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'''Abel Makkonen Tesfaye''' (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as '''the <!--"the" lowercase is correct - see ]-->Weeknd''', is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer.<ref name=Fantasy>{{Cite news | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/sex-drugs-and-rb-inside-the-weeknds-dark-twisted-fantasy-176091/ | title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy | last=Eells | first=Josh |work=] |date=October 21, 2015 | url-access=limited | archive-date=June 15, 2018 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> '''Abel Makkonen Tesfaye''' (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as '''the <!--"the" lowercase is correct - see ]-->Weeknd''', is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer.<ref name="Fantasy">{{Cite news |last=Eells |first=Josh |date=October 21, 2015 |title=Sex, Drugs and R&B: Inside The Weeknd's Dark Twisted Fantasy |work=] |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>
Tesfaye is notable for his original and eccentric style,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://vocal.media/beat/the-reasons-why-the-weeknd-is-at-the-top-of-his-career |title=The Reasons Why The Weeknd is at the Top of His Career |last=Bi |first=Ninfa |website=Vocal Media |access-date=November 9, 2020 |quote=The Canadian artist is the favorite among the millennials because of his original and eccentric style. |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223933/https://vocal.media/beat/the-reasons-why-the-weeknd-is-at-the-top-of-his-career |url-status=live }}</ref> soaring ] and its singular ],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Weeknd | work=] |id=2053344 |title=The Weeknd |archive-date=October 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029072323/https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Weeknd|url-status=live}}</ref> and his influence on artists in many contemporary music styles including ],<ref name=house>{{cite news | url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/21/house-of-balloons-rountable-the-weeknd | title=How House of Balloons Changed R&B | last1=Kameir | first1=Rawiya | last2=Hockley-Smith | first2=Sam | last3=Mistry | first3=Anupa | work=] | date=March 21, 2016 | 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. |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223914/https://www.thefader.com/2016/03/21/house-of-balloons-rountable-the-weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> ], and ].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://medium.com/@micahwimmer/on-the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-and-its-massive-influence-d1ad5d392649 | title=On the Weeknd, House of Balloons, and Its Massive Influence | last=Wimmer | first=Micah | date=March 21, 2018 | work=] | quote=Listening to House of Balloons now, years after its initial release, its influence stands out as much as its quality. It might not be fully accurate to name it as the first so-called alternative R&B album, the one that set the stage for Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs, Rhye, Tinashe, and Miguel’s more experimental work, but regardless, it still seems like a dividing line in the progression of R&B in the 2010s. | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223904/https://medium.com/@micahwimmer/on-the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-and-its-massive-influence-d1ad5d392649 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.socanmagazine.ca/features/the-weeknd-changes-the-game-for-hip-hop-and-rb/ | title=THE WEEKND CHANGES THE GAME FOR HIP-HOP AND R&B | last=Nazareth | first=Errol | website=SOCAN |date=March 28, 2012 |quote=“Changing the game” and “takin’ it to the next level” are both well-worn clichés in hip-hop and R&B...Enter Toronto’s The Weeknd (a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye), one of a handful of artists who’s helping restore widespread faith and critical respect in both genres. |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223852/https://www.socanmagazine.ca/features/the-weeknd-changes-the-game-for-hip-hop-and-rb/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/5888500/the-weeknd/ | title=THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2020 – The Weeknd | last=John | first=Elton | authorlink=Elton John | work=] | date=September 22, 2020 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223911/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/5888500/the-weeknd/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye is notable for his original and eccentric style,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bi |first=Ninfa |title=The Reasons Why The Weeknd is at the Top of His Career |url=https://vocal.media/beat/the-reasons-why-the-weeknd-is-at-the-top-of-his-career |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223933/https://vocal.media/beat/the-reasons-why-the-weeknd-is-at-the-top-of-his-career |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=November 9, 2020 |website=Vocal Media |quote=The Canadian artist is the favorite among the millennials because of his original and eccentric style.}}</ref> soaring ] and its singular ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201029072323/https://www.britannica.com/biography/the-Weeknd |archive-date=October 29, 2020 |website=] |id=2053344}}</ref> and his influence on artists in many contemporary music styles including ],<ref name="house">{{Cite news |last=Kameir |first=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 |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> ], and ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wimmer |first=Micah |date=March 21, 2018 |title=On the Weeknd, House of Balloons, and Its Massive Influence |url=https://medium.com/@micahwimmer/on-the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-and-its-massive-influence-d1ad5d392649 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223904/https://medium.com/@micahwimmer/on-the-weeknd-house-of-balloons-and-its-massive-influence-d1ad5d392649 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=] |quote=Listening to House of Balloons now, years after its initial release, its influence stands out as much as its quality. It might not be fully accurate to name it as the first so-called alternative R&B album, the one that set the stage for Frank Ocean, FKA Twigs, Rhye, Tinashe, and Miguel’s more experimental work, but regardless, it still seems like a dividing line in the progression of R&B in the 2010s.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Nazareth |first=Errol |date=March 28, 2012 |title=THE WEEKND CHANGES THE GAME FOR HIP-HOP AND R&B |url=https://www.socanmagazine.ca/features/the-weeknd-changes-the-game-for-hip-hop-and-rb/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223852/https://www.socanmagazine.ca/features/the-weeknd-changes-the-game-for-hip-hop-and-rb/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=SOCAN |quote=“Changing the game” and “takin’ it to the next level” are both well-worn clichés in hip-hop and R&B...Enter Toronto’s The Weeknd (a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye), one of a handful of artists who’s helping restore widespread faith and critical respect in both genres.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=John |first=Elton |date=September 22, 2020 |title=THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE OF 2020 – The Weeknd |url=https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/5888500/the-weeknd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223911/https://time.com/collection/100-most-influential-people-2020/5888500/the-weeknd/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=] |authorlink=Elton John}}</ref>


The Weeknd began his recording career in 2010, anonymously uploading several songs to ]. A year later, the Weeknd released the ]s '']'', '']'', and '']'', and quickly earned a following and critical recognition from several mainstream publications due to his dark style of ] and the mystique surrounding his identity.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/critic-reviews | title=House of Balloons – The Weeknd |publisher=] |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223916/https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/critic-reviews |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, he signed with ] and re-released the mixtapes in the compilation album '']'' (2012). His debut studio album, '']'', was released in 2013. He followed it with '']'' (2015), which was among the best-selling albums of 2015. With the ] number-one singles "]" and "]", ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' won ] and was nominated for ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=59th Annual GRAMMY Awards | url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/59th-annual-grammy-awards-2016 | date=November 28, 2017 | publisher=] | archive-date=January 31, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131073014/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/59th-annual-grammy-awards |url-status=live}}</ref> The Weeknd began his recording career in 2010, anonymously uploading several songs to ]. A year later, the Weeknd released the ]s '']'', '']'', and '']'', and quickly earned a following and critical recognition from several mainstream publications due to his dark style of ] and the mystique surrounding his identity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=House of Balloons – The Weeknd |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/critic-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223916/https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/critic-reviews |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |publisher=]}}</ref> In 2012, he signed with ] and re-released the mixtapes in the compilation album '']'' (2012). His debut studio album, '']'', was released in 2013. He followed it with '']'' (2015), which was among the best-selling albums of 2015. With the ] number-one singles "]" and "]", ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' won ] and was nominated for ] at the ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 28, 2017 |title=59th Annual GRAMMY Awards |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/59th-annual-grammy-awards-2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131073014/https://www.grammy.com/grammys/awards/59th-annual-grammy-awards |archive-date=January 31, 2018 |publisher=]}}</ref>


The Weeknd's third album '']'' (2016) was a similar commercial success and included the number-one single ], and also won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the ]. His fourth album, '']'' (2020), featured the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number-one singles "]", "]", and "]", the latter of which has since become the first ever song to spend over a year in the top ten of the chart.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/11323/The-Weeknd-After-Hours.aspx |title=After Hours by The Weeknd reviews {{!}} Any Decent Music | work=] |archive-date=March 21, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321080316/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/11323/The-Weeknd-After-Hours.aspx |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9536569/olivia-rodrigo-drivers-license-number-one-eighth-week-hot-100 |title=Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Leads Hot 100 for 8th Week, The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Marks a Year in Top 10 | first=Gary | last=Trust | work=] | date=March 8, 2021 | archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref> The Weeknd's third album '']'' (2016) was a similar commercial success and included the number-one single ], and also won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the ]. His fourth album, '']'' (2020), featured the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 number-one singles "]", "]", and "]", the latter of which has since become the first ever song to spend over a year in the top ten of the chart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=After Hours by The Weeknd reviews {{!}} Any Decent Music |url=http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/11323/The-Weeknd-After-Hours.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321080316/http://www.anydecentmusic.com/review/11323/The-Weeknd-After-Hours.aspx |archive-date=March 21, 2020 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=March 8, 2021 |title=Olivia Rodrigo's 'Drivers License' Leads Hot 100 for 8th Week, The Weeknd's 'Blinding Lights' Marks a Year in Top 10 |work=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9536569/olivia-rodrigo-drivers-license-number-one-eighth-week-hot-100 |archive-date=March 8, 2021}}</ref>


The Weeknd is on the ] with over 75 million records sold.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/07/photos-the-weeknd-plays-super-bowl-lv-halftime-show/ |title=Photos: The Weeknd plays Super Bowl LV halftime show | first=Jane | last=Tyska | work=] | date=February 7, 2021}}</ref> He has won three ]s, five ]s, nine ], two ], and nine ]s, and has been nominated for an ].<ref name=grammy>{{Cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/weeknd/18167 |title=The Weeknd |publisher=] |archive-date=April 19, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170419192514/https://www.grammy.com/artist/the-weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> He holds several chart records, being the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three positions on the ''Billboard'' Hot ] chart with "Can't Feel My Face", "]", and "The Hills". He was awarded the ] by ].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bet.com/music/2020/11/19/soul-train-awards-2020-best-r-b-soul-male-artist.html |title=Soul Train Awards '20: Here's Why Each R&B/Soul Male Nominee Deserves The Top Spot – The Weeknd | first=Trey | last=Alston | work=] | date=November 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 30, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130195715/https://www.bet.com/music/2020/11/19/soul-train-awards-2020-best-r-b-soul-male-artist.html | url-status=live}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured on the cover of '']'' for his annual earnings of $92 million.<ref name=home>{{Cite news | url=https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/home-of-the-week-inside-the-weeknds-gorgeous-25-million-la-mansion-and-its-neon-lit-car-garage-2930570/ | title=Home of the Week: Inside The Weeknd’s Gorgeous $25 Million LA Mansion and Its Neon-Lit Car Garage | first=HOWARD | last=WALKER | work=] | date=June 23, 2020}}</ref> The Weeknd is on the ] with over 75 million records sold.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tyska |first=Jane |date=February 7, 2021 |title=Photos: The Weeknd plays Super Bowl LV halftime show |work=] |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/02/07/photos-the-weeknd-plays-super-bowl-lv-halftime-show/}}</ref> He has won three ]s, five ]s, nine ], two ], and nine ]s, and has been nominated for an ].<ref name="grammy">{{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> He holds several chart records, being the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three positions on the ''Billboard'' Hot ] chart with "Can't Feel My Face", "]", and "The Hills". He was awarded the ] by ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Alston |first=Trey |date=November 19, 2020 |title=Soul Train Awards '20: Here's Why Each R&B/Soul Male Nominee Deserves The Top Spot – The Weeknd |work=] |url=https://www.bet.com/music/2020/11/19/soul-train-awards-2020-best-r-b-soul-male-artist.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130195715/https://www.bet.com/music/2020/11/19/soul-train-awards-2020-best-r-b-soul-male-artist.html |archive-date=November 30, 2020}}</ref> In 2017, he was featured on the cover of '']'' for his annual earnings of $92 million.<ref name="home">{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=Howard |date=June 23, 2020 |title=Home of the Week: Inside The Weeknd’s Gorgeous $25 Million LA Mansion and Its Neon-Lit Car Garage |work=] |url=https://robbreport.com/shelter/celebrity-homes/home-of-the-week-inside-the-weeknds-gorgeous-25-million-la-mansion-and-its-neon-lit-car-garage-2930570/}}</ref>


He chose his ] in tribute to when he was 17 years old, when, along with a friend, he left home, ] of high school, took his mattress, and drove off, never coming home. He left out the letter ] due to ] issues with the Canadian band ].<ref name=Went/> He chose his ] in tribute to when he was 17 years old, when, along with a friend, he left home, ] of high school, took his mattress, and drove off, never coming home. He left out the letter ] due to ] issues with the Canadian band ].<ref name=Went/>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16, 1990 in ], to ]n immigrants Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye<ref name="jcaramanica">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/08/02/magazine/can-the-weeknd-turn-himself-into-the-biggest-pop-star-in-the-world.html | title=Can The Weeknd Turn Himself into the Biggest Pop Star in the World? | date=July 27, 2015 |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url=https://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=0 |archive-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name=Fantasy/></ref><ref name="Mistry">{{Cite news | url=http://www.torontostandard.com/culture/daily-disc-the-weeknds-echoes-of-silence/ | title=Daily Disc: The Weeknd's 'Echoes Of Silence' |last=Mistry | first=Anupa | website=Toronto Standard | publisher=MeshSquared Ventures | date=December 23, 2011 | archive-date=November 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129110625/http://www.torontostandard.com/culture/daily-disc-the-weeknds-echoes-of-silence/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Fantasy/> and grew up in the ] area of Toronto.<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web | url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography | title=The Weeknd Biography | last=Kellman | first=Andy | publisher=] | url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6cFl8uYyO?url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography |archive-date=October 13, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=Who is The Weeknd? Super Bowl 55 halftime show performer's songs, lyrics & more to know | url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/the-weeknd-songs-lyrics-super-bowl-halftime-show/bbt2m5plh8q216w2yb5jficq9 | last=Rivera | first=Joe | work=] | date=February 7, 2021 | quote=The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye (born Feb. 16, 1990), is a Canadian alternative R&B singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his "Trilogy" mixtape. ...... Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, Tesfaye was raised by his mother and grandmother... |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208022212/https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/the-weeknd-songs-lyrics-super-bowl-halftime-show/bbt2m5plh8q216w2yb5jficq9 |url-status=live }}</ref> He is an only child and was raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents separated.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/lists/the-weeknd-facts/ethiopian/ |title=Is The Weeknd Ethiopian? | website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/the-weeknd-trivia_n_56bb63cfe4b08ffac1236c5e |title=9 things You Need To Know About The Weeknd | last=Ledbetter | work=] | first=Carly | date=February 11, 2016 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223929/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/the-weeknd-trivia_n_56bb63cfe4b08ffac1236c5e |url-status=live }}</ref> While living with his grandmother, he learned ], which he also spoke with his mother.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.okayplayer.com/news/the-weeknd-reddit-ama-interview.html |title=The Weeknd Reveals The Origin Of His Name + More | first= Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16, 1990 in ], to ]n immigrants Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye<ref name="jcaramanica">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |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://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=0 |archive-date=October 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="Fantasy/" /></ref><ref name="Mistry">{{Cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |date=December 23, 2011 |title=Daily Disc: The Weeknd's 'Echoes Of Silence' |work=Toronto Standard |publisher=MeshSquared Ventures |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}}</ref><ref name="Fantasy/" /> and grew up in the ] area of Toronto.<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name="allmusic">{{Cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=The Weeknd Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography |url-status=live |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6cFl8uYyO?url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162/biography |archive-date=October 13, 2015 |access-date=October 13, 2015 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |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 |work=] |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 |quote=The Weeknd, real name Abel Tesfaye (born Feb. 16, 1990), is a Canadian alternative R&B singer-songwriter who rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his "Trilogy" mixtape. ...... Growing up in Toronto, Ontario, Tesfaye was raised by his mother and grandmother...}}</ref> He is an only child and was raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents separated.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Is The Weeknd Ethiopian? |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/lists/the-weeknd-facts/ethiopian/ |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Ledbetter |first=Carly |date=February 11, 2016 |title=9 things You Need To Know About The Weeknd |work=] |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/the-weeknd-trivia_n_56bb63cfe4b08ffac1236c5e |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223929/https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/the-weeknd-trivia_n_56bb63cfe4b08ffac1236c5e |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> While living with his grandmother, he learned ], which he also spoke with his mother.<ref>{{Cite web |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=]}}</ref> He attended services at the ].<ref name="Fantasy/" /><ref name="Went">{{Cite news |last=Ehrlich |first=Brenna |date=September 13, 2013 |title=The Weeknd Reveals How He Got His Name... And Where The 'E' Went |work=] |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223909/http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He said of his father: "I saw him vaguely when I was six, and then again when I was 11 or 12, and he had a new family and kids. I don't even know where he lived — I'd see him for, like, a night. I'm sure he's a great guy. I never judged him. He wasn't abusive, he wasn't an alcoholic, he wasn't an asshole. He just wasn't there."<ref name="Fantasy/" />
KARAS | last=LAMB | work=] | date=September 16, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223918/https://www.okayplayer.com/news/the-weeknd-reddit-ama-interview.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He attended services at the ].<ref name=Fantasy/><ref name=Went>{{Cite news | url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ | title=The Weeknd Reveals How He Got His Name... And Where The 'E' Went | last=Ehrlich | first=Brenna | work=] |date=September 13, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223909/http://www.mtv.com/news/1714103/the-weeknd-reddit-ama/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He said of his father: "I saw him vaguely when I was six, and then again when I was 11 or 12, and he had a new family and kids. I don't even know where he lived — I'd see him for, like, a night. I'm sure he's a great guy. I never judged him. He wasn't abusive, he wasn't an alcoholic, he wasn't an asshole. He just wasn't there."<ref name=Fantasy/>


