums (2011–present)

==See also==
* ]
* ]

== Notes ==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{sister project links|collapsible=true|c=Category:The Weeknd|d=Q2121062|voy=no|v=no|species=no|wikt=no|b=no|s=no|n=no}}
* {{official website|https://www.theweeknd.com/}}


* {{official website|http://www.theweeknd.com}}
{{The Weeknd}} {{The Weeknd}}
{{The Weeknd songs}}
{{Navboxes
|title = ]
|list =
{{American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist}}
{{BET Award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist}}
{{BET Her Award}}
{{Brit International Male}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}
{{Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporany Album}}
{{IFPI Global Year-End}}
{{Juno Award for Artist of the Year}} {{Juno Award for Artist of the Year}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video}}
{{MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year}}
{{UK best-selling singles (by year)}}
}}


{{Portal bar|Biography|Canada|Music|Music of Canada}} {{Portal bar|Biography|Canada|Music}}
{{Authority control}} {{Authority control}}


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Latest revision as of 20:07, 22 December 2024

Canadian singer-songwriter (born 1990) "Weeknd" redirects here. For other uses, see Weekend (disambiguation).

The Weeknd
Tesfaye (the Weeknd), wearing a black suit with a bowtie, and with a neutral expression on his face, averts his gaze from the camera.The Weeknd at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival
BornAbel Makkonen Tesfaye
(1990-02-16) February 16, 1990 (age 34)
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Other names
  • The Noise
  • Kin Kane
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • record producer
  • actor
  • businessman
Years active2009–present
Works
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • keyboards
Labels
Musical artist
Websitetheweeknd.com
Signature

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (Amharic: አቤል መኮንን ተስፋዬ; born February 16, 1990), known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and actor. Recognized for his unconventional musical production, artistic reinventions, and signature falsetto register, Tesfaye is one of the most innovative and influential artists of his generation.

Tesfaye began releasing music anonymously in 2009. After co-founding the record label XO, he released three mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—in 2011, and gained recognition for his blend of contemporary and alternative R&B, as well as the mystery surrounding his identity. He signed with Republic Records to reissue the mixtapes into the compilation album Trilogy (2012), and release his debut studio album, Kiss Land (2013) the following year. After a string of collaborations and film soundtrack contributions from 2013 and 2014, Tesfaye transitioned from alternative R&B to a pop sound with his second and third studio albums, Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) and Starboy (2016), both of which debuted atop the US Billboard 200. The former yielded his first two US Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles, "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills", while Starboy spawned two more: its title track (featuring Daft Punk), and after a 2023 remix with Ariana Grande, "Die for You".

He returned to alternative R&B for his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy (2018), which included the US top-ten single "Call Out My Name". He explored the dream-pop and new wave genres with his fourth studio album, After Hours (2020), which spawned the record-setting single, "Blinding Lights", in which became the most-streamed song of all time on Spotify, broke records as the longest-charting song in Billboard Hot 100 history, and was named the chart's best-performing song of all time. Other chart-topping singles from the album included "Heartless" and "Save Your Tears" with the latter gaining renewed popularity after a remix featuring Ariana Grande. Tesfaye began exploring dance-pop, leading to his fifth album, Dawn FM (2022), which included the US top-ten single, "Take My Breath". In 2023, he co-created and starred in the HBO drama series The Idol, which was a critical failure, while its accompanying soundtrack saw commercial success.

Tesfaye has sold over 75 million records, making him one of the world's best-selling artists. He has earned seven diamond-certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for his singles, and is the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three spots on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. "Blinding Lights" became the best-performing song in the Billboard Hot 100's history and the longest-charting song by a solo artist in the chart's history. Tesfaye was listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people in 2020, and was dubbed the "world's most popular artist" by Guinness World Records in 2023. An advocate for racial equality and food security, he was appointed a World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador in 2021. He has donated millions to causes related to racial equality, food security, and disaster relief, including substantial contributions to COVID-19 relief efforts and the Ethiopian humanitarian crisis. His accolades include four Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 22 Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, a Latin Grammy Award and nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Life and career

Early life

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The only child of Ethiopian Amhara immigrants Makkonen Tesfaye and Samrawit Hailu, who separated shortly after his birth, he was raised in the suburb of Scarborough by his mother and grandmother. Tesfaye's patronymic is spelled "Makkonen" instead of the traditional Ethiopian name "Makonnen". The similarity with the Finnish surname Makkonen is pure coincidence. The spelling of Tesfaye's patronymic might be the result of a typographic error or a new form of the traditional name. Tesfaye is proficient in Amharic, his native language acquired from his grandmother, and is also fluent in French, as he attended a French immersion school. He was further educated at West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute.

At seventeen, Tesfaye dropped out of school and relocated to an apartment in the neighbourhood of Parkdale with two friends, one of whom is La Mar Taylor—his best friend and now creative director. Living a hedonistic lifestyle with his friends, Tesfaye adopted his stage name because he left home on a weekend. He removed the last 'e' in 'weekend' to avoid trademark issues with the Canadian pop rock band the Weekend. He has also experienced homelessness and was incarcerated on several occasions during this time, which encouraged him to "smarten up, to focus". During this time, Tesfaye frequently engaged in drug use, including substances such as ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, magic mushrooms, and cough syrup, stating that drugs were a "crutch" for him when he wrote music. Before releasing music under his current stage name, he went under the alias 'Kin Kane', as part of a hip-hop duo called 'Bulleez n Nerdz', and was part of a production team called 'the Noise'.

2009–2014: Trilogy and Kiss Land

In August 2009, Tesfaye began anonymously releasing music on YouTube. The following year, he met the producer Jeremy Rose at a party. Rose asked Tesfaye if he wanted to work together as a dark R&B project after hearing him freestyle over an instrumental. After creating multiple songs and parting ways due to creative differences, Tesfaye was allowed to use the songs they made together under the condition that Rose received production credits. In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to YouTube under the username "xoxxxoooxo". His identity remained undisclosed initially. These songs gained attention online and were later acknowledged in a blog post by the rapper Drake. The songs subsequently received coverage from various media outlets, including Pitchfork and The New York Times.

In 2011, Tesfaye met music executives Wassim "Sal" Slaiby and Amir "Cash" Esmailian, with whom, along with Taylor, he founded the XO record label. On March 21, Tesfaye released his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, which featured production from Illangelo and Doc McKinney. The mixtape also included tracks produced by Rose, although he did not receive production credits. House of Balloons was named as one of the ten shortlisted nominees for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize.

Tesfaye started working with Drake in May 2011, eventually earning a spot at the latter's OVO Fest on July 31. In July 2011, Tesfaye held his first live performance at the Mod Club Theatre in Toronto. He also participated in concerts hosted by the Black Student Association at the University of Toronto. On August 18, Tesfaye released his second mixtape, Thursday, which garnered usually positive reviews. Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's second studio album, Take Care, released on November 15, as a songwriter, producer and a featured artist on the album's seventh single, "Crew Love". He released his third mixtape, Echoes of Silence, on December 21. It was a longlisted nominee for the 2012 Polaris Music Prize.

The Weeknd wearing a button-up, sleeveless shirt covering a normal black t-shirt. He is performing on a stage, singing into a microphone, with palm trees in the background.
Tesfaye performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2012

In April 2012, Tesfaye began performing at more shows, such as the Coachella Festival, and two sold-out shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City. He also performed at various European festivals, such as Primavera Sound in Spain and Portugal and the Wireless Festival in the United Kingdom. In September, Tesfaye signed with Republic Records; XO was assumed as a subsidiary label. That same month, he embarked on his first concert tour, the Fall Tour, which included his own headlining shows and some opening shows for the English band Florence and the Machine. The tour was performed in North America in September to November 2012.

On November 13, 2012, Tesfaye released Trilogy, a compilation album comprising re-mixed and remastered versions of his 2011 mixtapes, and three additional tracks. The album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 86,000 copies, and has received platinum certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and double-platinum from Music Canada. It also earned Tesfaye a nomination for the Sound of 2013 poll award by BBC.

The picture depicts Tesfaye performing, with the lights giving the image an orange environment. In the background, there is a drum set.
Tesfaye performing at Massey Hall in October 2013

On May 17, 2013, Tesfaye released the title track to his debut studio album, Kiss Land and announced the album's release date of September 10. Upon its release, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 96,000 copies and received generally positive reviews from music critics. Tesfaye further promoted the album with a fall tour that occurred in North America and England in September to November 2013. Between November 6 and 13, he served as an opening act for Justin Timberlake during The 20/20 Experience World Tour. He also contributed two songs to the soundtrack for the 2013 film The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, "Devil May Cry" and the soundtrack's second single, "Elastic Heart" with Sia and Diplo.

In February 2014, Tesfaye released a remix of "Drunk in Love" from Beyoncé's eponymous studio album, and Ty Dolla Sign's "Or Nah". He announced the King of the Fall Tour in June 2014, a 4-city tour of North America between September and October and was supported by Schoolboy Q and Jhené Aiko. In promotion of the tour, he released the songs "King of the Fall" and "Often" in July of that year. On August 25, Tesfaye collaborated with Ariana Grande on the song "Love Me Harder" from Grande's second studio album My Everything. It was later released on September 30 as the fourth single from the album, and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. On December 23, Tesfaye released the song "Earned It" from the soundtrack for Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). The single, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, earned Tesfaye his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The song won Best R&B Performance and was nominated for Best R&B Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

2015–2016: Beauty Behind the Madness

Tesfaye performing at Bumbershoot 2015

On May 27, 2015, Tesfaye released the second single from Beauty Behind the Madness, "The Hills". The single debuted at number twenty on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number one, becoming Tesfaye's second number-one single, following "Can't Feel My Face", which had reached the number one position before it. In June 2019, "The Hills" was certified diamond by the RIAA, marking Tesfaye's first diamond-certified record.

In June 2015, after winning the Centric Award at the BET Awards, Tesfaye performed "Earned It" with Alicia Keys. On June 8, he released the song "Can't Feel My Face" as the album's third single. The track was previously leaked in May, but was released as a single following a performance by Tesfaye at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. The single debuted at number twenty-four on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's third top 10 hit and his first number-one song in the United States. The song was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. He occupied all three slots on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish this. He was also unveiled as one of the musical faces of the streaming service Apple Music, alongside Drake. During the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, Apple debuted a two-part promotional commercial featuring Tesfaye, which had a guest appearance from John Travolta. In July, Tesfaye headlined the inaugural FVDED in the Park festival in Surrey, British Columbia. On June 29, Tesfaye was featured on Meek Mill's second studio album Dreams Worth More Than Money (2015), on the track "Pullin' Up".