Tesfaye has described his teens as being like the film "'']'' without the ]". He stated he began smoking ] at age eleven, and later used ], ], ], ], ], and ]. He said that he often shoplifted to supplement his drug use.<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |title=10 Things You Should Know About the Weeknd |last1=Wagstaff |first1=Keith |last2=Swanson |first2=David |website=GQ |access-date=November 13, 2016 |archive-date=July 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180704214239/https://www.gq.com/story/5-things-you-should-know-about-the-weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> He attended ] and ] in Scarborough, where he left without graduating in 2007.<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 |access-date=December 25, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223944/https://www.toronto.com/news-story/6163335-scarborough-native-the-weeknd-scores-seven-grammy-nominations/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Globe and Mail: Mistry">{{Cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-the-weeknd-is-truly-torontos-very-own/article27053702/ |title=Why The Weeknd is truly Toronto's very own |date=October 30, 2015 |work=] |access-date=December 26, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223920/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/toronto/why-the-weeknd-is-truly-torontos-very-own/article27053702/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After this, he also left home and moved to the ] neighbourhood of Toronto. He has said that his ] was inspired by his high school drop-out status, after he "left one weekend and never came home", though producer Jeremy Rose claims the name was his idea.<ref name="McGuire">{{Cite journal |last=McGuire |first=Patrick |date=April 2012 |title=How the Producer of The Weeknd's Breakout Tracks Got Majorly Screwed |url=https://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |journal=] |location=New York |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-date=December 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224110035/http://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |url-status=live }}</ref> The spelling was modified in order to avoid trademark problems with the Canadian band ].<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name=Went/> Tesfaye has described his teens as being like the film "'']'' without the ]". He stated he began smoking ] at age eleven, and later used ], ], ], ], ], and ]. He said that he often shoplifted to supplement his drug use.<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |last=Wagstaff |first=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 |access-date=November 13, 2016 |website=GQ}}</ref> He attended ] and ] in Scarborough, where he left without graduating in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scarborough native The Weeknd scores seven Grammy nominations |url=http://www.insidetoronto.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 |access-date=December 25, 2016}}</ref><ref name="Globe and Mail: Mistry">{{Cite news |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |date=October 30, 2015 |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 |access-date=December 26, 2016 |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}}</ref> After this, he also left home and moved to the ] neighbourhood of Toronto. He has said that his ] was inspired by his high school drop-out status, after he "left one weekend and never came home", though producer Jeremy Rose claims the name was his idea.<ref name="McGuire">{{Cite journal |last=McGuire |first=Patrick |date=April 2012 |title=How the Producer of The Weeknd's Breakout Tracks Got Majorly Screwed |url=https://www.vice.com/read/how-the-producer-of-the-weeknds-breakout-tracks-got-majorly-screwed |url-status=live |journal=] |location=New York |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=March 3, 2013}}</ref> The spelling was modified in order to avoid trademark problems with the Canadian band ].<ref name="jcaramanica" /><ref name=Went/>


==Career== ==Career==
===2010–2011: Career beginnings=== ===2010–2011: Career beginnings===
{{Main|House of Balloons|Thursday (album)|Echoes of Silence}} {{Main|House of Balloons|Thursday (album)|Echoes of Silence}}
Tesfaye met Jeremy Rose in 2010, a producer who had an idea for a dark ] musical project<!-- not a typo; cited in the source -->. After initially trying to pitch the idea to musician ], Rose played one of his instrumentals for Tesfaye, who ]ped over it. This led to the two collaborating on an album. Rose produced three songs – "What You Need", "Loft Music", and "The Morning" – and others that Tesfaye had rapped on, which were 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" /> In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to ] under his stage name,<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 |date=December 26, 2010 |work=] |access-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210094135/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/arts/music/02playlist.html?_r=4&ref=music |url-status=live }}</ref> although his identity was initially unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/12131-the-weeknd-what-you-need/ |title=The Weeknd – ''What You Need'' |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=March 4, 2011 |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 |access-date=March 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/14/AR2011031403984.html |title=Singles File: Da Phuture, The Weeknd, Fever Ray |last=Stewart |first=Allison |work=] |date=March 14, 2011 |archive-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208064202/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/03/14/AR2011031403984.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The songs drew some attention online, and were later included in a blog post from ].<ref name="McGuire" /><ref>{{Cite web |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 | last=Shepherd | first=Julianne Escobedo | work=] |date=March 23, 2011 | archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129222613/https://www.thirteen.org/riffcity/music/love-and-other-drugs-the-weeknds-altered-state-rb/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The songs subsequently received coverage from various media outlets, including ] and '']''. Before adopting the stage name the Weeknd, he worked under the aliases of the Noise and Kin Kane.<ref name=Fantasy/> Tesfaye met Jeremy Rose in 2010, a producer who had an idea for a dark ] musical project<!-- not a typo; cited in the source -->. After initially trying to pitch the idea to musician ], Rose played one of his instrumentals for Tesfaye, who ]ped over it. This led to the two collaborating on an album. Rose produced three songs – "What You Need", "Loft Music", and "The Morning" – and others that Tesfaye had rapped on, which were 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" /> In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to ] under his stage name,<ref name="nytimes">{{Cite news |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |date=December 26, 2010 |title=Screams That Charmed, and Other Overlooked Highlights |work=] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/02/arts/music/02playlist.html?_r=4&ref=music |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2011 |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}}</ref> although his identity was initially unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=March 4, 2011 |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 |access-date=March 29, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Stewart |first=Allison |date=March 14, 2011 |title=Singles File: Da Phuture, The Weeknd, Fever Ray |work=] |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> The songs drew some attention online, and were later included in a blog post from ].<ref name="McGuire" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shepherd |first=Julianne Escobedo |date=March 23, 2011 |title=Love and Other Drugs: The Weeknd's Altered-State R&B |url=http://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 |website=]}}</ref> The songs subsequently received coverage from various media outlets, including ] and '']''. Before adopting the stage name the Weeknd, he worked under the aliases of the Noise and Kin Kane.<ref name="Fantasy/" />


On October 31, 2012, Tesfaye posted via ] that: "noise ep was bunch of songs leaked by salty producers and found AFTER HOB dropped. demo's written as a teen to get recognition. xo."<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=263753618484760577 |title=noise ep was bunch of songs leaked by salty producers and found AFTER HOB dropped. demo's written as a teen to get recognition. xo.}}</ref> The EP consists of 10 tracks, some of which influenced his debut mixtape, ]. On October 31, 2012, Tesfaye posted via ] that: "noise ep was bunch of songs leaked by salty producers and found AFTER HOB dropped. demo's written as a teen to get recognition. xo."<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=263753618484760577 |user=theweeknd |title=noise ep was bunch of songs leaked by salty producers and found AFTER HOB dropped. demo's written as a teen to get recognition. xo.}}</ref> The EP consists of 10 tracks, some of which influenced his debut mixtape, ].


On March 21, 2011, Tesfaye ] his debut mixtape '']''.<ref name=house/><ref name="mtv">{{Cite web |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 |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |date=March 21, 2011 |publisher=MTV |access-date=March 29, 2011 |archive-date=October 12, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012012132/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/21/say-hello-to-the-weeknd-drake-co-signs/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906183203/http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17548/cohen-gould-buffy-25-best-canadian-debut-albums |date=September 6, 2017 }}. ''CBC Music'', June 16, 2017.</ref> The mixtape included production from Canadian producers ] and ], and included the tracks produced by Rose, although, he did not receive production credits.<ref name="McGuire" /> ''House of Balloons'' was met with critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/the-weeknd |title=House of Balloons Reviews |publisher=] |access-date=March 3, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223910/https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/the-weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> It was named as one of ten shortlisted nominees for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |title=Polaris Music Prize |website=Polaris Music Prize |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409053023/http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> On March 21, 2011, Tesfaye ] his debut mixtape '']''.<ref name=house/><ref name="mtv">{{Cite web |last=Ramirez |first=Erika |date=March 21, 2011 |title=Say Hello to The Weeknd, Drake Co-Signs |url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2011/03/21/say-hello-to-the-weeknd-drake-co-signs/ |url-status=live |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 |access-date=March 29, 2011 |publisher=MTV}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906183203/http://www.cbcmusic.ca/posts/17548/cohen-gould-buffy-25-best-canadian-debut-albums |date=September 6, 2017 }}. ''CBC Music'', June 16, 2017.</ref> The mixtape included production from Canadian producers ] and ], and included the tracks produced by Rose, although, he did not receive production credits.<ref name="McGuire" /> ''House of Balloons'' was met with critical acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=House of Balloons Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/the-weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223910/https://www.metacritic.com/music/house-of-balloons/the-weeknd |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=March 3, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref> It was named as one of ten shortlisted nominees for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Polaris Music Prize |url=http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140409053023/http://www.polarismusicprize.ca/2011/ |archive-date=April 9, 2014 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |website=Polaris Music Prize}}</ref>


Tesfaye began a tour of ], with his first live performance at the city's ] venue. Drake was in attendance to view the performance, which ran for a total of ninety minutes.<ref>Ritchie, Kevin (July 25, 2011). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222100021/http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/music/story.cfm?content=181922 |date=December 22, 2011 }}.'']''. Retrieved March 28, 2012</ref> Drake approached Tesfaye and described a potential musical collaboration between the pair. Tesfaye accompanied Drake at his various shows, often performing as the opening act for shows scheduled at the ], as well as appearing at the second annual ] in July.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/42716-the-weeknd-to-play-drakes-ovo-festival/ |title=The Weeknd to Play Drake's OVO Festival |last=Fitzmaurice |first=Larry |date=July 3, 2011 |access-date=March 27, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223855/https://pitchfork.com/news/42716-the-weeknd-to-play-drakes-ovo-festival/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Over the summer of 2011, Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's '']'', both as a writer and a featured artist.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Peter A. |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/11/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/ |title=Drake Sets The Record Straight On How Much The Weeknd Wroteon Take Care Album |date=November 16, 2017 |access-date=April 15, 2019 |publisher=XXL Mag |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye began a tour of ], with his first live performance at the city's ] venue. Drake was in attendance to view the performance, which ran for a total of ninety minutes.<ref>Ritchie, Kevin (July 25, 2011). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111222100021/http://www.nowtoronto.com/daily/music/story.cfm?content=181922 |date=December 22, 2011 }}.'']''. Retrieved March 28, 2012</ref> Drake approached Tesfaye and described a potential musical collaboration between the pair. Tesfaye accompanied Drake at his various shows, often performing as the opening act for shows scheduled at the ], as well as appearing at the second annual ] in July.<ref>{{Cite web |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 27, 2011}}</ref> Over the summer of 2011, Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's '']'', both as a writer and a featured artist.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Berry |first=Peter A. |date=November 16, 2017 |title=Drake Sets The Record Straight On How Much The Weeknd Wroteon Take Care Album |publisher=XXL Mag |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/11/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/ |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.xxlmag.com/drake-the-weeknd-wrote-take-care/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>


Tesfaye refrained from participating in interviews, choosing to communicate via ] after the album was released.<ref>{{Cite journal | last=Lau | first=Melody | title=Mysterious R&B singer sells out first show | url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/drake-protege-the-weeknd-proves-hes-no-fluke-in-live-debut-20110725 |journal=] |location=] | date=July 25, 2011 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This was credited{{By whom|date=June 2019}} as an advertising tactic for Tesfayes second mixtape '']'', which was released on August 18, 2011.<ref name="npost">Dunlevy, T'Cha (March 23, 2012). {{webarchive|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/ |date=March 21, 2012 }} .'']''. Retrieved March 27, 2012</ref> Tesfaye's third mixtape '']'' was released on December 21, 2011, a year after his debut singles.<ref name=npost/> Tesfaye refrained from participating in interviews, choosing to communicate via ] after the album was released.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lau |first=Melody |date=July 25, 2011 |title=Mysterious R&B singer sells out first show |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/drake-protege-the-weeknd-proves-hes-no-fluke-in-live-debut-20110725 |url-status=live |journal=] |location=] |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> This was credited{{By whom|date=June 2019}} as an advertising tactic for Tesfayes second mixtape '']'', which was released on August 18, 2011.<ref name="npost">Dunlevy, T'Cha (March 23, 2012). {{webarchive|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/ |date=March 21, 2012 }} .'']''. Retrieved March 27, 2012</ref> Tesfaye's third mixtape '']'' was released on December 21, 2011, a year after his debut singles.<ref name=npost/>


Following this release, the three 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=December 22, 2011 |publisher=theLineofBestFit.com |access-date=October 20, 2013 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919013537/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/echoes-of-silence-the-weeknd-reveals-final-part-of-the-balloons-trilogy-77249 |url-status=live }}</ref> and saw Tesfaye receiving offers from various record labels.{{Which|date=June 2019}}<ref name="Kellman" /> Following this release, the three mixtapes were collectively known as the ''Balloons Trilogy'',<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2011 |title=Echoes Of Silence The Weeknd reveals final part of the Balloons Trilogy The Line Of Best Fit |url=http://thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/echoes-of-silence-the-weeknd-reveals-final-part-of-the-balloons-trilogy-77249 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919013537/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/echoes-of-silence-the-weeknd-reveals-final-part-of-the-balloons-trilogy-77249 |archive-date=September 19, 2020 |access-date=October 20, 2013 |publisher=theLineofBestFit.com}}</ref> and saw Tesfaye receiving offers from various record labels.{{Which|date=June 2019}}<ref name="Kellman" />


===2012–2014: ''Trilogy'' and ''Kiss Land''=== ===2012–2014: ''Trilogy'' and ''Kiss Land''===
{{Main|Trilogy (The Weeknd album)|Kiss Land}} {{Main|Trilogy (The Weeknd album)|Kiss Land}}
] in 2012]] ] in 2012]]
In April 2012, Tesfaye began his first tour of the United States, with a performance at the ].<ref name="tour">{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/46157-watch-the-weeknds-entire-coachella-set/ |title=Abel Tesfaye makes his U.S. debut |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=April 16, 2012 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223903/https://pitchfork.com/news/46157-watch-the-weeknds-entire-coachella-set/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The tour culminated in New York with back-to-back sold-out shows, which were positively reviewed by '']''.<ref name="tour" /><ref name="Stones">{{Cite journal |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Sowmya |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 |journal=Rolling Stone |location=New York |access-date=May 27, 2012 |archive-date=May 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526210653/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-mesmerizes-at-bowery-ballroom-20120429 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye expanded his tour to accompany Europe, performing at various European festivals, including the ]s in Spain and Portugal,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-first-ever-tour |title=The Weeknd announces first ever tour |last=Tovar |first=Luis |publisher=prettymuchamazing.com |access-date=March 16, 2012 |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130204832/https://prettymuchamazing.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-first-ever-tour |url-status=live }}</ref> and the ] in London.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/wireless-festival-2012-7804424.html | title=Wireless Festival 2012 | first=Kate | last=Lough | work=] | date=May 31, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://diymag.com/archive/the-weeknd-chiddy-bang-more-for-wireless-2012 | title=THE WEEKND, CHIDDY BANG & MORE FOR WIRELESS 2012 | work=] | date=March 27, 2012}}</ref> Covering "]" at his performance in London, he received positive responses from both ] and ], who noted the singer's ability to successfully undertake a complex song.<ref name="June">{{Cite journal |title=The Weeknd covers Michael Jackson as he plays his debut UK show |url=https://www.nme.com/news/weekend--3/64204 |journal=] |location=London |access-date=December 30, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.nme.com/news/music/weekend-3-1280196 |url-status=live }}</ref> In June, the ''Balloons Trilogy'' was revealed to have been downloaded over 8 million times, which allowed Tesfaye to initiate formal commercial release of the projects later that year.<ref name="June" /> In April 2012, Tesfaye began his first tour of the United States, with a performance at the ].<ref name="tour">{{Cite web |last=Snapes |first=Laura |date=April 16, 2012 |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 |access-date=March 16, 2012}}</ref> The tour culminated in New York with back-to-back sold-out shows, which were positively reviewed by '']''.<ref name="tour" /><ref name="Stones">{{Cite journal |last=Krishnamurthy |first=Sowmya |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 |journal=Rolling Stone |location=New York |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 |access-date=May 27, 2012}}</ref> Tesfaye expanded his tour to accompany Europe, performing at various European festivals, including the ]s in Spain and Portugal,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tovar |first=Luis |title=The Weeknd announces first ever tour |url=http://prettymuchamazing.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-first-ever-tour |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130204832/https://prettymuchamazing.com/news/the-weeknd-announces-first-ever-tour |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |access-date=March 16, 2012 |publisher=prettymuchamazing.com}}</ref> and the ] in London.<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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 27, 2012 |title=THE WEEKND, CHIDDY BANG & MORE FOR WIRELESS 2012 |work=] |url=https://diymag.com/archive/the-weeknd-chiddy-bang-more-for-wireless-2012}}</ref> Covering "]" at his performance in London, he received positive responses from both ] and ], who noted the singer's ability to successfully undertake a complex song.<ref name="June">{{Cite journal |title=The Weeknd covers Michael Jackson as he plays his debut UK show |url=https://www.nme.com/news/weekend--3/64204 |url-status=live |journal=] |location=London |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.nme.com/news/music/weekend-3-1280196 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2012}}</ref> In June, the ''Balloons Trilogy'' was revealed to have been downloaded over 8 million times, which allowed Tesfaye to initiate formal commercial release of the projects later that year.<ref name="June" />


In September 2012, Tesfaye signed with ] in a joint venture with his own ] ].<ref name="Hampp">{{Cite journal |last=Hampp |first=Andrew |date=November 12, 2012 |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 |journal=] |location=New York |access-date=November 17, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> The compilation album for the mixtapes entitled '']'', was released two months later, and consisted of several remastered versions of songs, as well as three additional ones.<ref name="pitchfork.com">{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/48066-the-weeknd-shares-rolling-stone-video-trilogy-artwork |title=The Weeknd Shares 'Rolling Stone' Video, Trilogy Artwork |last=Battan |first=Carrie |date=October 2, 2012 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=December 30, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223925/https://pitchfork.com/news/48066-the-weeknd-shares-rolling-stone-video-trilogy-artwork/ |url-status=live }}</ref> It also officially credited Rose as a producer and writer on the three songs from ''House of Balloons'' for which he did not initially receive credit.<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=] |others=The Weeknd |year=2012 |type=CD liner notes |publisher=] |id=3719793}}</ref> ''Trilogy'' charted at number four on the U.S. ] with first-week sales of 86,000 copies. It also debuted at number five on the ], with similar sales.<ref name="bb">{{Cite web |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=The weeknd|chart=all}} |title=Trilogy&nbsp;– The Weeknd |website=] |access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref><ref name="Caulfield">{{Cite journal |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 |journal=Billboard |location=Los Angeles |access-date=November 21, 2012 |archive-date=February 24, 2017 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> ''Trilogy'' was later certified ] by the ] (RIAA) and double-platinum by ] in May 2013.<ref name="RIAA">{{Cite web |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="MC">{{Cite web |url=https://musiccanada.com/gold-platinum/ |title=Gold and Platinum Search |publisher=] |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}}</ref> He had also gained a nomination for the ] poll award by the ] a week later.<ref name="so13">{{Cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010q6bc/profiles/theweeknd |title=Sound of 2013 Profiles: The Weeknd |date=December 9, 2012 |publisher=BBC |access-date=December 10, 2012 |archive-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121213061703/http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p010q6bc/profiles/theweeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> In September 2012, Tesfaye signed with ] in a joint venture with his own ] ].<ref name="Hampp">{{Cite journal |last=Hampp |first=Andrew |date=November 12, 2012 |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 |journal=] |location=New York |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 |access-date=November 17, 2012}}</ref> The compilation album for the mixtapes entitled '']'', was released two months later, and consisted of several remastered versions of songs, as well as three additional ones.<ref name="pitchfork.com">{{Cite web |last=Battan |first=Carrie |date=October 2, 2012 |title=The Weeknd Shares 'Rolling Stone' Video, Trilogy Artwork |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/48066-the-weeknd-shares-rolling-stone-video-trilogy-artwork |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223925/https://pitchfork.com/news/48066-the-weeknd-shares-rolling-stone-video-trilogy-artwork/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=December 30, 2012 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> It also officially credited Rose as a producer and writer on the three songs from ''House of Balloons'' for which he did not initially receive credit.<ref>{{Cite AV media notes |title=] |others=The Weeknd |year=2012 |type=CD liner notes |publisher=] |id=3719793}}</ref> ''Trilogy'' charted at number four on the U.S. ] with first-week sales of 86,000 copies. It also debuted at number five on the ], with similar sales.<ref name="bb">{{Cite web |title=Trilogy&nbsp;– The Weeknd |url={{BillboardURLbyName|artist=The weeknd|chart=all}} |access-date=November 23, 2012 |website=]}}</ref><ref name="Caulfield">{{Cite journal |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 |journal=Billboard |location=Los Angeles |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 |access-date=November 21, 2012}}</ref> ''Trilogy'' was later certified ] by the ] (RIAA) and double-platinum by ] in May 2013.<ref name="RIAA">{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum Searchable Database |url=https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="MC">{{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=]}}</ref> He had also gained a nomination for the ] poll award by the ] a week later.<ref name="so13">{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2012 |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 |access-date=December 10, 2012 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>


] in October 2013]] ] in October 2013]]
On May 16, 2013, Tesfaye premiered the ] to his debut studio album '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/listen-the-weeknd-kiss-land |title=Listen: The Weeknd "Kiss Land" |last=Nostro |first=Lauren |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-date=November 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124205738/https://www.complex.com/music/2013/05/listen-the-weeknd-kiss-land |url-status=live }}</ref> and announced the album's release date as September 10.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.idolator.com/7472491/the-weeknd-kiss-land-release-date-cover-artwork |title=The Weeknd Unveils 'Kiss Land' Release Date & Cover Artwork | last=Williott | first=Carl | work=] | date=July 22, 2013}}</ref> The album was later promoted by the singles "]" and "]" featuring ], as well as with Tesfaye embarking on a Fall tour a week prior to the album's release.<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=July 13, 2013 | publisher=ThisGoesIn |archive-url=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/ |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Upon release, ''Kiss Land'' debuted at number two on the U.S. ], selling 96,000 copies.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://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 | work=] | date=December 1, 2012 |archive-date=September 19, 2013 |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 | url-status=live }}</ref> It was later confirmed to have sold over 273,000 copies in the United States, as well as receiving generally positive reviews from music critics.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/kiss-land/the-weeknd | title=Kiss Land Reviews | publisher=] | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223922/https://www.metacritic.com/music/kiss-land/the-weeknd | url-status=live}}</ref> On May 16, 2013, Tesfaye premiered the ] to his debut studio album '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nostro |first=Lauren |date=May 16, 2013 |title=Listen: The Weeknd "Kiss Land" |url=http://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 |access-date=May 17, 2013}}</ref> and announced the album's release date as September 10.<ref>{{Cite web |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=]}}</ref> The album was later promoted by the singles "]" and "]" featuring ], as well as with Tesfaye embarking on a Fall tour a week prior to the album's release.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 13, 2013 |title=The Weeknd's 'Kiss Land' Arrives on August 27th, "Belong to the World" Snippet |url=http://www.thisgoesin.com/2013/07/the-weeknds-kiss-land-arrives-on-august-27th-belong-to-the-world-snippet-news/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=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/ |archive-date=July 23, 2013 |publisher=ThisGoesIn}}</ref> Upon release, ''Kiss Land'' debuted at number two on the U.S. ], selling 96,000 copies.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |website=]}}</ref> It was later confirmed to have sold over 273,000 copies in the United States, as well as receiving 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 |publisher=]}}</ref>


Tesfaye appeared on ], joining headline act ] for six shows.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://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 | last=Payne | first=Chris | work=] | date=November 4, 2013 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> This was three weeks prior to his contributions to the ] for '']'' (2013), contributing "Devil May Cry", as well as featuring on ]'s "]". The latter proved to be the second lead single from the soundtrack.<ref name="hunger-cos">{{Cite web | url=https://consequence.net/2013/11/album-review-various-artists-the-hunger-games-catching-fire-soundtrack/ | title=Album Review: Various Artists – The Hunger Games: Catching Fire Soundtrack | last=Hakimian | first=Rob | work=] | date=November 19, 2013 | archive-date=December 11, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181211061733/https://consequenceofsound.net/2013/11/album-review-various-artists-the-hunger-games-catching-fire-soundtrack/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye appeared on ], joining headline act ] for six shows.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Payne |first=Chris |date=November 4, 2013 |title=The Weeknd To Open For Justin Timberlake On '20/20 Experience' Tour |work=] |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}}</ref> This was three weeks prior to his contributions to the ] for '']'' (2013), contributing "Devil May Cry", as well as featuring on ]'s "]". The latter proved to be the second lead single from the soundtrack.<ref name="hunger-cos">{{Cite web |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 |website=]}}</ref>


In 2014, Tesfaye remixed "]", a single by ] from her ]. Retaining the theme and concept of the song, he detailed the synopsis through the perspective of a male.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039/ | title= Beyonce's 'Drunk in Love': Kanye West, The Weeknd Release Remixes | last=Lee | first=Ashley | work=] | date=February 18, 2014 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223907/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039 | url-status=live}}</ref> The remix was well-received, and came days prior to the announcement of Tesfaye's first headlining tour, entitled the King of the Fall tour. The tour was held across the United States in September and October, and saw ] and ] as supporting acts.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/the-weeknd-tour-1/|title=The Weeknd touring w/ Schoolboy Q & Jhene Aiko, playing Barclays Center (dates); SBQ played Central Park | work=] | date=June 26, 2014 | archive-date=September 24, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924044926/http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2014/06/the_weeknd_tour_1.html |url-status=live }}</ref> This oversaw his release of the songs "]" and "]", leading to speculation that the former was the first single from his second studio album.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.idolator.com/369712/ida-maria-gets-exclamatory |title=Ida Maria Gets Exclamatory |work=] | date=March 19, 2008 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223920/https://www.idolator.com/369712/ida-maria-gets-exclamatory/44925 | url-status=live }}</ref> He later collaborated with ] on a duet titled "]", which peaked at number seven on the ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2014/10/03/first-look-ariana-grande-the-weeknd-love-me-harder-video/ |title=Ariana Grande and The Weeknd Team Up In 'Love Me Harder' Video | work=] | date=October 3, 2014 | archive-date=October 5, 2014 | 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/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Days later, he released "]", a single from '']'' (2015). The song, which marked his second contribution to a film, peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. He also performed the song at the ], where it was nominated for ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/2/28/11130062/the-weeknd-earned-it-performance-watch-academy-awards-2016 |title=Oscars 2016: Watch The Weeknd reenact his sultry video for Earned It | first=Jamieson | last=Cox | work=] | date=February 28, 2016}}</ref> In 2014, Tesfaye remixed "]", a single by ] from her ]. Retaining the theme and concept of the song, he detailed the synopsis through the perspective of a male.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lee |first=Ashley |date=February 18, 2014 |title= Beyonce's 'Drunk in Love': Kanye West, The Weeknd Release Remixes |work=] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/music-news/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223907/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/earshot/audio-beyonces-drunk-love-kanye-681039 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> The remix was well-received, and came days prior to the announcement of Tesfaye's first headlining tour, entitled the King of the Fall tour. The tour was held across the United States in September and October, and saw ] and ] as supporting acts.<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> This oversaw his release of the songs "]" and "]", leading to speculation that the former was the first single from his second studio album.<ref>{{Cite news |date=March 19, 2008 |title=Ida Maria Gets Exclamatory |work=] |url=https://www.idolator.com/369712/ida-maria-gets-exclamatory |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223920/https://www.idolator.com/369712/ida-maria-gets-exclamatory/44925 |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> He later collaborated with ] on a duet titled "]", which 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> Days later, he released "]", a single from '']'' (2015). The song, which marked his second contribution to a film, peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. He also performed the song at the ], where it was nominated 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}}</ref>


===2015–2017: ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' and ''Starboy''=== ===2015–2017: ''Beauty Behind the Madness'' and ''Starboy''===
{{Main|Beauty Behind the Madness|Starboy (album)}} {{Main|Beauty Behind the Madness|Starboy (album)}}
] 2015]] ] 2015]]
After Tesfaye won the Centric Award at the ], he performed "Earned It" with ], as well as debuting the song "]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://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 |last=Beauchemin |first=Molly |website=] |access-date=June 28, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/05/weeknd-debuts-new-song-the-hills.html |title=The Weeknd Returns With 'The Hills,' Which Probably Isn't About Lauren Conrad |last=Lockett |first=Dee |website=Vulture |access-date=May 27, 2015 |ref=vulture-hills |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://www.vulture.com/2015/05/weeknd-debuts-new-song-the-hills.html |url-status=live }}</ref> "The Hills" was later released for digital download, and debuted at number twenty on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The single later went on to top the Billboard chart, marking Tesfaye's first number-one single. The single was certified platinum by the ] (RIAA), making it Tesfaye's first diamond-certified record.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2019/06/28/the-weeknds-no-1-hit-the-hills-becomes-his-first-diamond-certified-single/ | title=The Weeknd's No. 1 Hit 'The Hills' Becomes His First Diamond-Certified Single | first=Hugh | last=McIntyre | work=] | date=June 28, 2019 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=The Weeknd's 'The Hills' Certified Diamond: Exclusive |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8517989/the-weeknd-the-hills-diamond | first=Carl | last=Lamare | work=] | date=June 28, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223924/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8517989/the-weeknd-the-hills-diamond |url-status=live }}</ref> After Tesfaye won the Centric Award at the ], he performed "Earned It" with ], as well as debuting the song "]".<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=June 28, 2015 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=May 27, 2015 |website=Vulture |ref=vulture-hills}}</ref> "The Hills" was later released for digital download, and debuted at number twenty on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100. The single later went on to top the Billboard chart, marking Tesfaye's first number-one single. The single was certified platinum by the ] (RIAA), making it 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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lamare |first=Carl |date=June 28, 2019 |title=The Weeknd's 'The Hills' Certified Diamond: Exclusive |work=] |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>


On June 8, "]", a previously leaked track, was released as the album's third single, following its performance at the ].<ref name="RS1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-funky-new-song-cant-feel-my-face-20150608 |title=Hear The Weeknd's Funky New Song 'Can't Feel My Face' |last=Kreps |first=Daniel | work=] |date=June 8, 2015 | url-access=limited |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> The song debuted at number twenty-four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and reached number-one on the Hot 100, making it his third top 10 hit, and his second number-one hit in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6613247/wiz-khalifa-no-1-hot-100-selena-gomez-debuts |title=Wiz Khalifa No. 1 on Hot 100 'Again,' Selena Gomez Debuts at No. 9 |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=July 1, 2015 |website=Billboard |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |title=The Weeknd Tops Hot 100 With 'Can't Feel My Face,' One Direction Debuts at No. 3 |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=August 10, 2015 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> He occupied all three slots on '']'' ] chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish 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= March 1, 2016 }}. ], July 17, 2015.</ref> He headlined FVDED in the Park, a festival in ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/fvded-in-the-park-2015-lineup-surrey | title=Deadmau5 &amp; The Weeknd headline FVDED IN THE PARK 2015 | work=] | date=December 19, 2017}}</ref> Tesfaye was unveiled as one of the musical faces of the streaming service ], a position he harboured with frequent collaborator Drake.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-apples-new-musical-faces---drake-and-the-weeknd-2015-6 |title=Apple's new musical faces – Drake and The Weeknd |access-date=June 8, 2015 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304052552/https://www.businessinsider.com/afp-apples-new-musical-faces---drake-and-the-weeknd-2015-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> During the ], Apple debuted a two-part promotional commercial featuring Tesfaye, which had a guest appearance from ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://appleinsider.com/articles/15/08/31/latest-apple-music-ads-debut-during-mtv-vmas-feature-the-weeknd-playlists |title=Latest Apple Music ads debut during MTV VMAs, feature The Weeknd & playlists |access-date=August 31, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was revealed that his second studio album would be titled ''Beauty Behind the Madness''. On June 8, "]", a previously leaked track, was released as the album's third single, following its performance 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' |work=] |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 song debuted at number twenty-four on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100, and reached number-one on the Hot 100, making it his third top 10 hit, and his second number-one hit in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=July 1, 2015 |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 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=August 10, 2015 |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 |access-date=April 21, 2020}}</ref> He occupied all three slots on '']'' ] chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish 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= March 1, 2016 }}. ], July 17, 2015.</ref> He headlined FVDED in the Park, a festival in ].<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 19, 2017 |title=Deadmau5 &amp; The Weeknd headline FVDED IN THE PARK 2015 |work=] |url=https://dailyhive.com/vancouver/fvded-in-the-park-2015-lineup-surrey}}</ref> Tesfaye was unveiled as one of the musical faces of the streaming service ], a position he harboured with 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 |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 |access-date=June 8, 2015}}</ref> During the ], Apple debuted a two-part promotional commercial featuring Tesfaye, which had a guest appearance from ].<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=August 31, 2015}}</ref> It was revealed that his second studio album would be titled ''Beauty Behind the Madness''.


'']'' was released on August 28, 2015, and debuted atop the ], earning 412,000 album equivalent units in its first week.<ref name="Billboard">{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685947/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-debuts-at-no-1-billboard-200-charts |title=The Weeknd's 'Beauty Behind the Madness' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard 200 Chart |website=Billboard |access-date=September 6, 2015 |archive-date=March 23, 2018 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://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 |website=Billboard |access-date=November 1, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached the top 10 in over ten countries, as well as reaching number one in Canada, Australia, Norway, and the United Kingdom.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-the-weeknd-takes-top-spot-on-australian-chart-20150905 |title=ARIA Albums : The Weeknd Takes Top Spot On Australian Chart |publisher=Noise11 |access-date=September 5, 2015 |archive-date=November 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130063137/http://www.noise11.com/news/aria-albums-the-weeknd-takes-top-spot-on-australian-chart-20150905 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums |title=Top 20 Albums |website=USA Today |access-date=September 7, 2015 |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927193747/http://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums |url-status=live }}</ref> The album was promoted by Tesfaye headlining various summer music festivals, including ], the Hard Summer Music Festival, and the ] Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/07/10/weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-august-28-release/29961285/ |title=The Weeknd's new album is coming Aug. 28 |website=USA Today |access-date=July 15, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He announced ] across the United States, which began in November, and concluded in December.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/60875-the-weeknd-announces-the-madness-fall-tour/ |title=The Weeknd announces The Madness Fall Tour |website=Pitchfork |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://pitchfork.com/news/60875-the-weeknd-announces-the-madness-fall-tour/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates |title=The Weeknd Announces The Madness Fall Tour With Travi$ Scott, Halsey & Banks |website=Billboard |access-date=August 21, 2015 |archive-date=August 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150823233024/http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6671102/the-weeknd-the-madness-fall-tour-dates |url-status=live }}</ref> The album went double platinum in the US, and sold 1.5&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="IFPI2016">{{Cite web |url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf |title=Global Music Report |date=April 12, 2016 |publisher=] |access-date=April 12, 2016 |archive-date=July 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://archive.is/20160730180434/http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> It was reported to be the most-streamed album throughout 2015, with over 60 million,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://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 |website=Billboard |access-date=April 21, 2020 |archive-date=December 2, 2015 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as being ranked on multiple lists detailing albums of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://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' |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=September 16, 2017 |archive-date=December 2, 2016 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> '']'' was released on August 28, 2015, and debuted atop the ], earning 412,000 album equivalent units in its first week.<ref name="Billboard">{{Cite web |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 |access-date=September 6, 2015 |website=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 1, 2015 |website=Billboard}}</ref> It reached the top 10 in over ten countries, as well as reaching 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 |access-date=September 5, 2015 |publisher=Noise11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 20 Albums |url=https://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927193747/http://musiccanada.com/charts/#albums |archive-date=September 27, 2015 |access-date=September 7, 2015 |website=USA Today}}</ref> The album was promoted by Tesfaye headlining various summer music festivals, including ], the Hard Summer Music Festival, and the ] Festival.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=July 15, 2015 |website=USA Today}}</ref> He announced ] 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 |access-date=August 21, 2015 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=August 21, 2015 |website=Billboard}}</ref> The album went double platinum in the US, and sold 1.5&nbsp;million copies worldwide.<ref name="IFPI2016">{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2016 |title=Global Music Report |url=http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.is/20160730180434/http://www.ifpi.org/downloads/GMR2016.pdf |archive-date=July 30, 2016 |access-date=April 12, 2016 |publisher=]}}</ref> It was reported to be the most-streamed album throughout 2015, with over 60 million,<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=April 21, 2020 |website=Billboard}}</ref> as well as being ranked on multiple lists detailing albums of the year.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd, 'Beauty Behind the Madness' |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/lists/50-best-albums-of-2015-20151201/the-weeknd-beauty-behind-the-madness-20151130 |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 |access-date=September 16, 2017 |website=Rolling Stone}}</ref>


On September 8, Tesfaye became the first male artist to have simultaneously held the top three spots on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, with the three singles that preceded the release of his album. They all went platinum in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685989/the-weeknd-hot-100-top-three |title=The Weeknd Doubles Up in Hot 100's Top Three |website=Billboard |access-date=August 8, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223928/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6685989/the-weeknd-hot-100-top-three |url-status=live }}</ref> After engaging in multiple musical collaborations with ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/Music/article/belly-might_not_ft_weeknd |title=Belly 'Might Not' (ft. The Weeknd) |website=Exclaim! |access-date=May 8, 2015 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031072147/http://exclaim.ca/music/article/belly-might_not_ft_weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34353/title.meek-mill-reveals-dreams-worth-more-than-money-features |title=Meek Mill Reveals 'Dreams Worth More Than Money' Features |publisher=hiphopdx |access-date=June 22, 2015 |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130211403/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.34353/title.meek-mill-reveals-dreams-worth-more-than-money-features |url-status=live }}</ref> and ],<ref name="Idolator">{{Cite web |url=http://www.idolator.com/7606572/demi-lovato-the-weeknd-perform-saturday-night-live-season-41 |title=Demi Lovato & The Weeknd To Perform On 'Saturday Night Live' This Season |publisher=Idolator |access-date=September 1, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.inquisitr.com/2352303/justin-bieber-kanye-west-the-weeknd-more-featuring-on-travis-scott-s-rodeo-album/ |title=Justin Bieber, Kanye West, The Weeknd, & more featuring on Travi$ Scott's 'Rodeo" album |publisher=Inquisitr |access-date=August 20, 2015 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye was featured on "]", the triple platinum single from ] ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.kiss925.com/2015/12/27/listen-the-weeknd-surprises-fans-by-dropping-two-new-songs/ |title=Listen: The Weeknd Surprises Fans By Dropping Two New Songs! |date=December 27, 2015 |website=Kiss 92.5 |access-date=September 5, 2016 |archive-date=December 4, 2020 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye appeared on '']'' alongside actress ], performing as the show's musical guest on October 10.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6685066/weeknd-demi-lovato-snl-musical-guests |title=The Weeknd & Demi Lovato Announced as 'SNL' Musical Guests |website=Billboard |access-date=September 1, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223934/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6685066/weeknd-demi-lovato-snl-musical-guests |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="Idolator" /> On September 8, Tesfaye became the first male artist to have simultaneously held the top three spots on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, with the three singles that preceded the release of his album. They all went platinum in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=August 8, 2015 |website=Billboard}}</ref> After engaging in multiple musical collaborations with ],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Belly 'Might Not' (ft. The Weeknd) |url=http://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 |access-date=May 8, 2015 |website=Exclaim!}}</ref> ],<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 |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 |access-date=June 22, 2015 |publisher=hiphopdx}}</ref> and ],<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 |access-date=September 1, 2015 |publisher=Idolator}}</ref><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/ |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 |access-date=August 20, 2015 |publisher=Inquisitr}}</ref> Tesfaye was featured on "]", the triple platinum single from ] ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 27, 2015 |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/ |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 |access-date=September 5, 2016 |website=Kiss 92.5}}</ref> Tesfaye appeared on '']'' alongside actress ], performing as the show's musical guest on October 10.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=September 1, 2015 |website=Billboard}}</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="Idolator" />