Beauty Behind the Madness, Tesfaye's second studio album, was released on August 28, 2015, and debuted atop the Billboard 200, earning 412,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. It reached the top 10 in over ten countries and reached number one in Canada, Australia, Norway, and the United Kingdom. The album was promoted by Tesfaye headlining various summer music festivals, including Lollapalooza, the Hard Summer Music Festival, and the Bumbershoot Festival. He announced The Madness Fall Tour, his first large-scale tour across the United States, which began in November, and concluded in December. The album was certified double platinum in the U.S., and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. It was the most-streamed album in 2015, with over 60 million streams, and was ranked on multiple lists of albums of the year. The three singles that preceded the album were certified platinum in the United States. The album won Best Urban Contemporary Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

On September 4, 2015, Tesfaye was featured on Travis Scott's debut album Rodeo, on the track "Pray 4 Love". On October 10, Tesfaye appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside actress Amy Schumer, performing as the show's musical guest. This was his first performance on the show as a solo artist, after appearing with Ariana Grande to perform "Love Me Harder". In November, he began his debut arena tour, The Madness Fall Tour, which included shows at Toronto's Air Canada Centre and New York City's Madison Square Garden. On December 18, Tesfaye was featured on Belly's single "Might Not" from his eighth mixtape Up For Days.

On February 14, 2016, Tesfaye was featured on Kanye West's seventh studio album The Life of Pablo on the track "FML". It marked their second collaboration, with West previously writing and producing on Tesfaye's track "Tell Your Friends" from Beauty Behind the Madness. On March 1, Tesfaye was featured on Future's single "Low Life" from his fourth studio album Evol. On April 23, he was featured on Beyoncé's sixth studio album Lemonade on the track "6 Inch". On August 26, Tesfaye was featured on Cashmere Cat's single "Wild Love" with Francis and the Lights, which served as the lead single from Cashmere Cat's debut studio album 9 (2017).

2016–2019: Starboy and My Dear Melancholy,

Tesfaye performing at Lollapalooza Chile during the Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour in 2017

In September 2016, Tesfaye announced that his third studio album, Starboy, would be released on November 25, and included collaborations with now-disbanded French electronic music duo Daft Punk. He released the album's title track, which featured the duo on September 21. The song debuted at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's third number-one single. As of March 2023, the song is certified Diamond by the RIAA. Their second collaboration, "I Feel It Coming" was released on November 24. The single peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. On October 1, Tesfaye made a second appearance on Saturday Night Live as the musical guest alongside actress Margot Robbie. During the show, he performed "Starboy" and "False Alarm". On November 23, he released the short film M A N I A. Directed by Grant Singer, it featured excerpts from the album, including snippets from "All I Know" featuring Future, "Sidewalks" featuring Kendrick Lamar, "Secrets" and "Die for You". Upon release, the album debuted at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 348,000 units, making it Tesfaye's second consecutive number-one album. As of January 2019, the album is certified triple platinum by the RIAA. The album won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards, making it Tesfaye's second win in the category.

On February 17, 2017, the Weeknd began his fifth concert tour, called Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour. The tour was in support of his third studio album Starboy (2016) and concluded on December 14, 2017. He visited the continents Europa, North- and South America and Oceania. On February 15, 2017, Tesfaye was featured on Nav's commercial debut single "Some Way", which also served as the lead single from his self-titled mixtape. On February 24, he appeared on Future's sixth studio album Hndrxx, on the song "Comin Out Strong". On April 19, Tesfaye appeared on the title track and second single from Lana Del Rey's fifth studio album. On August 15, he was featured on French Montana's track "A Lie", the third single from his second studio album Jungle Rules. He then appeared on the Virgil Abloh-directed music video for Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3" alongside Nav. He was later featured on Lil Uzi Vert's debut album Luv Is Rage 2 on the track "UnFazed" and on Gucci Mane's eleventh studio album Mr. Davis on the track "Curve".

Tesfaye performing in Hong Kong in November 2018

On February 2, 2018, Tesfaye contributed to the soundtrack for Black Panther on the song "Pray for Me" with Kendrick Lamar. The track served as the third single from the soundtrack, and peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100.

On March 30, 2018, Tesfaye released his debut extended play My Dear Melancholy, after news of the project were teased and leaked. The EP debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 with 169,000 units, making it Tesfaye's third consecutive number-one album and the shortest album, by track count, to top the chart in eight years. On April 6, Tesfaye released the EP's lead single "Call Out My Name", which peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. On April 13, he headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the first time. He appeared in multiple festivals throughout 2018 to support the EP, most notably the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, Lollapalooza in both Chicago and Berlin, and a post-race concert at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

On June 6, 2018, Tesfaye announced his new Apple Music 1 radio show Memento Mori. The first episode was released two days later. He would later feature on two tracks from Travis Scott's third studio album, Astroworld, which were "Skeletons" and "Wake Up" on August 3, 2018. On November 21, he released his first greatest hits album The Weeknd in Japan. In support of the album and his EP My Dear Melancholy, he began his sixth concert tour, the Weeknd Asia Tour, a six-show tour of Asia during November and December. On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye was featured on Gesaffelstein's song "Lost in the Fire", the second single from his second studio album Hyperion. On April 18, he released "Power Is Power" with SZA and Travis Scott, the lead single from the Game of Thrones-inspired soundtrack.

2019–2021: After Hours

On November 24, 2019, Tesfaye teased his single "Blinding Lights" through a Mercedes-Benz commercial. On November 27, he released "Heartless" as the lead single from his fourth studio album. The song debuted at number thirty-two on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's fourth number-one single. "Blinding Lights" was released two days after the release of "Heartless" on November 29. The single debuted at number eleven on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number one, making it Tesfaye's fifth number-one single. "Blinding Lights" would then go on to become the first song in the chart's history to hold a spot in the top ten for an entire year. It also became the longest charting song by a solo artist on the Hot 100 at 90 weeks, ending the week of September 11, 2021. On November 23, 2021, "Blinding Lights" was ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by Billboard, surpassing "The Twist" by Chubby Checker. On January 1, 2023, it became the most streamed song on Spotify with 3.3 billion streams.

On February 19, 2020, Tesfaye revealed that his fourth studio album would be titled After Hours, and would be released on March 20. He also released the album's title track as a promotional single. On March 7, he made his third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, alongside actor Daniel Craig. On the show, he performed "Blinding Lights" and debuted the track "Scared to Live". Tesfaye released the album's third single "In Your Eyes" on March 24. The track peaked at number sixteen on the Billboard Hot 100.

Upon release, After Hours debuted atop the Billboard 200, earning 444,000 units, marking Tesfaye's fourth consecutive number-one album. It became the most streamed R&B album of all time, surpassing Tesfaye's own Starboy. In the album's first charting week, Tesfaye also became the first artist to lead the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Artist 100, Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts simultaneously, and repeated his lead the following week. The deluxe version of After Hours was released on March 29, 2020, and contained the tracks "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby".

On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye was featured on the late Juice Wrld's single "Smile" from his first posthumous album Legends Never Die. On August 28, he was featured on Calvin Harris' single "Over Now". On October 30, Tesfaye appeared on Ariana Grande's song "Off the Table" from her sixth studio album Positions. On the same day, he appeared on Oneohtrix Point Never's track "No Nightmares" from his ninth studio album Magic Oneohtrix Point Never, which he also executive produced with OPN. On November 5, he appeared on the remix of Maluma's "Hawái", was nominated for Best Urban Fusion/Performance at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammy Awards. On December 10, he performed at iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball. On February 5, 2021, Tesfaye released his second greatest hits album The Highlights. The album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, making it Tesfaye's highest charting compilation album and the biggest first week debut for a greatest hits album since Fully Loaded: God's Country (2019).

Tesfaye headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show at the Raymond James Stadium in 2021

Tesfaye headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show on February 7, 2021, becoming the first Canadian solo artist to headline the show. He reportedly spent US$7 million of his own money on the Super Bowl performance. Reviews of the performance were generally positive. The show resulted in a surge in streaming and downloads for Tesfaye's After Hours album as well as for the seven other songs he performed. The halftime show earned three nominations at the 73rd Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Variety Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control for a Special.

Over 2021, Tesfaye reissued his three mixtapes in its authentic form with the original mixes and samples to celebrate the tenth anniversary of their release, with House of Balloons coming first in March 2021. Thursday's reissue followed in August 2021, and in December, Echoes of Silence was reissued.

On April 23, Tesfaye released a remix of "Save Your Tears" with Ariana Grande, marking their third collaboration. The remix launched the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 on the chart dated May 8, 2021, becoming both artists' sixth number one hit. He later began to tease new music in the same month. When asked about a new album during an interview with Variety, he explained that "if the last record is the After Hours of the night, then The Dawn is coming". On May 11, Tesfaye performed "Save Your Tears" at the Brit Awards. He also accepted his first Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist, which was presented to him by former first lady of the United States Michelle Obama. On May 24, Tesfaye performed "Save Your Tears" at the Billboard Music Awards. He was nominated for a record sixteen awards, and won ten, including Top Artist and Top Hot 100 Song. When accepting his awards, Tesfaye continued to tease new music by saying "the After Hours are done, and The Dawn is coming". On May 28, he performed the remix of "Save Your Tears" at the iHeartRadio Music Awards with Ariana Grande. On June 25, Tesfaye appeared on Doja Cat's single "You Right" from her third studio album Planet Her. On July 22, he appeared on Belly's single "Better Believe" with Young Thug from his third studio album See You Next Wednesday.

2021–2023: Dawn FM

The Weeknd in August 2021

On August 2, 2021, Tesfaye released a snippet of new music on social media. He appeared on the cover of the September 2021 issue of GQ, marking the magazine's first global publication. Then, in a collaboration with NBC Sports and the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tesfaye announced his single "Take My Breath", which was released on August 6. Later that month, he appeared on Kanye West's tenth studio album Donda on the track "Hurricane", which won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.

On October 4, 2021, during an episode of Memento Mori, Tesfaye revealed that his fifth studio album was complete and that he was waiting on a "couple characters that are key to the narrative." On October 18, Tesfaye announced that his upcoming tour, originally titled the After Hours Tour, would be held entirely in stadiums due to arena constraints and was scheduled to commence in July 2022. The tour was renamed as the After Hours til Dawn Tour, and would incorporate elements from his fourth and fifth studio albums.

On October 22, 2021, Tesfaye appeared on Swedish House Mafia's single "Moth to a Flame" from their debut studio album Paradise Again. On November 5, he appeared on Post Malone's single "One Right Now" from his fourth studio album Twelve Carat Toothache. On November 11, he was featured on Rosalía's single "La Fama" from her third studio album Motomami. On December 16, Tesfaye was featured on FKA Twigs' single "Tears in the Club" from her debut mixtape Caprisongs. The next day, on December 17, he was featured on Aaliyah's single "Poison" from her posthumous album Unstoppable.

Tesfaye released his fifth studio album Dawn FM on January 7, 2022. Upon release, the album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 148,000 units, marking Tesfaye's eighth top ten entry and his second non-consecutive album to debut at number two. He also broke the record for the most simultaneous entries for a male soloist on the Billboard Global 200, with twenty-four songs on the chart. In addition to "Take My Breath", Dawn FM was supported by the singles "Sacrifice" and "Out of Time". February 26, Tesfaye premiered The Dawn FM Experience, a television music special in partnership with Amazon Prime Video.

The Weeknd's haunted house as part of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights.