Tesfaye was featured on "]", a track on ]'s '']''.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.vogue.com/article/the-weeknd-musician-profile-met-gala-performance | title=The Weeknd on Going From Indie R&B Enigma to the Pacesetting Prince of Pop | first=MARK | last=GUIDUCCI | work=] | date=May 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | 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 | title=The Life of Pablo tracklist: Kanye West’s new album features Frank Ocean, The Weeknd and Young Thug | first=Christopher | last=Hooton | work=] | date=February 12, 2016}}</ref> It marked the second collaboration between the pair, with West providing production and writing on "]" from ''Beauty Behind the Madness''. Tesfaye appeared on "]", the fifth song on ]'s '']''. He was announced by ] as being among the top five most streamed artists in their first year partnering with ] to provide the streaming service on the ].<ref>{{Cite web |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/ |title=Spotify and PlayStation Celebrate One Year Together and Hit More Than Five Billion Streams on PlayStation Music |website=Spotify |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423181523/https://news.spotify.com/us/2016/04/15/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstationmusic/ |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=December 3, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.scoop.it/topic/music-news-for-orange/p/4062765549/2016/04/19/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstation-music |title=Spotify and PlayStation® Celebrate One Year Together and Hit More Than Five Billion Streams on PlayStation™Music &#124; Music News |website=Scoop.it |access-date=September 12, 2019 |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809161615/https://www.scoop.it/topic/music-news-for-orange/p/4062765549/2016/04/19/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstation-music |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye was featured on "]", a track on ]'s '']''.<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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Hooton |first=Christopher |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}}</ref> It marked the second collaboration between the pair, with West providing production and writing on "]" from ''Beauty Behind the Madness''. Tesfaye appeared on "]", the fifth song on ]'s '']''. He was announced by ] as being among the top five most streamed artists in their first year partnering with ] to provide the streaming service on the ].<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/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160423181523/https://news.spotify.com/us/2016/04/15/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstationmusic/ |archive-date=April 23, 2016 |access-date=December 3, 2016 |website=Spotify}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Spotify and PlayStation® Celebrate One Year Together and Hit More Than Five Billion Streams on PlayStation™Music &#124; Music News |url=https://www.scoop.it/topic/music-news-for-orange/p/4062765549/2016/04/19/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstation-music |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809161615/https://www.scoop.it/topic/music-news-for-orange/p/4062765549/2016/04/19/spotify-and-playstation-celebrate-one-year-together-and-hit-more-than-five-billion-streams-on-playstation-music |archive-date=August 9, 2020 |access-date=September 12, 2019 |website=Scoop.it}}</ref>


On August 24, in preparation for his third studio album, ] executive vice-president Wendy Goldstein confirmed Tesfaye began collaborations with French electronic music duo ].<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=August 23, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2016 |archive-date=August 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160824143608/http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-working-with-daft-punk |url-status=live }}</ref> On the same day, Tesfaye also announced a collaboration with Norwegian record producer ], titled "]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Morris |first=Jesse |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-previews-cashmere-cat-collaboration |title=It Sounds Like a Weeknd and Cashmere Cat Collab Is on the Way |date=August 24, 2016 |work=] |access-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223932/https://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-previews-cashmere-cat-collaboration |url-status=live }}</ref> A month later, the previously mentioned album's title was announced as ''Starboy'', and had a release date of November 25.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/67755-the-weeknd-announces-new-album-starboy/ |title=The Weeknd Announces New Album Starboy |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |date=September 21, 2016 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=September 22, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223937/https://pitchfork.com/news/67755-the-weeknd-announces-new-album-starboy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He released the album's ], which features Daft Punk on September 21. The song received platinum certification and went to number one in the United States, as well as in various other countries.<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 |date=September 22, 2016 |work=The Guardian |access-date=September 22, 2016 |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=March 1, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> A second collaboration with Daft Punk, entitled "]", was released a week proceeding the album's release, alongside the solo efforts "]" and "]".<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=September 21, 2016 |website=Dancing Astronaut |access-date=September 22, 2016 |archive-date=November 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107130837/https://dancingastronaut.com/2016/09/daft-punk-the-weeknd-collaboration-listen/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye returned to ''Saturday Night Live'' on October 10, performing "Starboy" and "False Alarm". He released a 12-minute short film, titled ''M A N I A'', on November 23.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBsycvSU6r8 |title=Watch The Weeknd – Mania on YouTube |date=November 23, 2016 |via=] |access-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124064821/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBsycvSU6r8 |url-status=live }}</ref> Directed by Grant Singer, it featured excerpts from the album, including snippets from "]" featuring ], "]" featuring ], "]" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/69997-watch-the-weeknds-new-short-film-mania/ |title=Watch The Weeknd's New Short Film Mania |date=November 23, 2016 |website=] |access-date=November 23, 2016 |archive-date=November 24, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124093812/http://pitchfork.com/news/69997-watch-the-weeknds-new-short-film-mania/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 24, in preparation for his third studio album, ] executive vice-president Wendy Goldstein confirmed Tesfaye began collaborations with French electronic music duo ].<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 23, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Is Reportedly Working with Daft Punk |url=http://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 |access-date=August 23, 2016}}</ref> On the same day, Tesfaye also announced a collaboration with Norwegian record producer ], titled "]".<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 |work=] |url=http://www.complex.com/music/2016/08/the-weeknd-previews-cashmere-cat-collaboration |url-status=live |access-date=September 1, 2019 |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> A month later, the previously mentioned album's title was announced as ''Starboy'', and had a release date of November 25.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Pearce |first=Sheldon |date=September 21, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Announces New Album Starboy |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 |access-date=September 22, 2016 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> He released the album's ], which features Daft Punk on September 21. The song received platinum certification and went to number one in the United States, as well as in various other countries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Hear the Weeknd's new track with Daft Punk, Starboy |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/sep/22/hear-the-weeknds-new-track-with-daft-punk-starboy |url-status=live |access-date=September 22, 2016 |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> A second collaboration with Daft Punk, entitled "]", was released a week proceeding the album's release, alongside the solo efforts "]" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Zwilling |first=Eric |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Listen to Daft Punk's new collaboration with The Weeknd, 'Starboy' |url=http://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 |access-date=September 22, 2016 |website=Dancing Astronaut}}</ref> Tesfaye returned to ''Saturday Night Live'' on October 10, performing "Starboy" and "False Alarm". He released a 12-minute short film, titled ''M A N I A'', on November 23.<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2016 |title=Watch The Weeknd – Mania on YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBsycvSU6r8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161124064821/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBsycvSU6r8 |archive-date=November 24, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |via=]}}</ref> Directed by Grant Singer, it featured excerpts from the album, including snippets from "]" featuring ], "]" featuring ], "]" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 23, 2016 |title=Watch The Weeknd's New Short Film Mania |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 |access-date=November 23, 2016 |website=]}}</ref>


In 2017, Tesfaye appeared on ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7701959/future-album-hndrxx-the-weeknd-rihanna |title=Future Releases New Album 'HNDRXX' Featuring The Weeknd and Rihanna: Listen |last=Brandle |first=Lars |website=Billboard |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/7701959/future-album-hndrxx-the-weeknd-rihanna |url-status=live }}</ref> as well as on the ] from ], who was signed by ] in January.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-sultry-some-way-collaboration-with-nav-w467422 |title=Hear the Weeknd's Sultry 'Some Way' Collaboration With Nav |last=Blistein |first=John |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He became the first feature utilized by ], appearing on "]", the title track and second single from ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.much.com/lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-the-weeknd/ |title=Lana Del Rey Releases 'Lust For Life' Single with the Weeknd |last=Bowsher |first=Allison |website=Much.com |access-date=October 31, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223913/https://www.ctv.ca/much |url-status=live }}</ref> He was featured on ]'s "]", the third single from his second album '']'' and on ]'s debut single "Wild Love" from his album '']''. He appeared on the ]-directed music video for ]'s "]" alongside XO signee Nav. He was later featured on ] and ]'s eleventh studio album ''].'' He gained a Grammy nomination for ] at the ] for ''Starboy'' and ended up winning the award.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/newsalert-starboy-wins-best-urban-contemporary-album-for-the-weeknd |title=NewsAlert: Starboy winds best urban contemporary album for the Weeknd |date=January 28, 2018 |work=National Post |access-date=April 15, 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> In 2017, Tesfaye appeared on ],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandle |first=Lars |title=Future Releases New Album 'HNDRXX' Featuring The Weeknd and Rihanna: Listen |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 |access-date=October 31, 2017 |website=Billboard}}</ref> as well as on the ] from ], who was signed by ] in January.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Blistein |first=John |title=Hear the Weeknd's Sultry 'Some Way' Collaboration With Nav |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/hear-the-weeknds-sultry-some-way-collaboration-with-nav-w467422 |url-status=live |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 |access-date=October 31, 2017 |website=Rolling Stone}}</ref> He became the first feature utilized by ], appearing on "]", the title track and second single from ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bowsher |first=Allison |title=Lana Del Rey Releases 'Lust For Life' Single with the Weeknd |url=https://www.much.com/lana-del-rey-lust-for-life-the-weeknd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223913/https://www.ctv.ca/much |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=October 31, 2017 |website=Much.com}}</ref> He was featured on ]'s "]", the third single from his second album '']'' and on ]'s debut single "Wild Love" from his album '']''. He appeared on the ]-directed music video for ]'s "]" alongside XO signee Nav. He was later featured on ] and ]'s eleventh studio album ''].'' He gained a Grammy nomination for ] at the ] for ''Starboy'' and ended up winning the award.<ref>{{Cite news |date=January 28, 2018 |title=NewsAlert: Starboy winds best urban contemporary album for the Weeknd |work=National Post |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/newsalert-starboy-wins-best-urban-contemporary-album-for-the-weeknd |url-status=live |access-date=April 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223930/https://nationalpost.com/pmn/entertainment-pmn/newsalert-starboy-wins-best-urban-contemporary-album-for-the-weeknd |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref>


===2018–present: ''My Dear Melancholy'' and ''After Hours''=== ===2018–present: ''My Dear Melancholy'' and ''After Hours''===
{{main|My Dear Melancholy|After Hours (The Weeknd album)}} {{main|My Dear Melancholy|After Hours (The Weeknd album)}}
] ]
On January 31, 2018, ] revealed the full tracklist of the Kendrick Lamar-curated ]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2018/1/tde-black-panther-soundtrack-cover-tracklist |title=TDE Reveals Loaded Tracklist for 'Black Panther' Soundtrack |last=Boykins |first=Austin |website=Hypebeast |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://hypebeast.com/2018/1/tde-black-panther-soundtrack-cover-tracklist |url-status=live }}</ref> with Tesfaye featured on one of the tracks, ]. On February 2, 2018, it was released as the soundtrack's third single. This marks the second collaboration between Tesfaye and Lamar, after the song ] on the ] album. On January 31, 2018, ] revealed the full tracklist of the Kendrick Lamar-curated ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boykins |first=Austin |title=TDE Reveals Loaded Tracklist for 'Black Panther' Soundtrack |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 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> with Tesfaye featured on one of the tracks, ]. On February 2, 2018, it was released as the soundtrack's third single. This marks the second collaboration between Tesfaye and Lamar, after the song ] on the ] album.


On March 27, 2018, Tesfaye began publicity for a new official release in an Instagram post.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8263214/the-weeknd-new-album-instagram |title=Is The Weeknd Dropping a New Album on Friday? |work=Billboard |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223915/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8263214/the-weeknd-new-album-instagram |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-dropping-album-rumor-report/ |title=Is The Weeknd Dropping A New Album This Week? |date=March 27, 2018 |work=Vibe |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223937/https://www.vibe.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-dropping-album-rumor-report |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/the-weeknd-teases-new-song-release-14133016 |title=The Weeknd teases new song release {{!}} IOL Entertainment |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223934/https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/the-weeknd-teases-new-song-release-14133016 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 29, 2018, a billboard appeared in ] promoting a possible album titled ''My Dear Melancholy'',<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://clashmusic.com/news/has-someone-accidentally-leaked-news-of-the-weeknds-new-album |title=Has Someone Accidentally Leaked News of the Weeknd's New Album? |work=Clash Magazine |access-date=March 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://clashmusic.com/news/has-someone-accidentally-leaked-news-of-the-weeknds-new-album |url-status=live }}</ref> and on the same day the project was officially announced.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spin.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-new-album-my-dear-melancholy-announcement/ |title=The Weekend Announces New Album 'My Dear Melancholy,' |last=Sargent |first=Jordan |date=March 29, 2018 |website=] |access-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223941/https://www.spin.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-new-album-my-dear-melancholy-announcement/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 30, 2018, the extended play '']'' was released.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-the-weeknds-my-dear-melancholy-ep-news.46817.html |title=Stream The Weeknd's "My Dear Melancholy" EP |work=HotNewHipHop |access-date=March 30, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/stream-the-weeknds-my-dear-melancholy-ep-news.46817.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 6, 2018, the Weeknd announced his new ] radio show ''Memento Mori'', which's first episode was released two days later.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8459680/the-weeknd-memento-mori-beats-one-radio-show |title=The Weeknd Announces New Beats 1 Radio Show Memento Mori |website=Billboard |access-date=November 3, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later in the year, on November 21, 2018, the compilation album '']'' was released and served as his first ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.universal-music.co.jp/the-weeknd/products/uicu-1305/ |title=The Weeknd in Japan (Singles Collection) |publisher=] |language=ja |access-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020154836/https://www.universal-music.co.jp/the-weeknd/products/uicu-1305/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8491268/the-weeknd-first-japan-concert-kenshi-yonezu |title=The Weeknd Performs First Japan Show With Special Guest Kenshi Yonezu |website=Billboard |access-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020231046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8491268/the-weeknd-first-japan-concert-kenshi-yonezu |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 27, 2018, Tesfaye began publicity for a new official release in an Instagram post.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Is The Weeknd Dropping a New Album on Friday? |work=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8263214/the-weeknd-new-album-instagram |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2018 |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><ref>{{Cite news |date=March 27, 2018 |title=Is The Weeknd Dropping A New Album This Week? |work=Vibe |url=https://www.vibe.com/2018/03/the-weeknd-dropping-album-rumor-report/ |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2018 |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><ref>{{Cite news |title=The Weeknd teases new song release {{!}} IOL Entertainment |url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/international/the-weeknd-teases-new-song-release-14133016 |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2018 |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> On March 29, 2018, a billboard appeared in ] promoting a possible album titled ''My Dear Melancholy'',<ref>{{Cite news |title=Has Someone Accidentally Leaked News of the Weeknd's New Album? |work=Clash Magazine |url=http://clashmusic.com/news/has-someone-accidentally-leaked-news-of-the-weeknds-new-album |url-status=live |access-date=March 29, 2018 |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> and on the same day the project was officially announced.<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 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |website=]}}</ref> On March 30, 2018, the extended play '']'' was released.<ref>{{Cite news |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 |access-date=March 30, 2018 |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 June 6, 2018, the Weeknd announced his new ] radio show ''Memento Mori'', which's first episode was released two days later.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Announces New Beats 1 Radio Show Memento Mori |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 |access-date=November 3, 2019 |website=Billboard}}</ref> Later in the year, on November 21, 2018, the compilation album '']'' was released and served as his first ].<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |publisher=] |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Performs First Japan Show With Special Guest Kenshi Yonezu |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8491268/the-weeknd-first-japan-concert-kenshi-yonezu |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020231046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/international/8491268/the-weeknd-first-japan-concert-kenshi-yonezu |archive-date=October 20, 2019 |access-date=October 20, 2019 |website=Billboard}}</ref>


In January 2019, French producer ] (who previously worked with Tesfaye on ''My Dear Melancholy'') began promoting a new collaboration.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=malQ597Kgq8 |title=Gesaffelstein on Youtube |access-date=January 9, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=malQ597Kgq8 |url-status=live }}</ref> On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye and Gesaffelstein released "]", the second single off the latter's second studio album, ''].''<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-gesaffelstein-and-the-weeknds-new-song-lost-in-fire/ |title=Listen to Gesaffelstein and the Weeknd's New Song "Lost in the Fire" |website=Pitchfork |access-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223939/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-gesaffelstein-and-the-weeknds-new-song-lost-in-fire/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On April 18, 2019, Tesfaye released "]" alongside ] and ], a song part of ] inspired by the television show '']'', of which Tesfaye himself is a fan.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-the-weeknd-travis-scott-power-is-power/ |title=SZAThe WeekndTravis Scott 'Power Is Power' |access-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-date=April 19, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419144546/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/sza-the-weeknd-travis-scott-power-is-power/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On May 5, Tesfaye, SZA and Travis Scott released the music video for their '']''-inspired track.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |website=Billboard |access-date=May 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223921/https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews050619sza-8510131 |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 30, 2019, during the ], Tesfaye made his debut cinematic appearance in the film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.nme.com/news/film/weeknd-recorded-music-oneohtrix-point-never-intended-uncut-gems-2546398 |title=The Weeknd recorded music with Oneohtrix Point Never intended for 'Uncut Gems' |date=September 10, 2019 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |archive-date=September 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190929014540/https://www.nme.com/news/film/weeknd-recorded-music-oneohtrix-point-never-intended-uncut-gems-2546398 |url-status=live |last = Gwee | first = Karen | website = ]}}</ref> In January 2019, French producer ] (who previously worked with Tesfaye on ''My Dear Melancholy'') began promoting a new collaboration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gesaffelstein on Youtube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=malQ597Kgq8 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223946/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=malQ597Kgq8 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 9, 2019}}</ref> On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye and Gesaffelstein released "]", the second single off the latter's second studio album, ''].''<ref>{{Cite web |title=Listen to Gesaffelstein and the Weeknd's New Song "Lost in the Fire" |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 |access-date=January 11, 2019 |website=Pitchfork}}</ref> On April 18, 2019, Tesfaye released "]" alongside ] and ], a song part of ] inspired by the television show '']'', of which Tesfaye himself is a fan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SZAThe WeekndTravis Scott 'Power Is Power' |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 |access-date=April 19, 2019}}</ref> On May 5, Tesfaye, SZA and Travis Scott released the music video for their '']''-inspired track.<ref>{{Cite web |date=May 5, 2019 |title=SZA, The Weeknd and Travis Scott Share Video For 'Game of Thrones' Inspired Track |url=https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews050619sza-8510131 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223921/https://www.billboard.com/video/bbnews050619sza-8510131 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=May 7, 2019 |website=Billboard}}</ref> On August 30, 2019, during the ], Tesfaye made his debut cinematic appearance 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 |access-date=September 11, 2019 |website=]}}</ref>


On November 24, 2019, "]", the expected lead single of his fourth studio album, was announced via a ] commercial on German television.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/24/the-weeknd-new-single-blinding-lights/ |title=The Weeknd to Release New Single 'Blinding Lights' on Black Friday |website=Rap-Up |access-date=November 24, 2019 |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128132032/https://www.rap-up.com/2019/11/24/the-weeknd-new-single-blinding-lights/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The next day, footage of a music video being shot in ], ] surfaced.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/11/25/the-weeknd-shooting-new-music-video-las-vegas/ |title=The Weeknd Shooting New Music Video in Las Vegas |website=TMZ |access-date=November 25, 2019 |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224232402/https://www.tmz.com/2019/11/25/the-weeknd-shooting-new-music-video-las-vegas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> News outlets then began reporting that Tesfaye would follow up "Blinding Lights" with another single titled "]".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1199113637912350720 |user=TheAffinityMag |title=🚨 NEW MUSIC FROM @theweeknd 🚨 Abel is dropping 'Blinding Lights' TOMORROW and 'Heartless' on Wednesday. Who's excited?! 🤩 |date=November 25, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> In promotion of the upcoming album, episode seven of the Weeknd's manager ]'s ''Memento Mori'' Beats 1 radio show was released on November 27, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://i.redd.it/fcwg6cv283141.jpg |title=Screenshots of Instagram Story on November 26, 2019 |publisher=YouTube Music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126214534/https://i.redd.it/fcwg6cv283141.jpg |archive-date=November 26, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> The single "Heartless" went on to debut at number 32 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and later became his fourth number one single on the chart, the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545288/the-weeknd-heartless-five-burning-questions |title=Five Burning Questions: Billboard Staffers Discuss The Weeknd's Top 40 Debut For 'Heartless' |website=Billboard |access-date=December 18, 2019 |archive-date=March 19, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200319225809/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545288/the-weeknd-heartless-five-burning-questions |url-status=live }}</ref> The second single "Blinding Lights" went on to debut at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 the same week "Heartless" topped it, fell to number 52 in its second week, and then after a long climb reached number one on the chart on the issue dated April 4, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=March 30, 2020|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|access-date=March 30, 2020|website=Billboard|archive-date=March 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200331195920/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9346375/weeknd-blinding-lights-number-one-hot-100|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=December 9, 2019|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|access-date=December 16, 2019|website=Billboard|archive-date=January 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200116053415/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8545778/the-weeknd-heartless-no-1-hot-100|url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye revealed the album's title, '']'', and release date, March 20, 2020, on February 19, 2020, and released the album's ] as a promotional single simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8551359/the-weeknd-after-hours-release-date-title-track-release |title=The Weeknd Sets 'After Hours' Release Date, Shares Dark Title Track: Listen |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=February 19, 2020 |website=] |access-date=February 20, 2020 |archive-date=March 13, 2020 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> On March 7, Tesfaye appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'', performing "Blinding Lights" and the previously unreleased "]".<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/|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320035057/https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/the-weeknd-snl-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> Subsequently, the album was released on March 20, 2020, containing the singles "Heartless", "Blinding Lights" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-the-weeknds-new-album-after-hours/|title=Listen to the Weeknd's New Album After Hours|last=Strauss|first=Matthew|date=March 20, 2020|website=]|access-date=March 20, 2020|archive-date=March 20, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320145830/https://pitchfork.com/news/listen-to-the-weeknds-new-album-after-hours/|url-status=live}}</ref> The record debuted atop the US ], earning 444,000 ]s of which 275,000 were in pure sales.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caulfield|first=Keith|date=March 29, 2020|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|website=]|access-date=June 7, 2020|archive-date=March 29, 2020|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|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after the album release, on March 29, 2020, Tesfaye announced the release of three more previously unreleased songs: "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby".<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=1244332030508199936 |title=nothing compares, missed you, final lullaby...}}</ref> In the album's first charting week, Tesfaye became the first artist to lead the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Artist 100, Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web|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|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=April 1, 2020|website=Billboard|access-date=April 1, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223939/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive|url-status=live}}</ref> ''After Hours'' had a second consecutive week at number one on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart (April 2020), due to five entries on the latest ''Billboard'' Hot 100 (singles), all of which he co-wrote and co-produced.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9353926/the-weeknd-songwriters-chart-30roc-producers |title=The Weeknd also repeats at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, Hot 100 & Artist 100 |date=April 8, 2020 |website=billboard.com |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223925/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9353926/the-weeknd-songwriters-chart-30roc-producers |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2020, Tesfaye announced he would be co-writing and starring in an upcoming episode of '']'', which later premiered on May 4, 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-dad-premiere-date-trailer-seth-macfarlane-the-weeknd-tbs-1202897703/|title=American Dad!' Gets TBS Return Date – Watch The Promo|work=Deadline|access-date=April 28, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223933/https://deadline.com/2020/04/american-dad-premiere-date-trailer-seth-macfarlane-the-weeknd-tbs-1202897703/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 24, 2019, "]", the expected lead single of his fourth studio album, was announced via a ] commercial on German television.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd to Release New Single 'Blinding Lights' on Black Friday |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 |access-date=November 24, 2019 |website=Rap-Up}}</ref> The next day, footage of a music video being shot in ], ] surfaced.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Shooting New Music Video in Las Vegas |url=https://www.tmz.com/2019/11/25/the-weeknd-shooting-new-music-video-las-vegas/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224232402/https://www.tmz.com/2019/11/25/the-weeknd-shooting-new-music-video-las-vegas/ |archive-date=February 24, 2020 |access-date=November 25, 2019 |website=TMZ}}</ref> News outlets then began reporting that Tesfaye would follow up "Blinding Lights" with another single titled "]".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1199113637912350720 |user=TheAffinityMag |title=🚨 NEW MUSIC FROM @theweeknd 🚨 Abel is dropping 'Blinding Lights' TOMORROW and 'Heartless' on Wednesday. Who's excited?! 🤩 |date=November 25, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019}}</ref> In promotion of the upcoming album, episode seven of the Weeknd's manager ]'s ''Memento Mori'' Beats 1 radio show was released on November 27, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Screenshots of Instagram Story on November 26, 2019 |url=https://i.redd.it/fcwg6cv283141.jpg |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126214534/https://i.redd.it/fcwg6cv283141.jpg |archive-date=November 26, 2019 |access-date=November 26, 2019 |publisher=YouTube Music}}</ref> The single "Heartless" went on to debut at number 32 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and later became his fourth number one single on the chart, the following week.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=December 18, 2019 |website=Billboard}}</ref> The second single "Blinding Lights" went on to debut at number 11 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 the same week "Heartless" topped it, fell to number 52 in its second week, and then after a long climb reached number one on the chart on the issue dated April 4, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=March 30, 2020 |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 |access-date=March 30, 2020 |website=Billboard}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Trust |first=Gary |date=December 9, 2019 |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 |access-date=December 16, 2019 |website=Billboard}}</ref> Tesfaye revealed the album's title, '']'', and release date, March 20, 2020, on February 19, 2020, and released the album's ] as a promotional single simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=February 19, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Sets 'After Hours' Release Date, Shares Dark Title Track: Listen |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 |access-date=February 20, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> On March 7, Tesfaye appeared on ''Saturday Night Live'', performing "Blinding Lights" and the previously unreleased "]".<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 |access-date=June 7, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> Subsequently, the album was released on March 20, 2020, containing the singles "Heartless", "Blinding Lights" and "]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Strauss |first=Matthew |date=March 20, 2020 |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 |access-date=March 20, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> The record debuted atop the US ], earning 444,000 ]s of which 275,000 were in pure sales.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Caulfield |first=Keith |date=March 29, 2020 |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 |access-date=June 7, 2020 |website=]}}</ref> Shortly after the album release, on March 29, 2020, Tesfaye announced the release of three more previously unreleased songs: "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1244332030508199936 |user=theweeknd |title=nothing compares, missed you, final lullaby...}}</ref> In the album's first charting week, Tesfaye became the first artist to lead the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Artist 100, Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts simultaneously.<ref>{{Cite web |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) |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 |access-date=April 1, 2020 |website=Billboard}}</ref> ''After Hours'' had a second consecutive week at number one on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart (April 2020), due to five entries on the latest ''Billboard'' Hot 100 (singles), all of which he co-wrote and co-produced.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 8, 2020 |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 |access-date=April 9, 2020 |website=billboard.com}}</ref> In April 2020, Tesfaye announced he would be co-writing and starring in an upcoming episode of '']'', which later premiered on May 4, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=American Dad!' Gets TBS Return Date – Watch The Promo |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 |access-date=April 28, 2020 |website=Deadline}}</ref>


On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye released "]" as a single, with late American rapper and singer ]. Three weeks later, on August 28, he released the single "]" with Scottish DJ and record producer ]. After six years, Tesfaye worked with ] again on a song called "Off The Table."<ref>{{cite web |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/ |access-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The song was featured on track five of her album '']'',<ref>{{cite web |title=Ariana Grande Unveils 'Positions' Track List |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9472449/ariana-grande-positions-track-list/ |access-date=November 2, 2020 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024235455/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/9472449/ariana-grande-positions-track-list/ |url-status=live }}</ref> which released October 30, 2020. On the same day, '']'' released by ] featured vocals from Tesfaye on track eight, "No Nightmares."<ref>{{cite web |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/ |access-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 5, 2020, ] released the "]" remix featuring Tesfaye.<ref>{{cite web |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/ |access-date=November 5, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223938/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/latin/9478647/maluma-the-weeknd-hawai-remix-video/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He also debuted three live performances on ] in November 2020,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd – Trailer (Official Live Performance) {{!}} Vevo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdBQ7q9z7rE |access-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224000/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdBQ7q9z7rE |url-status=live }}</ref> and performed at ]'s ] alongside other artists on December 10, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |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/ |access-date=November 21, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223952/https://people.com/music/virtual-iheartradio-jingle-ball-2020-performers/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye released "]" as a single, with late American rapper and singer ]. Three weeks later, on August 28, he released the single "]" with Scottish DJ and record producer ]. After six years, Tesfaye worked with ] again on a song called "Off The Table."<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 2, 2020}}</ref> The song was featured on track five of her album '']'',<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 2, 2020}}</ref> which released October 30, 2020. On the same day, '']'' released by ] featured vocals from Tesfaye on track eight, "No Nightmares."<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref> On November 5, 2020, ] released the "]" remix featuring Tesfaye.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 5, 2020}}</ref> He also debuted three live performances on ] in November 2020,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd – Trailer (Official Live Performance) {{!}} Vevo |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdBQ7q9z7rE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224000/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WdBQ7q9z7rE |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref> and performed at ]'s ] alongside other artists on December 10, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 21, 2020}}</ref>


Widely expected to receive multiple nominations for ''After Hours'', Tesfaye was shut out of any nominations for the ] (2021).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aswad|first=Jem|date=November 24, 2020|title=The Weeknd Shockingly Shut Out of Grammy Nominations, and Other Snubs and Surprises|url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammy-snubs-1234839064/|access-date=November 24, 2020|website=Variety|language=en-US|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223957/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammy-snubs-1234839064/|url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye took to his social media to criticize ], claiming corruption.<ref>{{cite news|last=Aniftos|first=Rania|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9489770/the-weeknd-lashes-out-recording-academy/|title=The Weeknd Calls Out Recording Academy After Nominations Snub: 'The Grammys Remain Corrupt'|work=Billboard|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9489770/the-weeknd-lashes-out-recording-academy/|url-status=live}}</ref> Speculation arose that the announcement of his then-upcoming ] as well as the discrepancy of being nominated as pop music versus R&B contributed to the snubs.<ref>{{cite news|last=Haylock|first=Zoe|url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/the-weeknd-snub-2021-grammy-nominations.html|title=The Weeknd Received Zero Grammy Nominations, Responds on Twitter|work=Vulture|date=November 24, 2020|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/the-weeknd-snub-2021-grammy-nominations.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In response to the controversy, the Academy chairman ] issued a statement:<blockquote>We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he's feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone's admiration. We were thrilled when we found out he would be performing at the upcoming Super Bowl and we would have loved to have him also perform on the Grammy stage the weekend before. Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. But as the only peer-voted music award, we will continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in music while shining a light on the many amazing artists that make up our global community. To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd's performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process. All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.<ref>{{cite news | last=Drury |first=Sharareh | url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-weeknd-lashes-out-at-recording-academy-the-grammys-remain-corrupt | title=The Weeknd Lashes Out at Recording Academy: "The Grammys Remain Corrupt"| work=] |date=November 24, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-weeknd-lashes-out-at-recording-academy-the-grammys-remain-corrupt|url-status=live}}</ref></blockquote> Widely expected to receive multiple nominations for ''After Hours'', Tesfaye was shut out of any nominations for the ] (2021).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=November 24, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Shockingly Shut Out of Grammy Nominations, and Other Snubs and Surprises |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammy-snubs-1234839064/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223957/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-grammy-snubs-1234839064/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=November 24, 2020 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}</ref> Tesfaye took to his social media to criticize ], claiming corruption.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=November 24, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Calls Out Recording Academy After Nominations Snub: 'The Grammys Remain Corrupt' |work=Billboard |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9489770/the-weeknd-lashes-out-recording-academy/ |url-status=live |access-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9489770/the-weeknd-lashes-out-recording-academy/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> Speculation arose that the announcement of his then-upcoming ] as well as the discrepancy of being nominated as pop music versus R&B contributed to the snubs.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Haylock |first=Zoe |date=November 24, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Received Zero Grammy Nominations, Responds on Twitter |work=Vulture |url=https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/the-weeknd-snub-2021-grammy-nominations.html |url-status=live |access-date=November 25, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223940/https://www.vulture.com/2020/11/the-weeknd-snub-2021-grammy-nominations.html |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> In response to the controversy, the Academy chairman ] issued a statement:<blockquote>We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he's feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone's admiration. We were thrilled when we found out he would be performing at the upcoming Super Bowl and we would have loved to have him also perform on the Grammy stage the weekend before. Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. But as the only peer-voted music award, we will continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in music while shining a light on the many amazing artists that make up our global community. To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd's performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process. All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Drury |first=Sharareh |date=November 24, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Lashes Out at Recording Academy: "The Grammys Remain Corrupt" |work=] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-weeknd-lashes-out-at-recording-academy-the-grammys-remain-corrupt |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223936/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/the-weeknd-lashes-out-at-recording-academy-the-grammys-remain-corrupt |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref></blockquote>


In January 2021, Tesfaye responded by saying that his previous Grammy awards are of no value to him any more.<ref>{{cite web |title=Entertainment Tonight The Weeknd Says His 3 GRAMMY Wins Mean Nothing to Him Now |url=https://www.etonline.com/the-weeknd-says-his-3-grammy-wins-mean-nothing-to-him-now-159715 |access-date=January 29, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208215148/https://www.etonline.com/the-weeknd-says-his-3-grammy-wins-mean-nothing-to-him-now-159715 |url-status=live }}</ref> Despite the Recording Academy announcing the elimination of private nominating committees,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Calls Grammys ‘Corrupt,’ Despite Inspiring Their Recent Rule Change: ‘I Will Not Be Submitting Music in the Future’ (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-grammys-corrupt-rule-change-1234964939/ |access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref> Tesfaye said that moving forward with his career, he will prevent his record label from submitting his work to the Recording Academy.<ref>{{cite web |title=Grammys Ready Pandemic Show, as the Weeknd Boycotts Future Awards |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/arts/music/grammys-the-weeknd-beyonce.html |access-date=March 13, 2021 |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312235431/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/arts/music/grammys-the-weeknd-beyonce.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 5, 2021 '']'' was released, as his second greatest hits album. Tesfaye performed at the ] halftime show on February 7, 2021 after announcing he would perform in November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|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|access-date=November 12, 2020|website=CBSSports.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|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|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=The Independent|language=en|archive-date=February 8, 2021|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|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|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/|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=New York Post|language=en-US|archive-date=February 8, 2021|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/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|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/|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=www.usatoday.com|language=en|archive-date=February 9, 2021|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/|url-status=live}}</ref> He reportedly spent $7 million on his performance at the show.<ref>{{cite web|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|access-date=January 29, 2021|archive-date=January 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128235510/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/9516909/the-weeknd-xo-records-billboard-cover-story-interview-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> Despite having a mixed response,<ref name="Caramanica">{{cite web |last1=Caramanica |first1=Jon |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 |website=The New York Times |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=February 8, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015941/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/arts/music/the-weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-review.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |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 |website=For The Win |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=February 8, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015211/https://ftw.usatoday.com/2021/02/super-bowl-halftime-show-weeknd-review |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Kornhaber |first1=Spencer |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/ |website=The Atlantic |access-date=February 10, 2021 |language=en |date=February 8, 2021 |archive-date=February 10, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Patten |first1=Dominic |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/ |website=Deadline |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=February 8, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208015623/https://deadline.com/2021/02/weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-show-review-nfl-cbs-1234689348/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Julious |first1=Britt |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 |website=chicagotribune.com |publisher=Chicago Tribune |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=February 7, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="APreview">{{cite web |last1=Fekau |first1=Mesfin |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 |publisher=The Associated Press |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=February 7, 2021 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208004138/https://apnews.com/article/nfl-new-york-super-bowl-her-football-f375de5012d0dcaa454462d4c8752c16 |url-status=live }}</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, along with an increase in ticket sales for ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith |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 |website=Billboard |access-date=February 11, 2021 |language=en |date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Caulfield |first1=Keith |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/ |website=Billboard |access-date=February 10, 2021 |language=en |date=February 9, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209233740/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9523400/the-weeknd-sales-super-bowl-halftime-show/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2021, Tesfaye responded by saying that his previous Grammy awards are of no value to him any more.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Entertainment Tonight The Weeknd Says His 3 GRAMMY Wins Mean Nothing to Him Now |url=https://www.etonline.com/the-weeknd-says-his-3-grammy-wins-mean-nothing-to-him-now-159715 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208215148/https://www.etonline.com/the-weeknd-says-his-3-grammy-wins-mean-nothing-to-him-now-159715 |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2021}}</ref> Despite the Recording Academy announcing the elimination of private nominating committees,<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Calls Grammys ‘Corrupt,’ Despite Inspiring Their Recent Rule Change: ‘I Will Not Be Submitting Music in the Future’ (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-grammys-corrupt-rule-change-1234964939/ |access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref> Tesfaye said that moving forward with his career, he will prevent his record label from submitting his work to the Recording Academy.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Grammys Ready Pandemic Show, as the Weeknd Boycotts Future Awards |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/arts/music/grammys-the-weeknd-beyonce.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210312235431/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/11/arts/music/grammys-the-weeknd-beyonce.html |archive-date=March 12, 2021 |access-date=March 13, 2021}}</ref> On February 5, 2021 '']'' was released, as his second greatest hits album. Tesfaye performed at the ] halftime show on February 7, 2021 after announcing he would perform in November 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=November 12, 2020 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Steussy |first=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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=New York Post |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=www.usatoday.com |language=en}}</ref> He reportedly spent $7 million on his performance at the show.<ref>{{Cite web |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-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 |access-date=January 29, 2021}}</ref> Despite having a mixed response,<ref name="Caramanica">{{Cite web |last=Caramanica |first=Jon |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-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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=For The Win}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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-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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=chicagotribune.com |publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref name="APreview">{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |publisher=The Associated Press}}</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, along with an increase in ticket sales for ].<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |website=Billboard |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 10, 2021 |website=Billboard |language=en}}</ref>