On March 20, the Weeknd played in an episode of the cartoon The Simpsons. On April 18, he headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival for the second time, performing alongside Swedish House Mafia. On July 26, 2022, the Weeknd announced that he would host a haunted house at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood, as part of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights hosted every Halloween. Tesfaye appeared on the song "Creepin'" from Metro Boomin's album, Heroes & Villains, on December 2, 2022. His song "Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)," made for the film Avatar: The Way of Water's official soundtrack, was released on December 16, 2022.

On February 24, 2023, following months-long renewed interest in and virality of the Weeknd's 2016 song "Die for You," which began charting in 2022 and reached a new peak of 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 6 years after its release, a remix of the song featuring Ariana Grande was released. The remix marked their fourth collaboration. In the Billboard Hot 100 issue dated March 11, 2023, the remix reached the top of the chart, becoming both artists' seventh number one hit. On February 27, 2023, in the wake of the remix's success, the Weeknd became the first artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

On March 3, 2023, the Weeknd released his first live album, titled Live at SoFi Stadium. It featured recordings from his HBO concert film of the same name, showcasing the last concert of the North American leg of his After Hours til Dawn Tour at SoFi Stadium. He subsequently featured on four songs — "Artificial Intelligence," "Defame Moi," "More Coke!!," and "Emotionless" — from Mike Dean's album 4:23, released on April 29, 2023. In May 2023, the Weeknd stated that he was intending to retire the moniker of "the Weeknd" in favor of performing under his birth name, or adopting a new pseudonym altogether. He explained that his upcoming album would most likely serve as his "final hurrah" under the name.

2023–present: The Idol and Hurry Up Tomorrow

The Weeknd co-created the HBO drama series The Idol with Sam Levinson, and stars in the show alongside Lily-Rose Depp. The series premiered at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival out of competition, where it received significant controversy for its graphic depiction of onscreen nudity and sexual content. The series debuted to widespread negative reviews from critics. The Hollywood Reporter stated that the series confirms the allegations that "Instead of subtly skewering the misogynistic and predatory nature of the business, The Idol became a forbidden love story — the stuff of a toxic man's fantasy", and called it "regressive rather than transgressive". He received negative reviews for his acting, with critic Robert Daniels of The Playlist writing, "Tesfaye is also a terrible actor. He lacks the comfortability, the gravitas, charisma, and charm to increase the viability of Jocelyn being attracted to him. In most scenes, Tesfaye either hides under the cover of dim lighting, obtrusive coverage, or re-recorded dialogue dubbed into several scenes." On August 28, 2023, HBO announced it had cancelled The Idol after one season.

On June 8, 2023, the Weeknd announced a series of EPs featuring music from The Idol. Originally intended as a soundtrack album, each EP was released following the premiere of each episode of the show, which featured collaborations with Future, Playboi Carti, Madonna, Lil Baby, Lily-Rose Depp, and Jennie from the South Korean girl group Blackpink. Later in June he received an invitation from the Academy to become a member.

On July 21, Tesfaye appeared on Travis Scott's lead single "K-pop" from his fourth studio album Utopia, and later appeared on another track on Scott's album, "Circus Maximus". Tesfaye appeared on Diddy's single "Another One of Me" on September 15, which he called his "final feature", despite releasing multiple collaborations with Metro Boomin and Future in 2024.

On December 2, 2023, Fortnite announced that the Weeknd would be featured as the headlining artist for its Fortnite Festival gamemode and outfits of him would become available to play with on December 9. His outfits have three different variants of himself; the red suit seen throughout the promotional material for After Hours, the outfit from his 2022 Coachella performance, and two of the costumes that he was seen wearing during the After Hours til Dawn Tour.

Tesfaye first teased news of a follow-up album to Dawn FM in 2022, telling his fans: " wonder... did you know you're experiencing a new trilogy?" via Twitter. On January 8, 2024, he further teased an upcoming album, posting pictures of his last two albums and a question mark on his social media. On March 22, 2024, he appeared on the track "Young Metro" from Future and Metro Boomin's collaborative album, We Don't Trust You as well as several tracks on Future and Metro Boomin's We Still Don't Trust You album.

On July 17, 2024, Tesfaye announced a one-night show in São Paulo, Brazil, set to take place on September 7, 2024. He announced the title of his upcoming sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, three days prior to the concert.

Artistry

Influences

Tesfaye cites Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly as his main musical inspirations.

Tesfaye cites Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly as his main musical inspirations. He has attributed Jackson's music as key in spurring him to be a singer, referencing the lyrics to "Dirty Diana" as an example. His high-flying vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singers such as Aster Aweke. He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including soul, hip hop, funk, indie rock, and post-punk. Tesfaye is heavily influenced by 1980s music, and credits the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002) for "opening my eyes" to the music of that era. "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born", he said in an interview for Billboard. "You can hear it as far back as my first mixtape that the '80s – Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins – play such a huge role in my sound."

Tesfaye has named Deftones as one of his influences during the making of House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence. He has also cited Lana Del Rey, David Bowie, the Smiths, Bad Brains, Talking Heads, DeBarge, 50 Cent, Wu-Tang Clan, and Eminem as influences and inspirations. When Daft Punk announced their split in 2021, Tesfaye praised them during an interview with Variety, saying: "Those guys are one of the reasons I make music, so I can't even compare them to other people..."

Production and songwriting

Tesfaye's songs are "built around a fogged, crepuscular production", and feature slow tempos, rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes. His music incorporates samples that are unconventional in R&B production, including punk, shoegaze, dream pop and alternative rock. Marc Hogan of Spin says that Tesfaye's samples tend "to draw from rock critic-approved sources, though generally ones that already share elements of his sexual menace", sampling artists such as Beach House, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Aaliyah. Tesfaye worked mostly with producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney, whom Ian Cohen of Pitchfork credits with developing "a state-of-the-art R&B template" with the artist. In concert, Tesfaye reappropriates his digitized productions with a suite-like arena rock aesthetic.

His emotional, plaintive lyrics often express feelings of hurt and deal with subject matter such as sex, drugs, and partying; this is seen especially in After Hours and House of Balloons. Hermione Hoby of The Guardian characterizes Tesfaye's songs as "narcotised-slow jams" and delineates their message as "partying is an existential experience, sex is fraught with alienation, and everything registers as unreal and unsettling." Paul MacInnes of The Guardian stated that he views Tesfaye's three mixtapes as "a rough trajectory of party, after-party and hangover." Anupa Mistry of the Toronto Standard observes throughout his mixtapes a "cast of supine, stoned zombie-women... whose legs willingly part after being plied with substances and who morph into threats only when coming down and feeling vulnerable." Tesfaye has stated that by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is "paying homage to R Kelly, and even Prince to a certain extent."

Voice and music style

Tesfaye often sings in a falsetto register. J. D. Considine finds his singing's "tremulous quality" similar to Michael Jackson, but writes that he eschews Jackson's "strong basis in the blues" for a more Arabic-influenced melisma. Tesfaye possesses a wide light-lyric tenor vocal range, which spans over three octaves. His vocal range reaches its extreme low at the bass F (F2), and its peak high at the tenor G♯ (G♯5), with a natural tessitura within the upper fourth octave. Tesfaye often makes use of his head voice to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave. Tesfaye's vocals have a recognizable Ethiopian characteristic. Hannah Giogis of Pitchfork notes that "his trademark vibrato, the characteristically pained whine that pervades much of Tesfaye's music, draws from a long Ethiopian musical legacy of tortured pining. Imbuing our voices with the shaky pain of loss—romantic or otherwise—is a hallmark of Ethiopian musical tradition. Tesfaye, with his staccato wails and aching nostalgia, is a young, North American addition to a dynasty of melodramatic Ethiopian singers." In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked the Weeknd at number 110 on its list of the 200 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Tesfaye's discography spans pop, R&B, hip hop, dance, alternative and new wave genres. His work is generally categorized as alternative R&B, due to his contributions in broadening the genre's musical palette to incorporate indie and electronic styles. Mistry writes that he "will be obsequiously praised as the future of R&B music—because Tesfaye is a black singer, not because he's making quantifiable, canonical R&B." Tesfaye shared his thoughts on the primary label during an interview with Time in 2015, stating: "Alternative R&B is in my soul. It's not going anywhere. When I put out songs from House of Balloons in 2010, people said I made R&B cool again. I'm assuming that's when the label was created. I feel honored that a good part of today's music is inspired by it, consciously or subconsciously. The only way I could have done that was to be ambitious and grand." Tesfaye's first three mixtapes; House of Balloons, Thursday and Echoes of Silence, are alternative R&B projects that draw on dream pop, post-punk and trip hop, amongst others. His debut studio album Kiss Land is categorized as R&B and dark wave. His next three albums, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy and After Hours, are considered R&B and pop; with Starboy utilizing heavy trap influences, and After Hours drawing on new wave and dream pop influences. Tesfaye's fifth studio album Dawn FM explores dance-pop and synth-pop genres.

Controversies

Plagiarism allegations

In December 2015, Tesfaye was sued by Cutting Edge Music, which alleged that the bassline for "The Hills" had been taken from a composition featured in the score for the 2013 science fiction film The Machine. One of the producers of the song was alleged to have sent a private Twitter message to Tom Raybould, the composer of the film's score, to tell him about the sample. In September 2018, Tesfaye and Daft Punk were sued for allegedly stealing the rhythm for "Starboy" from Ethiopian poet and singer-songwriter Yasminah. Tesfaye denied the allegations.

In April 2019, Tesfaye was sued by British trio William Smith, Brian Clover, and Scott McCulloch, who accused Tesfaye of copyright infringement from plagiarising their song "I Need to Love" in order to create his song "A Lonely Night". They sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and Belly. In August 2019, the lawsuit was dismissed via summary judgment with the option to amend, with the court ruling that they had failed to show that Tesfaye or anyone else involved in making "A Lonely Night" had access to their song or that the works were substantially similar. In September 2019, the plaintiffs filed an amended claim based on secondary infringement, which is still in litigation.

In February 2020, Tesfaye and Kendrick Lamar were sued by the now-defunct indie band Yeasayer, claiming that "Pray for Me" includes an unauthorized sample of their song "Sunrise". Later that year, Yeasayer voluntarily dismissed their lawsuit. In September 2021, Tesfaye, Nicolás Jaar, and Frank Dukes were sued for copyright infringement by producers Suniel Fox and Henry Strange, protesting that "Call Out My Name" is "strikingly substantially similar, if not identical" to their 2015 track "Vibeking".

Allegations of homophobic lyrics

In January 2019, Tesfaye was criticized for some of the lyrics in his and Gesaffelstein's single "Lost in the Fire". The second verse of the song, with the lines "You said you might be into girls, said you're going through a phase / Keeping your heart safe / Well, baby, you can bring a friend / She can ride on top your face / While I fuck you straight", were accused of being homophobic, fetishizing bisexuality, and perpetuating the falsehood that a person who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community can be "turned straight". Tesfaye subtly addressed the controversy in the song "Snowchild" from After Hours, with the lines "Every month another accusation / Only thing I'm phobic of is failing".