==Artistry== ==Artistry==
Tesfaye cites ], ], and ] as his main musical inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |title=The Weeknd: Kiss And Tell (2013 Cover Story) |last=Scott |first=Damien |date=July 15, 2013 |website=] |access-date=June 9, 2015 |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614024520/http://ca.complex.com/music/2013/07/weeknd-interview-cover-story |url-status=live }}</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=Fantasy/> He also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singers like ].<ref name=Fantasy/> He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Randall |url=https://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 |date=December 17, 2012 |work=] |access-date=February 1, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye has said: "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born. 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 | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive/ | title=The Weeknd on Being the First Artist to Top These 5 Charts At Once: 'It Feels Like a Huge Blessing' (Exclusive) | first=Gary | last=Trust | work=] | date=April 1, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/cocteau-twins-vast-influence-lives-on-24-great-artists-theyve-inspired/ | title=Cocteau Twins’ vast influence lives on :: 24 great artists they’ve inspired | first=BILL | last=PEARIS | work=] | date=September 17, 2020}}</ref> Tesfaye cites ], ], and ] as his main musical inspirations.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Scott |first=Damien |date=July 15, 2013 |title=The Weeknd: Kiss And Tell (2013 Cover Story) |url=http://ca.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 |access-date=June 9, 2015 |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="Fantasy/" /> He also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singers like ].<ref name="Fantasy/" /> He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including ], ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Roberts |first=Randall |date=December 17, 2012 |title=Review: Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. The Weeknd, has hall smoldering |work=] |url=https://articles.latimes.com/2012/dec/17/entertainment/la-et-ms-weeknd-review-20121217 |url-status=live |access-date=February 1, 2013 |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 has said: "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born. 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) |work=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9348979/the-weeknd-interview-historic-chart-domination-exclusive/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PEARIS |first=BILL |date=September 17, 2020 |title=Cocteau Twins’ vast influence lives on :: 24 great artists they’ve inspired |work=] |url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/cocteau-twins-vast-influence-lives-on-24-great-artists-theyve-inspired/}}</ref>


Tesfaye's songs are "built around a fogged, ] production",<ref name="Hoby">{{Cite news |last=Hoby |first=Hermione |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |title=The Weeknd: Sounds and sensibility |date=November 8, 2012 |work=] |access-date=January 6, 2013 |location=London |at=section G2, p. 12 |archive-date=October 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002143549/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |url-status=live }}</ref> and feature slow ]s,<ref name="Cohen" /> rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes.<ref name="Mistry" /> Tesfaye often sings in a ] register,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/rookie-of-the-year-2011/ |title=Rookie of the Year: The Weeknd |last=Robbins |first=Winston |date=December 7, 2011 |website=] |access-date=January 6, 2013 |archive-date=January 12, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130112021827/http://consequenceofsound.net/2011/12/rookie-of-the-year-2011/ |url-status=live }}</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" /> 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 web |url=http://therangeplace.boards.net/thread/2513/weeknd |title=The Weeknd {{!}} The Range Place |website=therangeplace.boards.net |access-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224004/https://therangeplace.boards.net/thread/2513/weeknd |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye often makes use of his ] in order to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/4a5h7t/how_is_the_weeknd_abel_testaye_singing/ |title=r/singing – How is The Weeknd (Abel Testaye) singing? |website=reddit |access-date=January 8, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223938/https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/4a5h7t/how_is_the_weeknd_abel_testaye_singing/ |url-status=live }}</ref> His music incorporates ] that are unconventional in R&B production, including ] and ].<ref name="Considine">{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=J. D. |url=https://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 |date=November 17, 2012 |work=] |access-date=January 19, 2013 |location=Toronto |author-link=J. D. Considine |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223955/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/music/how-the-weeknd-became-rbs-next-big-thing/article5370329/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Marc Hogan of '']'' says that Tesfaye's samples tend "to draw from ] sources, though generally ones that already share elements of his sexual menace", with samples of artists such as ], Siouxsie and the Banshees and ].<ref name="Hogan">{{Cite journal |last=Hogan |first=Marc |date=October 26, 2012 |title=The Weeknd Imbues 'Enemy' With the Smiths' Seductive Power |url=https://www.spin.com/2012/10/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths/ |journal=] |location=New York |access-date=January 19, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223927/https://www.spin.com/2012/10/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye worked mostly with producers ] and ], whom '']''{{'}}s Ian Cohen credits with developing "a state-of-the-art ] template" with the artist.<ref name="Cohen">{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17280-the-trilogy/ |title=The Weeknd: Trilogy |last=Cohen |first=Ian |date=November 13, 2012 |website=Pitchfork |access-date=January 6, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223948/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/17280-the-trilogy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In concert, Tesfaye reappropriates his digitized productions with a ]-like ] aesthetic.<ref name="Mistry" /> Tesfaye's songs are "built around a fogged, ] production",<ref name="Hoby">{{Cite news |last=Hoby |first=Hermione |date=November 8, 2012 |title=The Weeknd: Sounds and sensibility |at=section G2, p. 12 |work=] |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/08/the-weeknd-sense-and-sensibility |url-status=live |access-date=January 6, 2013 |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="Cohen" /> rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes.<ref name="Mistry" /> 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 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |website=]}}</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" /> 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 web |title=The Weeknd {{!}} The Range Place |url=http://therangeplace.boards.net/thread/2513/weeknd |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224004/https://therangeplace.boards.net/thread/2513/weeknd |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 8, 2019 |website=therangeplace.boards.net}}</ref> Tesfaye often makes use of his ] in order to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave.<ref>{{Cite web |title=r/singing – How is The Weeknd (Abel Testaye) singing? |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/4a5h7t/how_is_the_weeknd_abel_testaye_singing/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223938/https://www.reddit.com/r/singing/comments/4a5h7t/how_is_the_weeknd_abel_testaye_singing/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 8, 2019 |website=reddit}}</ref> His music incorporates ] that are unconventional in R&B production, including ] and ].<ref name="Considine">{{Cite news |last=Considine |first=J. D. |author-link=J. D. Considine |date=November 17, 2012 |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 |access-date=January 19, 2013 |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> Marc Hogan of '']'' says that Tesfaye's samples tend "to draw from ] sources, though generally ones that already share elements of his sexual menace", with samples of artists such as ], Siouxsie and the Banshees and ].<ref name="Hogan">{{Cite journal |last=Hogan |first=Marc |date=October 26, 2012 |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 |journal=] |location=New York |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223927/https://www.spin.com/2012/10/the-weeknd-enemy-the-smiths/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 19, 2013}}</ref> Tesfaye worked mostly with producers ] and ], whom '']''{{'}}s Ian Cohen credits with developing "a state-of-the-art ] template" with the artist.<ref name="Cohen">{{Cite web |last=Cohen |first=Ian |date=November 13, 2012 |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 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |website=Pitchfork}}</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.<ref name="Mistry" /> Hermione Hoby 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" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Paul MacInnes has stated that he views Tesfaye's three ] as "a rough trajectory of party, after-party and ]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review |title=The Weeknd: Trilogy – review |date=November 15, 2012 |work=The Guardian |access-date=January 6, 2013 |location=London |at=section G2, p. 23 |archive-date=October 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030193412/http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review |url-status=live }}</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 viewed that, by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is paying homage to R. Kelly and Prince.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |last=Morgan |first=Nakiya |date=July 15, 2013 |publisher=MTV News |access-date=July 19, 2013 |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110063852/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/07/15/the-weeknds-kiss-land-album-captures-first-experiences-outside-of-toronto/ |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 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" /> ''The Guardian''{{'}}s Paul MacInnes has stated that he views Tesfaye's three ] as "a rough trajectory of party, after-party and ]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=MacInnes |first=Paul |date=November 15, 2012 |title=The Weeknd: Trilogy – review |at=section G2, p. 23 |work=The Guardian |location=London |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/nov/15/the-weeknd-trilogy-review |url-status=live |access-date=January 6, 2013 |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 viewed that, by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is paying homage to R. Kelly and Prince.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Morgan |first=Nakiya |date=July 15, 2013 |title=The Weeknd's Kiss Land Album Captures First Experiences Outside Of Toronto |url=http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/07/15/the-weeknds-kiss-land-album-captures-first-experiences-outside-of-toronto/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151110063852/http://rapfix.mtv.com/2013/07/15/the-weeknds-kiss-land-album-captures-first-experiences-outside-of-toronto/ |archive-date=November 10, 2015 |access-date=July 19, 2013 |publisher=MTV News}}</ref>


Tesfaye's musical style has been described as ],<ref name="Mistry" /><ref name="Kellman">{{Cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162 |title=The Weeknd – Music Biography, Credits and Discography |last=Kellman |first=Andy |publisher=] |access-date=January 6, 2013 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="thehoya">{{cite web|url=https://thehoya.com/the-weeknd-returns-to-form-with-impassioned-vocals-atmospheric-production-on-after-hours/|title=The Weeknd Returns to Form With Impassioned Vocals, Atmospheric Production on 'After Hours'|website=The Hoya|last=Navarro|first=Allan|date=March 28, 2020|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922053159/https://thehoya.com/the-weeknd-returns-to-form-with-impassioned-vocals-atmospheric-production-on-after-hours/|url-status=live}}</ref> ],<ref name="thehoya"/><ref name="Kellman"/><ref name=":2">Billboard Staff. {{Webarchive|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 |date=January 7, 2021 }}. '']''. February 13, 2016.</ref> ],<ref name="thehoya"/><ref name="Kellman"/> ],<ref name="thehoya"/> and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/album-review-the-weeknd-after-hours/|title=The Weeknd – After Hours|work=]|last=McDuffie|first=Candace|date=March 24, 2020|access-date=February 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200324135956/https://consequenceofsound.net/2020/03/album-review-the-weeknd-after-hours/|archive-date=March 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye has helped broaden R&B's musical palette to incorporate ] and ] styles; his work has been categorized with the alternative R&B tag.<ref name=":2"/> 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"/> While promoting his third album ''Starboy'', Tesfaye also revealed ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/features/interview/9711-the-dark-knight-returns-a-conversation-with-the-weeknd/1 |title=The Dark Knight Returns: A Conversation With the Weeknd |last=Mistry |first=Anupa |date=August 31, 2015 |website=] |access-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the-weeknd-talks-david-bowie-prince-influences-on-new-album-w448191 |title=The Weeknd Talks David Bowie, Prince Influences on New Album |last=Reed |first=Ryan |date=November 2, 2016 |website=] |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> ], ], ], ],<ref name="bruce">{{Cite web |url=http://exclaim.ca/music/article/the_weeknds_new_album_is_inspired_by_bad_brains_talking_heads_and_the_smiths |title=The Weeknd's New Album Is Inspired by Bad Brains, Talking Heads and the Smiths |last=Slingerland |first=Calum |date=February 6, 2016 |website=] |access-date=September 6, 2016 |archive-date=February 25, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> ], the ],<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/50-cent-wu-tang-influenced-the-weeknds-starboy-album/ |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 |last=Schwadron |first=Eli | work=] | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/50-cent-wu-tang-influenced-the-weeknds-starboy-album/ | date=December 14, 2016 |archive-date=March 25, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325061023/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/50-cent-wu-tang-influenced-the-weeknds-starboy-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=12 Great Songs That Wouldn't Exist Without the Weeknd | first1=Suzy | last1=Exposito | first2=Keith | last2=Harris | first3=Anupa | last3=Mistry | first4=Nick | last4=Murray | first5=Brittany | last5=Spanos |work=] | 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 | date=October 21, 2015 | archive-date=January 7, 2021|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/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ] as influences.<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 |work=Southpawer | via=] | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W0b6RGdLqTM |url-status=live }}</ref><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/| work=Southpawer | date=November 25, 2016 |date=November 25, 2016 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218123555/http://www.southpawer.com/2016/11/25/the-weeknd-eminem-jay-z-renegade-the-hills-interview/ |url-status=live}}</ref> When electronic music duo ] announced their split, Tesfaye commented on an interview with '']'': "Those guys are one of the reasons I make music, so I can't even compare them to other people..."<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Recalls Working With Daft Punk: 'They're One of the Reasons I Make Music' |url=https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-daft-punk-starboy-1234913297/ |access-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-date=February 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210226001913/https://variety.com/2021/music/news/the-weeknd-daft-punk-starboy-1234913297/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye's musical style has been described as ],<ref name="Mistry" /><ref name="Kellman">{{Cite web |last=Kellman |first=Andy |title=The Weeknd – Music Biography, Credits and Discography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/the-weeknd-mn0002674162 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 6, 2013 |publisher=]}}</ref><ref name="thehoya">{{Cite web |last=Navarro |first=Allan |date=March 28, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Returns to Form With Impassioned Vocals, Atmospheric Production on 'After Hours' |url=https://thehoya.com/the-weeknd-returns-to-form-with-impassioned-vocals-atmospheric-production-on-after-hours/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922053159/https://thehoya.com/the-weeknd-returns-to-form-with-impassioned-vocals-atmospheric-production-on-after-hours/ |archive-date=September 22, 2020 |access-date=February 22, 2021 |website=The Hoya}}</ref> ],<ref name="thehoya" /><ref name="Kellman" /><ref name=":2">Billboard Staff. {{Webarchive|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 |date=January 7, 2021 }}. '']''. February 13, 2016.</ref> ],<ref name="thehoya" /><ref name="Kellman" /> ],<ref name="thehoya" /> and ].<ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=February 22, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> Tesfaye has helped broaden R&B's musical palette to incorporate ] and ] styles; his work has been categorized with the alternative R&B tag.<ref name=":2" /> 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" /> While promoting his third album ''Starboy'', Tesfaye also revealed ],<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/1 |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 |access-date=September 9, 2019 |website=]}}</ref> ],<ref>{{Cite web |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 |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 |access-date=March 28, 2017 |website=]}}</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 |access-date=September 6, 2016 |website=]}}</ref> ], the ],<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 web |last=Exposito |first=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 |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 |website=]}}</ref> and ] as influences.<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=live |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 electronic music duo ] announced their split, Tesfaye commented on an interview with '']'': "Those guys are one of the reasons I make music, so I can't even compare them to other people..."<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Recalls Working With Daft Punk: 'They're One of the Reasons I Make Music' |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 |access-date=February 26, 2021}}</ref>


==Business ventures== ==Business ventures==
During the ] promoting '']'', Tesfaye collaborated with condom-producing company ONE to give away limited-edition ]s at his shows.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/52443-the-weeknd-giving-away-kiss-land-condoms/ |title=The Weeknd Giving Away Kiss Land Condoms |last=Battan |first=Carrie |website=Hypebeast |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224014/https://pitchfork.com/news/52443-the-weeknd-giving-away-kiss-land-condoms/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They featured the visual identity of the new album with Oxcy – the album's mascot – printed on one side.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/weeknd_gets_his_own_kiss_land_condoms | title=The Weeknd Gets His Own 'Kiss Land' Condoms | first=Alex | last=Hudson | work=] | date=September 26, 2013}}</ref> During the ] promoting '']'', Tesfaye collaborated with condom-producing company ONE to give away limited-edition ]s at his shows.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Battan |first=Carrie |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 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> They featured the visual identity of the new album with Oxcy – the album's mascot – printed on one side.<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, to further promote '']'', Tesfaye collaborated with ] to release a limited edition version of the PAX 2 vaporizer, an ] that could be used in shows during ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm | title=The Weeknd Launches A Vape That Plays His Hit Single 'The Hills' As You Smoke | last=Keating | first=Lauren | website=Tech Times | date=November 4, 2015 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224001/https://www.techtimes.com/articles/103135/20151104/weeknd-launches-vape-plays-hit-single-hills-smoke.htm | url-status=live }}</ref> The e-cigarette featured the "xo" branding on the front, as well as having the ability to play "]" when turned on.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://porhomme.com/2015/11/the-weeknd-gets-limited-version-of-pax-2-vaporizer/ |title=The Weeknd Gets Limited Version of Pax 2 Vaporizer |website=Por Homme | publisher=Pausr Media LLC | date=November 13, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223952/http://porhomme.com/2015/11/the-weeknd-gets-limited-version-of-pax-2-vaporizer/ |url-status=live }}</ref> With the original PAX 2 priced at $279.99, the limited edition e-cigarette cost $324.99.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://joesdaily.com/gear/pax-2-is-a-refined-and-durable-vaporizer-unlike-any-other/ | title=PAX 2 is a Refined and Durable Vaporizer Unlike Any Other | last=Miragliotta | first=Joe | work=Joe's Daily | date=February 4, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://joesdaily.com/gear/pax-2-is-a-refined-and-durable-vaporizer-unlike-any-other/ |url-status=live }}</ref> PAX also acted as an official sponsor for the tour, presenting special backstage VIP activations for fans who bought packages that included the e-cigarette.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://sidewalkhustle.com/pax-labs-x-the-weeknd-presents-the-madness-tour-limited-edition-pax-2/ | title=Pax Labs X The Weeknd Presents The Madness Tour Limited Edition Pax 2 | last=Banning | first=Tristan | website=Sidewalk Hustle | date=November 6, 2015 | archive-date=November 14, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114004818/http://sidewalkhustle.com/pax-labs-x-the-weeknd-presents-the-madness-tour-limited-edition-pax-2/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=vape>{{Cite news | url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/11/4/9663712/the-weekend-pax-labs-vaporizer-limited-edition |title=The Weeknd is teaming up with Pax Labs to create the ultimate fashion vape | last=Cox | first=Jamieson |website=] | date=November 4, 2015 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223958/https://www.theverge.com/2015/11/4/9663712/the-weekend-pax-labs-vaporizer-limited-edition | 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 name=vape/> In November 2015, to further promote '']'', Tesfaye collaborated with ] to release a limited edition version of the PAX 2 vaporizer, an ] that could be used in shows during ].<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> The e-cigarette featured the "xo" branding on the front, as well as having the ability to play "]" when turned on.<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> With the original PAX 2 priced at $279.99, the limited edition e-cigarette cost $324.99.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Miragliotta |first=Joe |date=February 4, 2016 |title=PAX 2 is a Refined and Durable Vaporizer Unlike Any Other |url=https://joesdaily.com/gear/pax-2-is-a-refined-and-durable-vaporizer-unlike-any-other/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223953/https://joesdaily.com/gear/pax-2-is-a-refined-and-durable-vaporizer-unlike-any-other/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=Joe's Daily}}</ref> PAX also acted as an official sponsor for the tour, presenting special backstage VIP activations for fans who bought packages that included the e-cigarette.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Banning |first=Tristan |date=November 6, 2015 |title=Pax Labs X The Weeknd Presents The Madness Tour Limited Edition Pax 2 |work=Sidewalk Hustle |url=https://sidewalkhustle.com/pax-labs-x-the-weeknd-presents-the-madness-tour-limited-edition-pax-2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161114004818/http://sidewalkhustle.com/pax-labs-x-the-weeknd-presents-the-madness-tour-limited-edition-pax-2/ |archive-date=November 14, 2016}}</ref><ref name="vape">{{Cite news |last=Cox |first=Jamieson |date=November 4, 2015 |title=The Weeknd is teaming up with Pax Labs to create the ultimate fashion vape |work=] |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/11/4/9663712/the-weekend-pax-labs-vaporizer-limited-edition |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223958/https://www.theverge.com/2015/11/4/9663712/the-weekend-pax-labs-vaporizer-limited-edition |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</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 name=vape/>