The Idol allegations

On March 1, 2023, Rolling Stone released a lengthy exposé on the working conditions and set life of the HBO drama series The Idol, a series in which Tesfaye stars, co-created and co-wrote alongside Sam Levinson. The series received significant controversy for its graphic depiction of sexual content, which critics labeled "torture porn". The series was originally directed by Amy Seimetz who suddenly "exited with roughly 80 percent of the six-episode series finished". The series saw a major creative overhaul, as it was reported that Tesfaye felt the show had too much of a "female perspective". Over 14 crew members alleged a toxic work environment with one adding "What I signed up for was a dark satire of fame and the fame model in the 21st century..." however, "It went from satire to the thing it was satirizing." Sources alleged that Seimetz's approach to the story was scrapped and the show became "like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better".

In response to the allegations, Tesfaye mocked the reporting on his Twitter account, posting a clip of the characters in the show discussing the magazine saying, "Rolling Stone? Aren't they a little irrelevant?". Tesfaye posted the comment in the caption: "@Rolling Stone did we upset you?". Tesfaye's response received widespread criticism. In an interview with Vanity Fair, he continued to dismiss the reporting, saying that logistical difficulties with Seimetz's schedule and production timelines, as well as a desire not to rush his first show, propelled the overhaul.

Other ventures

Acting

Tesfaye is a cinephile, and has made numerous movie references in his music videos and teasers. On August 30, 2019, during the Telluride Film Festival, he made his acting debut in the film Uncut Gems.

On March 7, 2020, during his third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live, he starred in the skit "On The Couch" with actors Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd. On May 4, he co-wrote and starred in an episode of American Dad!. In July, he voiced three characters during the 200th episode of Robot Chicken.

On June 29, 2021, Tesfaye announced that he would be co-creating, co-writing, executive producing and starring in the HBO television drama series The Idol, alongside his producing partner Reza Fahim and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson. On March 20, 2022, Tesfaye voiced two characters during an episode of The Simpsons.

In 2023, it was announced that Tesfaye is co-writing a film with Trey Edward Shults, who is attached to direct; Tesfaye is also set to star in the film, alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.

Business

In 2013, Tesfaye collaborated with condom company ONE to give away limited-edition condoms at his shows during the Kiss Land Fall Tour. In November 2015, he partnered with electronic vaporizer company Pax Labs to release a limited edition vaporizer. He also collaborated with fashion designer Alexander Wang for an apparel collection. In 2016, Tesfaye became a creative collaborator and global brand ambassador for the clothing brand Puma. With the partnership, he released numerous capsule collections and hosted several pop-up retail stores.

In 2017, Tesfaye partnered with retail company H&M for their men's collection. He cut ties with the company in 2018, following a racist incident within the company. In July 2018, Tesfaye collaborated with Marvel Comics to release a comic book inspired by his third studio album Starboy. In August, he released an apparel collection in collaboration with A Bathing Ape. A second collection was released in January 2020.

In April 2019, Tesfaye became an owner and global ambassador of the esports company OverActive Media, who owns the Splyce and Overwatch League team Toronto Defiant.

On August 31, 2020, Tesfaye partnered with TD Bank to launch Black HXOUSE, an entrepreneurial initiative within the incubator HXOUSE, where he serves as a sleeping partner. On September 9, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a CA$221,000,000 joint venture with HXOUSE for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.

In March 2021, Tesfaye auctioned a collection of visual artwork and an unreleased song in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT) on Nifty Gateway. In October, he joined football player Tom Brady's NFT platform Autograph as a member of their board of directors.

In 2022, Tesfaye invested in plant-based beverage brand Koia.

Philanthropy

After being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence in 2014, Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the University of Toronto to fund a new course on Ge'ez, the classic language of Ethiopia. In May 2016, during Orthodox Easter, Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral in Toronto, Canada, a church he attended growing up. In August 2016, he funded a new Ethiopian studies program at the University of Toronto.

In June 2017, Tesfaye donated US$100,000 to the Suubi Health Center, a maternity and children's medical facility in Budondo, Uganda. He was inspired to support the center after learning of French Montana's work with Global Citizen and Mama Hope to help raise awareness for Suubi and the people of Uganda.

In April 2020, Tesfaye launched a line of non-medical face masks with all of the proceeds going to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, a campaign launched by the Recording Academy to help musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Tesfaye donated US$500,000 to MusiCares and CA$500,000 to the Scarborough Health Network.

In August 2016, Tesfaye donated US$250,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation following numerous reports of police brutality in the United States. In May 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd and the protests that followed, Tesfaye donated US$500,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, and the National Bail Out. He then urged other music executives, major record labels, and streaming services to donate to the cause as well.

On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye held the "Weeknd Experience", an interactive virtual concert on the social media platform TikTok that drew two million total viewers, including 275,000 concurrent viewers. The concert raised over US$350,000 for the Equal Justice Initiative. He also donated US$300,000 to Global Aid for Lebanon in support of victims of the Beirut explosion. On November 2, the University of Toronto announced that it was able to reach and surpass its fundraising goal of CA$500,000 for its Ethiopic program, which included a CA$30,000 donation from Tesfaye. In May 2021, he was among the celebrities expressing more solidarity for civilians who died during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis. On September 23, Tesfaye was honored with the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award at the inaugural Music in Action Awards, presented by the Black Music Action Coalition.

On January 9, 2024, Tesfaye partnered with the non-profit organization School on Wheels Inc. to support more than 1,000 students experiencing homelessness. To coincide with his concert in Brazil, Tesfaye released merchandise and will donate 10% of the net profits to the Brazilian Soul Fund of BrazilFoundation.