In 2016, Tesfaye announced a partnership with ], as a global brand ambassador, for the company's "Run the Streets" campaign. It was launched in early November, with the final collection made available to coincide with the release of his album '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.complex.com/style/2016/09/the-weeknd-partners-puma-creative-collaborator-ambassador |title=The Weeknd Partners With Puma as New Creative Collaborator and Ambassador | last=Mench | first=Chris | work=] | date=September 29, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223947/https://www.complex.com/style/2016/09/the-weeknd-partners-puma-creative-collaborator-ambassador |url-status=live }}</ref> He also hosted several ] stores for the "Starboy: Limited Capsule" collection,<ref name="bustle.com">{{Cite web |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 |title=Where Are The Weeknd's Pop-Up Shops? If You Live in One Of These Eight Cities, You're in Luck |last=Tucker |first=Alexa |website=Bustle |access-date=May 6, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> which were available across ], including ], ], and ].<ref name=firstlook>{{Cite news | url=https://www.complex.com/style/2017/05/the-weeknd-starboy-2-5-united-states-canada-pop-up-shops-lookbook |title=Here's Your First Look at the Weeknd's Starboy 2017 Pop-Up Shop Collection |last=Espinoza |first=Joshua | work=] | date=May 3, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223959/https://www.complex.com/style/2017/05/the-weeknd-starboy-2-5-united-states-canada-pop-up-shops-lookbook |url-status=live }}</ref> With this partnership, Tesfaye also released three capsule collections named PUMA X XO including T-shirts, caps, sweatpants, bomber jackets and a pair of shoes called the Parallels.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/the-weeknd-puma-parallel-sneaker-collection |title=The Weeknd and PUMA Officially Unveil Their "Parallel" Sneaker |website=Hypebeast |publisher=Hypebeast |access-date=January 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223941/https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/the-weeknd-puma-parallel-sneaker-collection |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/11/he-weeknd-x-puma-xo-collection-nyc |title=A Closer Look at The Weeknd x PUMA XO Collection Launch in NYC |website=Hypebeast |publisher=Hypebeast |access-date=January 29, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224005/https://hypebeast.com/2017/11/he-weeknd-x-puma-xo-collection-nyc |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2016, Tesfaye announced a partnership with ], as a global brand ambassador, for the company's "Run the Streets" campaign. It was launched in early November, with the final collection made available to coincide with the release of his album '']''.<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> He also hosted several ] stores for the "Starboy: Limited Capsule" collection,<ref name="bustle.com">{{Cite web |last=Tucker |first=Alexa |title=Where Are The Weeknd's Pop-Up Shops? If You Live in One Of These Eight Cities, You're in Luck |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 |access-date=May 6, 2017 |website=Bustle}}</ref> which were available across ], including ], ], and ].<ref name="firstlook">{{Cite news |last=Espinoza |first=Joshua |date=May 3, 2017 |title=Here's Your First Look at the Weeknd's Starboy 2017 Pop-Up Shop Collection |work=] |url=https://www.complex.com/style/2017/05/the-weeknd-starboy-2-5-united-states-canada-pop-up-shops-lookbook |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223959/https://www.complex.com/style/2017/05/the-weeknd-starboy-2-5-united-states-canada-pop-up-shops-lookbook |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref> With this partnership, Tesfaye also released three capsule collections named PUMA X XO including T-shirts, caps, sweatpants, bomber jackets and a pair of shoes called the Parallels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd and PUMA Officially Unveil Their "Parallel" Sneaker |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/the-weeknd-puma-parallel-sneaker-collection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107223941/https://hypebeast.com/2017/8/the-weeknd-puma-parallel-sneaker-collection |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=January 29, 2018 |website=Hypebeast |publisher=Hypebeast}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |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 |access-date=January 29, 2018 |website=Hypebeast |publisher=Hypebeast}}</ref>


Tesfaye has also begun his own XO branded merchandise, which was furthered by a collaboration with ] to present its Spring 2017 campaign. The campaign would feature new collaborative pieces developed with the singer's brand, and was released on March 2, 2017.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/news/a52793/the-weeknd-hm-spring-icons-collection/ | title=The Weeknd and H&M Team Up for the New Spring Icons Collection | first=Scott | last=Christian | work=] | date=February 2, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.rap-up.com/2016/11/01/the-weeknd-partners-with-hm-on-mens-collection/ | title=THE WEEKND PARTNERS WITH H&M ON MEN’S COLLECTION | work=] | date=January 11, 2016}}</ref> Tesfaye collaborated with H&M again for a fall collection, however, after an incident which he described as "deeply offensive" in 2018, he cut ties with the company.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-cuts-ties-with-hm-over-deeply-offensive-photo/ |title=The Weeknd Cuts Ties With H&M Over "Deeply Offensive" Photo |last=Yoo |first=Noah |work=] | date=January 8, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224033/https://pitchfork.com/news/the-weeknd-cuts-ties-with-hm-over-deeply-offensive-photo/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In May 2017, Tesfaye had a limited edition ] sale for the "Starboy 2017 Limited Capsule Collection".<ref name="bustle.com" /> The collections were available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami Beach, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.<ref name=firstlook/> Tesfaye has collaborated with artists and designers such as Kidult, ]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/wangxo-apparel |title=HYPEBEAST Exclusive: WANGXO Apparel Collection |last=Hasse |first=Lemola |website=Hypebeast |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224043/https://hypebeast.com/2015/11/wangxo-apparel |url-status=live }}</ref> and ]<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/4/the-weeknd-futura-xo-capsule-better-look |title=A Better Look at The Weeknd and Futura's Limited-Edition XO Capsule Collection |last=Sajonas |first=Felson |website=Hypebeast |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224052/https://hypebeast.com/2017/4/the-weeknd-futura-xo-capsule-better-look |url-status=live }}</ref> for small-lived and sometimes exclusive capsule collections. Tesfaye has also begun his own XO branded merchandise, which was furthered by a collaboration with ] to present its Spring 2017 campaign. The campaign would feature new collaborative pieces developed with the singer's brand, and was released on March 2, 2017.<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><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 11, 2016 |title=THE WEEKND PARTNERS WITH H&M ON MEN’S COLLECTION |work=] |url=https://www.rap-up.com/2016/11/01/the-weeknd-partners-with-hm-on-mens-collection/}}</ref> Tesfaye collaborated with H&M again for a fall collection, however, after an incident which he described as "deeply offensive" in 2018, he cut ties with 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 May 2017, Tesfaye had a limited edition ] sale for the "Starboy 2017 Limited Capsule Collection".<ref name="bustle.com" /> The collections were available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami Beach, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.<ref name=firstlook/> Tesfaye has collaborated with artists and designers such as Kidult, ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hasse |first=Lemola |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 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> and ]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sajonas |first=Felson |title=A Better Look at The Weeknd and Futura's Limited-Edition XO Capsule Collection |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/4/the-weeknd-futura-xo-capsule-better-look |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224052/https://hypebeast.com/2017/4/the-weeknd-futura-xo-capsule-better-look |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> for small-lived and sometimes exclusive capsule collections.


In October 2017, Tesfaye began marketing and promotion on a partnership with ] on ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/10/the-weeknd-cryptic-image-marvel-collaboration |title=The Weeknd Teases a Cryptic Image Hinting Towards a Collaborative Project With Marvel |last=Patos |first=Robert |website=Hypebeast |access-date=February 2, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224053/https://hypebeast.com/2018/10/the-weeknd-cryptic-image-marvel-collaboration |url-status=live }}</ref> A week later, he attended ] and it was revealed that a ] comic book would be released on June 13, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-marvel-to-release-starboy-comic-book/ | title=THE WEEKND TEAMS UP WITH MARVEL TO RELEASE 'STARBOY' COMIC BOOK | last=Coleman II | first=C. Vernon | work=] | date=October 8, 2017 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224059/https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-marvel-to-release-starboy-comic-book/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with the title character being a superhero modelled after himself.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/8257745/marvel-the-weeknd-starboy-comic-book-release-date |title=Marvel Unveils 'The Weeknd Presents: Starboy' Comic Book Release Date | first=Michael | last=Saponara | work=] | date=March 23, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2018, ] released a collection of apparel in collaboration with ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://us.bape.com/blogs/news/bape-x-xo |title=BAPE® x XO |website=us.bape.com |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224039/https://us.bape.com/blogs/news/bape-x-xo |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-weeknd-bape-summer-2018-capsule/ |title=The Weeknd x BAPE Summer Capsule Collection Dropping August 4 |date=July 30, 2018 |website=Highsnobiety |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224029/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-weeknd-bape-summer-2018-capsule/ |url-status=live }}</ref> They released another collection in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-weeknd-xo-bape-collection/ |title=The Weeknd Reveals Latest XO And BAPE Capsule Collection {{!}} uDiscover |last=Stavropoulos |first=Laura |date=January 8, 2020 |website=uDiscover Music |access-date=March 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224041/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-weeknd-xo-bape-collection/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2017, Tesfaye began marketing and promotion on a partnership with ] on ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patos |first=Robert |title=The Weeknd Teases a Cryptic Image Hinting Towards a Collaborative Project With Marvel |url=https://hypebeast.com/2017/10/the-weeknd-cryptic-image-marvel-collaboration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224053/https://hypebeast.com/2018/10/the-weeknd-cryptic-image-marvel-collaboration |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |website=Hypebeast}}</ref> A week later, he attended ] and it was revealed that a ] comic book would be released on June 13, 2018,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coleman II |first=C. Vernon |date=October 8, 2017 |title=THE WEEKND TEAMS UP WITH MARVEL TO RELEASE 'STARBOY' COMIC BOOK |url=https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-marvel-to-release-starboy-comic-book/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224059/https://www.xxlmag.com/the-weeknd-marvel-to-release-starboy-comic-book/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> with the title character being a superhero modelled after himself.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Saponara |first=Michael |date=March 23, 2018 |title=Marvel Unveils 'The Weeknd Presents: Starboy' Comic Book Release Date |work=] |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 2018, ] released a collection of apparel in collaboration with ].<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 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=us.bape.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=July 30, 2018 |title=The Weeknd x BAPE Summer Capsule Collection Dropping August 4 |url=https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-weeknd-bape-summer-2018-capsule/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224029/https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/the-weeknd-bape-summer-2018-capsule/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=Highsnobiety}}</ref> They released another collection in January 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stavropoulos |first=Laura |date=January 8, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Reveals Latest XO And BAPE Capsule Collection {{!}} uDiscover |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 |access-date=March 1, 2020 |website=uDiscover Music}}</ref>


In April 2019, Tesfaye bought ownership in ] company OverActive Media Group, the owners of ] and ] team ], and will serve as the company's ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/weeknd-overactive-overwatch-1.5091861 |title=The Weeknd signs on as part owner, global ambassador of esports firm | work=] | date=April 10, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224059/https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/weeknd-overactive-overwatch-1.5091861 |url-status=live }}</ref> In April 2019, Tesfaye bought ownership in ] company OverActive Media Group, the owners of ] and ] team ], and will serve as the company's ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=April 10, 2019 |title=The Weeknd signs on as part owner, global ambassador of esports firm |work=] |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, '']'' reported that Tesfaye partnered with ] to launch Black Hxouse, an entrepreneurial initiative.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Joins With TD Bank to Launch Black Hxouse Entrepreneurship Initiative |url=https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/the-weeknd-td-bank-black-hxouse-entrepreneurship-1234754550/ |access-date=August 31, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224036/https://variety.com/2020/biz/news/the-weeknd-td-bank-black-hxouse-entrepreneurship-1234754550/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 9, 2020, Prime Minister ] announced a $221 million joint venture with Hxouse for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trudeau announces cash for loans, support to Black Canadian entrepreneurs | url=https://www.cp24.com/news/trudeau-announces-cash-for-loans-support-to-black-canadian-entrepreneurs-1.5098035 |access-date=September 10, 2020 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 | url-status=live}}</ref> On August 31, 2020, '']'' reported that Tesfaye partnered with ] to launch Black Hxouse, an entrepreneurial initiative.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Joins With TD Bank to Launch Black Hxouse Entrepreneurship Initiative |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 |access-date=August 31, 2020}}</ref> On September 9, 2020, Prime Minister ] announced a $221 million joint venture with Hxouse for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trudeau announces cash for loans, support to Black Canadian entrepreneurs |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 |access-date=September 10, 2020}}</ref>


==Personal life== ==Personal life==
===Relationships=== ===Relationships===
Tesfaye began dating model ] in early 2015. The couple were first seen together in May at the ],<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/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 | last=McDonald | first=Soraya Nadia | work=] | date=September 11, 2015 | url-access=limited | archive-date=September 29, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929220636/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/ | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a31091/bella-hadid-19th-birthday/ | title=Bella Hadid Spends Her Birthday Weekend with the Weeknd |last=Lindig | first=Sarah | work=] |date=October 10, 2015 | archive-date=October 11, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151011190536/http://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a31091/bella-hadid-19th-birthday/ | url-status=live}}</ref> and Hadid starred in his music video for "]" a few months later. They appeared as a couple at the ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Weeknd-Bella-Hadid-Grammys-2016-40199219 | title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Made Their Red Carpet Debut at the Grammys | last=Sisavat |first=Monica | work=] | date=February 16, 2016 | archive-date=May 30, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530144852/http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Weeknd-Bella-Hadid-Grammys-2016-40199219#photo-40199219 | url-status=live }}</ref> On November 11, 2016, it was reported that the couple had split due to their conflicting schedules.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-split/ | title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Have Split: 'They Still Have a Great Deal of Love for One Another' | last=Tracy | first=Brianne | work=] | date=November 10, 2016 | archive-date=February 23, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223041118/https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-split/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye reportedly started dating ] in January 2017 and they moved in together temporarily in September of that year,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |title=Everything We Know About Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Whirlwind Romance |last=Yagoda |first=Maria |date=May 25, 2017 |website=People |access-date=September 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224105/https://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.etonline.com/exclusive-selena-gomez-and-weeknd-temporarily-move-apartment-together-new-york-city-86975 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Temporarily Move Into an Apartment Together in New York City |last=Murphy |first=Desiree |date=September 11, 2017 |website=Entertainment Tonight |access-date=September 12, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224057/https://www.etonline.com/exclusive-selena-gomez-and-weeknd-temporarily-move-apartment-together-new-york-city-86975 |url-status=live }}</ref> but broke up a month later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chiu |first=Melody |url=http://people.com/music/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-breakup/ |title=Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Split After 10 Months Together |date=October 30, 2017 |work=People |access-date=October 30, 2017 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224138/https://people.com/music/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-breakup/ |url-status=live }}</ref> By May 2018, Tesfaye and Hadid had started dating again,<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://people.com/music/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-second-outing-cannes-film-festival/ |title=Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Let Loose at Cannes Film Festival 1 Day After Kissing |last=Paasquini |first=Maria |date=May 12, 2018 |website=People |access-date=October 9, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224113/https://people.com/music/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-second-outing-cannes-film-festival/ |url-status=live }}</ref> before splitting up once more in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a28625896/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-breakup-2019-reason/ |title=Why Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Reportedly Broke Up for the Second Time |date=August 6, 2019 |website=Elle |access-date=August 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224039/https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a28625896/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-breakup-2019-reason/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The two were in touch again nine months later, in June 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Are 'in Touch' Again 9 Months After Split |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/bella-hadid-and-the-weeknd-are-in-touch-again-9-months-after-split/ar-BB14VJly |access-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603181114/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/bella-hadid-and-the-weeknd-are-in-touch-again-9-months-after-split/ar-BB14VJly |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 2021, the Weeknd denied rumors of his involvement with Spanish singer ].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a29122950/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-relationship-timeline/ | title=Bella Hadid And The Weeknd's Complete Relationship Timeline, Through Every Breakup And Reconciliation | first=SAVANNAH | last=WALSH | work=] | date=February 6, 2021}}</ref> Tesfaye began dating model ] in early 2015. The couple were first seen together in May at the ],<ref>{{Cite news |last=McDonald |first=Soraya Nadia |date=September 11, 2015 |title=Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid are 18. Their boyfriends are 25. Why do their relationships elicit such different reactions |work=] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2015/09/11/kylie-jenner-and-bella-hadid-are-18-their-boyfriends-are-25-why-do-their-relationships-elicit-such-different-reactions/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150929220636/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/ |archive-date=September 29, 2015}}</ref><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> and Hadid starred in his music video for "]" a few months later. They appeared as a couple at the ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sisavat |first=Monica |date=February 16, 2016 |title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Made Their Red Carpet Debut at the Grammys |work=] |url=https://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Weeknd-Bella-Hadid-Grammys-2016-40199219 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530144852/http://www.popsugar.com/celebrity/Weeknd-Bella-Hadid-Grammys-2016-40199219#photo-40199219 |archive-date=May 30, 2016}}</ref> On November 11, 2016, it was reported that the couple had split due to their conflicting schedules.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Tracy |first=Brianne |date=November 10, 2016 |title=The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Have Split: 'They Still Have a Great Deal of Love for One Another' |url=https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-split/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210223041118/https://people.com/music/the-weeknd-bella-hadid-split/ |archive-date=February 23, 2021 |website=]}}</ref> Tesfaye reportedly started dating ] in January 2017 and they moved in together temporarily in September of that year,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Yagoda |first=Maria |date=May 25, 2017 |title=Everything We Know About Selena Gomez and The Weeknd's Whirlwind Romance |url=http://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224105/https://people.com/music/everything-we-know-selena-gomez-weeknd/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2017 |website=People}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Desiree |date=September 11, 2017 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Temporarily Move Into an Apartment Together in New York City |url=http://www.etonline.com/exclusive-selena-gomez-and-weeknd-temporarily-move-apartment-together-new-york-city-86975 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224057/https://www.etonline.com/exclusive-selena-gomez-and-weeknd-temporarily-move-apartment-together-new-york-city-86975 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=September 12, 2017 |website=Entertainment Tonight}}</ref> but broke up a month later.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Chiu |first=Melody |date=October 30, 2017 |title=Selena Gomez and The Weeknd Split After 10 Months Together |work=People |url=http://people.com/music/selena-gomez-the-weeknd-breakup/ |url-status=live |access-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> By May 2018, Tesfaye and Hadid had started dating again,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paasquini |first=Maria |date=May 12, 2018 |title=Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Let Loose at Cannes Film Festival 1 Day After Kissing |url=https://people.com/music/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-second-outing-cannes-film-festival/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224113/https://people.com/music/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-second-outing-cannes-film-festival/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=October 9, 2018 |website=People}}</ref> before splitting up once more in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 6, 2019 |title=Why Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Reportedly Broke Up for the Second Time |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 |access-date=August 7, 2019 |website=Elle}}</ref> The two were in touch again nine months later, in June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bella Hadid and The Weeknd Are 'in Touch' Again 9 Months After Split |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/bella-hadid-and-the-weeknd-are-in-touch-again-9-months-after-split/ar-BB14VJly |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200603181114/https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/bella-hadid-and-the-weeknd-are-in-touch-again-9-months-after-split/ar-BB14VJly |archive-date=June 3, 2020 |access-date=June 3, 2020}}</ref> In February 2021, the Weeknd denied rumors of his involvement with Spanish singer ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walsh |first=Savannah |date=February 6, 2021 |title=Bella Hadid And The Weeknd's Complete Relationship Timeline, Through Every Breakup And Reconciliation |work=] |url=https://www.elle.com/culture/celebrities/a29122950/bella-hadid-the-weeknd-relationship-timeline/}}</ref>