WFP ambassadorship

On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye announced a US$1,000,000 donation through the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to relief efforts in Ethiopia for people affected by the Tigray War. On June 9, he met with the administrator of the United States Agency for International Development, Samantha Power, to discuss the humanitarian crisis of the Tigray War. Tesfaye was appointed as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the World Food Programme on October 7. On March 3, 2022, he partnered with the WFP to launch the XO Humanitarian Fund. Through the fund, Tesfaye was to donate US$1 from every ticket sold at his After Hours til Dawn Tour, in addition to a US$500,000 donation, to the WFP. $2,500,000 from the XO Humanitarian Fund was directed toward WFP's humanitarian response efforts in the Gaza Strip, providing four million emergency meals for those affected by the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. On April 29, 2024, Tesfaye announced he will donate another $2 million to Palestine as loaves of bread.

Personal life

Tesfaye prefers to keep his personal life out of the public eye. In the beginning of his career, he refrained from participating in interviews and instead chose to communicate via Twitter, which he attributed to shyness and insecurities. He prefers to be interviewed only in rare situations. Tesfaye was raised as an Ethiopian Orthodox. When asked whether or not he was still religious, he stated to Variety in 2020, "I dunno...everything is a test, and if you are religious or spiritual, you have to go through things."

From April 2015 to August 2019, Tesfaye was in an on-again, off-again relationship with American model Bella Hadid. She starred in the music video for his single "In the Night" in December 2015. He dated American singer-actress Selena Gomez from January to October 2017. Both of the relationships received widespread media attention, and were the topic of tabloid speculation. Tesfaye has been in a relationship with Saudi-born disc jockey Simi Khadra since February 2022; publications have noted that unlike his previous romances, he has kept his relationship with Khadra private from the press.

Tesfaye's hairstyle, which has been described as one of his most recognizable traits, has been claimed to be partly inspired by American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. He began growing it out in 2011 and remarked at how easy it was to maintain with "a hard shampoo every once in a while". He cut his hair in 2016, prior to the release of Starboy. On social media, Tesfaye typically suffixed his first name with "xo", which is often used as an emoticon for hugs and kisses. According to The Guardian's Hermione Hoby, this was his intention, though others believe it was a reference to his recreational use of ecstasy and oxycodone. He later altered the handles on his social media to reflect his stage name in preparation for the release of Starboy. In August 2021, during a cover story with GQ, he described himself as being "sober lite", meaning that he has stopped using drugs with the exception of marijuana. He also noted that he drinks alcohol occasionally, stating: "I'm not a heavy drinker, as much as I used to be. The romance of drinking isn't there."

In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for allegedly punching a police officer in Las Vegas after being taken into an elevator to break up a fight. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to complete fifty hours of community service.

As of August 2021, Tesfaye was residing in Bel Air, Los Angeles. In 2017, he purchased a home in Hidden Hills, California for $18.5 million, which he sold to Madonna in 2021 for $19.3 million. Tesfaye previously lived in penthouses in Westwood, Los Angeles and New York City.

In April 2023, Tesfaye revealed that he has ADHD.

Accolades

See also: List of awards and nominations received by the Weeknd

Tesfaye has won four Grammy Awards, a Latin Grammy Award, twenty Billboard Music Awards, six American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards and twenty-two Juno Awards. He has also received nominations for an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award.

In October 2014, Tesfaye was awarded the Allan Slaight Honour by Canada's Walk of Fame for "making a positive impact in the fields of music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation or philanthropy".

Toronto mayor John Tory announced that the city would observe February 7, 2021, as the Weeknd Day to commemorate Tesfaye's Super Bowl halftime performance.

Discography

Main articles: The Weeknd discography and List of songs recorded by the Weeknd

Studio albums

Filmography

Main article: The Weeknd videography

Tours

Headlining

Supporting

Touring members

  • Patrick Greenaway – lead guitar (2012–present), synthesizer (2020–present)
  • Ledaris "LJ" Jones – bass, keyboards (2013–present)
  • Ricky Lewis – drums (2011–present)

See also

Notes

  1. Ethiopians do not use surnames but rather their father's first name as their family name. Makkonen would traditionally be his family name and Tesfaye would be his grandfather's name.
  2. Tesfaye's biological parents were never married. When Tesfaye made a donation to the University of Toronto's Ethiopic program in November 2020, the full name of his mother was revealed as Samrawit Hailu.
  3. Multiple sources:
  4. Multiple sources:
  5. During his early performances in 2011, respective tours in 2012 and 2013 prior to the Kiss Land Fall Tour, he had other guitar, bass, and keyboard players, as well as two female backup singers; these former members' names are unknown.
  6. Jones was absent during the European and Latin American legs of the After Hours til Dawn Tour (2023).

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External links

The Weeknd
Studio albums
Mixtapes
EPs
Compilation albums
Live albums
Tours and shows
See also
Category
The Weeknd songs
Trilogy
House of Balloons
Thursday
Echoes of Silence
Kiss Land
Beauty Behind the Madness
Starboy
My Dear Melancholy
After Hours
Dawn FM
The Idol
Hurry Up Tomorrow
Other songs
Category
Awards for the Weeknd
American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
BET Award for Best Male R&B/Pop Artist
BET Her Award
Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist
Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance
2000s
2010s
2020s
Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album
2010s
2020s
IFPI Global Year-End Charts
Artist of the Year
Album of the Year
Single of the Year
Juno Award for Artist of the Year
2000s
2010s
2020s
MTV Video Music Award for Best R&B Video
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Between 2007–2018, the category was retired.
MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
Best-selling singles by year in the United Kingdom
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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