===Drug use=== ===Drug use===
Tesfaye often used drugs to help get over his ] on earlier albums, and also abused illegal substances such as "], ], ], ]s, and ]".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/weeknd-opens-dark-past/story?id=43987671 |title=The Weeknd Opens Up About His 'Dark' Past |last=Fisher |first=Luchina | work=] | date=December 5, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224046/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/weeknd-opens-dark-past/story?id=43987671 |url-status=live }}</ref> Speaking in December 2013, he said that drugs were a "crutch" for him when it came to writing music.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknd-opens-drug-use-1888046 |title=The Weeknd opens up about 'heavy' drug use |work=] |date=December 3, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224108/https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknd-opens-drug-use-1888046 |url-status=live }}</ref> On ], he typically suffixed his first name with "xo",<ref name="Hoby" /> which is often used as an ] for "]".<ref name="Hoby" /> According to writer Hermione Hoby, this was Tesfaye's intention, though others believe it was a reference to his recreational use of ] and ], part of the slogan "XO 'til we overdose".<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/lists/the-weeknd-facts/why-is-his-crew-called-xo/ |title=Why is the The Weeknd's crew called 'XO' | publisher=]}}</ref> He later altered the handles on his social media to reflect his stage name in preparation for the release of ''Starboy''.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.torchonline.com/culture/arts-culture/2012/02/21/the-weeknd-is-ready-for-take-off/ |title=The Weeknd is ready for take-off |last=Dow |first=Gabriele | work=] |publisher=] | date=February 21, 2012 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye often used drugs to help get over his ] on earlier albums, and also abused illegal substances such as "], ], ], ]s, and ]".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fisher |first=Luchina |date=December 5, 2016 |title=The Weeknd Opens Up About His 'Dark' Past |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 |website=]}}</ref> Speaking in December 2013, he said that drugs were a "crutch" for him when it came to writing music.<ref>{{Cite news |date=December 3, 2016 |title=The Weeknd opens up about 'heavy' drug use |work=] |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}}</ref> On ], he typically suffixed his first name with "xo",<ref name="Hoby" /> which is often used as an ] for "]".<ref name="Hoby" /> According to writer Hermione Hoby, this was Tesfaye's intention, though others believe it was a reference to his recreational use of ] and ], part of the slogan "XO 'til we overdose".<ref name="auto" /><ref>{{Cite news |title=Why is the 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 ''Starboy''.<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>


===Hairstyle=== ===Hairstyle===
Tesfaye's hairstyle, which has been described as his most recognizable trait, has been claimed to be partly inspired by ] ] artist ].<ref name=Fantasy/><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.mic.com/articles/134936/the-weeknd-s-hair-it-s-more-than-an-homage-to-basquiat | title=The Weeknd's Hair: It's More Than an Homage to Basquiat | first=Andrew | last=Leung | work=] | date=February 10, 2016}}</ref> In an interview, he detailed that 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=Fantasy/> He eventually cut his hair in 2016, prior to the release of ''Starboy''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7518696/80s-90s-artists-inspired-the-weeknd-new-haircut | title=5 '80s & '90s Artists Who May Have Inspired The Weeknd's New Haircut |work=] | date=September 22, 2016 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224046/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7518696/80s-90s-artists-inspired-the-weeknd-new-haircut |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye's hairstyle, which has been described as his most recognizable trait, has been claimed to be partly inspired by ] ] artist ].<ref name="Fantasy/" /><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> In an interview, he detailed that 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="Fantasy/" /> He eventually cut his hair in 2016, prior to the release of ''Starboy''.<ref>{{Cite web |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 |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 |website=]}}</ref>


===Hobbies=== ===Hobbies===
In his spare time, Tesfaye enjoys watching television<ref name=Went/> and playing video games such as '']''.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thelastofus/comments/hqyvem/looks_like_the_weeknd_is_a_fan_of_the_last_of_us/ | title=Looks like The Weeknd is a fan of The Last of Us | work=] | date=July 14, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/01/15/madness-tour-the-weeknd-travis-scott-visonelie-photos | title=What It's Really Like To Be On Tour with the Weeknd And Travis Scott | last=Sowunmi | first=Jordan | work=] | date=January 15, 2016 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224125/http://www.thefader.com/2016/01/15/madness-tour-the-weeknd-travis-scott-visonelie-photos | url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/pictures/best-instagram/27th-january/the-weeknd-playing-mario-kart/ |title=The Weeknd spent some time off playing Mario Kart. | work=] | date=January 27, 2021 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224114/https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/pictures/best-instagram/27th-january/the-weeknd-playing-mario-kart/ | url-status=live}}</ref> In his spare time, Tesfaye enjoys watching television<ref name=Went/> and playing video games such as '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=July 14, 2020 |title=Looks like The Weeknd is a fan of The Last of Us |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/thelastofus/comments/hqyvem/looks_like_the_weeknd_is_a_fan_of_the_last_of_us/ |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Sowunmi |first=Jordan |date=January 15, 2016 |title=What It's Really Like To Be On Tour with the Weeknd And Travis Scott |work=] |url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/01/15/madness-tour-the-weeknd-travis-scott-visonelie-photos |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224125/http://www.thefader.com/2016/01/15/madness-tour-the-weeknd-travis-scott-visonelie-photos |archive-date=January 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=January 27, 2021 |title=The Weeknd spent some time off playing Mario Kart. |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/pictures/best-instagram/27th-january/the-weeknd-playing-mario-kart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224114/https://www.capitalxtra.com/features/pictures/best-instagram/27th-january/the-weeknd-playing-mario-kart/ |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |website=]}}</ref>


===Residences=== ===Residences===
In 2017, the Weeknd purchased a new 13,500 square foot mansion in ] for $18.5 million.<ref name=home/> In November 2019, he purchased an 8,200 square foot ] in the Beverly West building in ] for $21 million.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-11-21/the-weeknd-buys-penthouse-westwood-beverly-west-for-21-million | title=The Weeknd buys a penthouse in Westwood’s Beverly West for $21 million | first=NEAL J. | last=LEITEREG | work=] | date=November 21, 2019 | url-access=limited}}</ref> In 2017, the Weeknd purchased a new 13,500 square foot mansion in ] for $18.5 million.<ref name=home/> In November 2019, he purchased an 8,200 square foot ] in the Beverly West building in ] for $21 million.<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 |work=] |url=https://www.latimes.com/business/real-estate/story/2019-11-21/the-weeknd-buys-penthouse-westwood-beverly-west-for-21-million |url-access=limited}}</ref>


===Politics=== ===Politics===
Despite having lived in a condominium apartment in ] in Toronto,<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=569989820212076545 |title=special thanks to the trump towers in toronto. endless inspiration in that condo.}}</ref> Tesfaye and ] cancelled an appearance on '']'' in May 2016 due to ] being present.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/trump-inspires-the-weeknd-to-cancel-jimmy-kimmel-performance-e66835d82c64/ |title=Trump Inspires The Weeknd To Cancel Jimmy Kimmel Performance |last=Goldstein |first=Jessica |website=] |publisher=] | date=May 27, 2016 | archive-date=August 8, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808090815/http://thinkprogress.org/culture/2016/05/27/3782672/weeknd-400-prominent-writers-protest-donald-trump/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7385231/the-weeknd-belly-cancel-kimmel-donald-trump | title=The Weeknd, Belly Cancel 'Kimmel' Performance Because of Donald Trump Appearance | agency=] | work=] | date=May 25, 2016}}</ref> Despite having lived in a condominium apartment in ] in Toronto,<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=569989820212076545 |user=theweeknd |title=special thanks to the trump towers in toronto. endless inspiration in that condo.}}</ref> Tesfaye and ] cancelled an appearance on '']'' in May 2016 due to ] being present.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Jessica |date=May 27, 2016 |title=Trump Inspires The Weeknd To Cancel Jimmy Kimmel Performance |work=] |publisher=] |url=https://archive.thinkprogress.org/trump-inspires-the-weeknd-to-cancel-jimmy-kimmel-performance-e66835d82c64/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808090815/http://thinkprogress.org/culture/2016/05/27/3782672/weeknd-400-prominent-writers-protest-donald-trump/ |archive-date=August 8, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=May 25, 2016 |title=The Weeknd, Belly Cancel 'Kimmel' Performance Because of Donald Trump Appearance |work=] |agency=] |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7385231/the-weeknd-belly-cancel-kimmel-donald-trump}}</ref>


In January 2017, The Weeknd criticized Donald Trump's boasts regarding women.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknds-trumps-grope-boasting-even-grab-pussy-1942874 | title=The Weeknd on Trump’s grope boasts: ‘How do you even grab a pussy?’ | first=Luke Morgan | last=Britton | work=] | date=January 12, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/weeknd-talks-trumps-pussy-grabbing-comments.html | title=The Weeknd Wonders How, Exactly, Donald Trump Would ‘Grab Her by the Pussy’ | first=Dee | last=Lockett | work=] | date=January 12, 2017 | url-access=limited}}</ref> In January 2017, The Weeknd criticized Donald Trump's boasts regarding women.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Britton |first=Luke Morgan |date=January 12, 2017 |title=The Weeknd on Trump’s grope boasts: ‘How do you even grab a pussy?’ |work=] |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/weeknds-trumps-grope-boasting-even-grab-pussy-1942874}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Lockett |first=Dee |date=January 12, 2017 |title=The Weeknd Wonders How, Exactly, Donald Trump Would ‘Grab Her by the Pussy’ |work=] |url=https://www.vulture.com/2017/01/weeknd-talks-trumps-pussy-grabbing-comments.html |url-access=limited}}</ref>


===Religion=== ===Religion===
Tesfaye was raised as an ]. When asked about his religious beliefs in 2020, Tesfaye said "I dunno...everything is a test, and if you are religious or spiritual, you have to go through things."<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9354157/the-weeknd-faith-interview-darkest-time |title=The Weeknd Says His Song 'Faith' Recalls 'The Darkest Time of My Entire Life' | first=Heran | last=Mamo | work=] |archive-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211180021/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9354157/the-weeknd-faith-interview-darkest-time |url-status=live }}</ref> Tesfaye was raised as an ]. When asked about his religious beliefs in 2020, Tesfaye said "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' |work=] |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>


==Philanthropy== ==Philanthropy==
After being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence in 2014, Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the ] to help them start a course on ], the classic language of Ethiopia. He stated that he "was proud to support his hometown by sharing the brilliant, ancient history of Ethiopia."<ref>{{Cite news | last=Carissimo | first=Justin | 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 | title=The Weeknd donates $50,000 to language class at the University of Toronto | website=] | date=August 7, 2016 | archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 | url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2016 he continued donations to the University in the creation of a new ] program.<ref name=blm250/> In May 2016, during ], Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the St. Mary ] in Toronto, Canada, a church he attended growing up.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://hellogiggles.com/reviews-coverage/weeknd-donated-50000-cause-dear-heart/ | title=The Weeknd donated $50,000 to a cause dear to his heart | first=Lilian | last=Min | work=] | date=August 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.ethiosports.com/2016/05/02/the-weeknd-donates-50000-to-st-mary-ethiopian-orthodox-church-in-toronto/ |title=The Weeknd Donates $50,000 to St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Toronto | date=May 2, 2016 | archive-date=February 18, 2021 | 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/ | url-status=live }}</ref> After being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence in 2014, Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the ] to help them start a course on ], the classic language of Ethiopia. He stated that he "was proud to support his hometown by sharing the brilliant, ancient history 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 August 2016 he continued donations to the University in the creation of a new ] program.<ref name=blm250/> In May 2016, during ], Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the St. Mary ] 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 December 2015, he worked with ]'s foundation to visit ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Natasha | title=The Weeknd Does Charity Work Amidst Cheating Rumors + Do-Gooder 2 Chainz Donates Minivan To Family With Brain Damaged Son |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 | date=December 17, 2015 |archive-date=November 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130180529/https://theybf.com/2015/12/17/the-weeknd-does-charity-work-amidst-cheating-rumors-do-gooder-2-chainz-donates-minivan-to |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Ryan Seacrest on Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/ryanseacrest/photos/a.281367075386320/457247451131614/?type=3&theater |access-date=July 1, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224116/https://www.facebook.com/ryanseacrest/photos/a.281367075386320/457247451131614/?type=3&theater= |url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2015, he worked with ]'s foundation to visit ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Natasha |date=December 17, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Does Charity Work Amidst Cheating Rumors + Do-Gooder 2 Chainz Donates Minivan To Family With Brain Damaged Son |url=http://theybf.com/2015/12/17/the-weeknd-does-charity-work-amidst-cheating-rumors-do-gooder-2-chainz-donates-minivan-to |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191130180529/https://theybf.com/2015/12/17/the-weeknd-does-charity-work-amidst-cheating-rumors-do-gooder-2-chainz-donates-minivan-to |archive-date=November 30, 2019 |website=Young, Black & Fabulous}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Ryan Seacrest on Facebook |url=https://www.facebook.com/ryanseacrest/photos/a.281367075386320/457247451131614/?type=3&theater |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224116/https://www.facebook.com/ryanseacrest/photos/a.281367075386320/457247451131614/?type=3&theater= |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=July 1, 2020}}</ref>


In June 2017, Tesfaye donated $100,000 to the Suubi Health Center, a maternity and children's medical facility in Budondo, Uganda. Tesfaye was inspired to support the center after learning of his friend ]'s work with Global Citizen and Mama Hope to help raise awareness for Suubi and the people of Uganda.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.eonline.com/news/858296/the-weeknd-donates-100-000-to-health-center-in-uganda |title=The Weeknd Donates $100,000 to Health Center in Uganda | first=MARC | last=MALKIN | work=] |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224216/https://www.eonline.com/news/858296/the-weeknd-donates-100-000-to-health-center-in-uganda |url-status=live }}</ref> In June 2017, Tesfaye donated $100,000 to the Suubi Health Center, a maternity and children's medical facility in Budondo, Uganda. Tesfaye was inspired to support the center after learning of his friend ]'s work with Global Citizen 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 |work=] |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 relaunched his record label XO's popular line of non-medical cloth face masks in an effort to raise money for the ], which is a campaign launched by the Grammys to help musicians affected by the ]. It was announced that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the masks will be donated to the relief fund.<ref>{{Cite web | title=The Weeknd Brings Back XO Face Mask For COVID-19 Relief | url=https://hypebae.com/2020/4/the-weeknd-face-mask-xo-restock-coronavirus-covid-19-donation-musicares-relief-fund-announcement | website=HYPEBAE | date=April 23, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 | 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 |url-status=live}}</ref> With the profit, Tesfaye donated $500,000 each to ] and $500,000 to his hometown front-line hospital workers of the ] in Ontario, Canada for a total of $1&nbsp;million to ] relief.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aswad |first=Jem | 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/ | website=] | date=June 29, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224111/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/weeknd-donates-1-million-coronavirus-relief-1234693172/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2020, Tesfaye relaunched his record label XO's popular line of non-medical cloth face masks in an effort to raise money for the ], which is a campaign launched by the Grammys to help musicians affected by the ]. It was announced that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the masks will be donated to the relief fund.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 23, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Brings Back XO Face Mask For COVID-19 Relief |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 |website=HYPEBAE}}</ref> With the profit, Tesfaye donated $500,000 each to ] and $500,000 to his hometown front-line hospital workers of the ] in Ontario, Canada for a total of $1&nbsp;million to ] relief.<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 the context of media outlets reporting cases of police brutality, in July 2016, he expressed disdain, tweeting "blue lives murder".<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=751143768833732608 |title=BLUELIVESMURDER}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=751143486590623744 |title=bluelivesmurder}}</ref> In August 2016, Tesfaye donated $250,000 to ].<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/08/11/media/the-weeknd-250000-black-lives-matter/ | title=The Weeknd donates $250,000 to Black Lives Matter | first=Chloe | last=Melas | work=] | date=August 11, 2016}}</ref><ref name=blm250>{{Cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-6-1194305 | title=The Weeknd has donated $250,000 to Black Lives Matter | last=Daly | first=Rhian |website=] |date=August 14, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224054/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-6-1194305 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/aug/11/the-weeknd-black-lives-matter-beyonce-jay-z-drake |title=The Weeknd gives $250,000 to Black Lives Matter |website=] |date=August 11, 2016 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=blm250/> In May 2020, in response to the ], the ], and ], Tesfaye donated $500,000 to Black Lives Matter, ]'s Know Your Rights Camp, and the National Bail Out; he also posted on his official ] account to spread awareness.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Donated $500K to Racial Justice Initiatives: 'Please Give What You Can Even If It's a Small Amount' |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9395412/the-weeknd-donated-500k-racial-justice-initiatives | date=June 2, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224055/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9395412/the-weeknd-donated-500k-racial-justice-initiatives |url-status=live }}</ref> In the context of media outlets reporting cases of police brutality, in July 2016, he expressed disdain, tweeting "blue lives murder".<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=751143768833732608 |user=theweeknd |title=BLUELIVESMURDER}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |number=751143486590623744 |user=theweeknd |title=bluelivesmurder}}</ref> In August 2016, Tesfaye donated $250,000 to ].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Melas |first=Chloe |date=August 11, 2016 |title=The Weeknd donates $250,000 to Black Lives Matter |work=] |url=https://money.cnn.com/2016/08/11/media/the-weeknd-250000-black-lives-matter/}}</ref><ref name="blm250">{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=August 14, 2016 |title=The Weeknd has donated $250,000 to Black Lives Matter |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 |website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=August 11, 2016 |title=The Weeknd gives $250,000 to Black Lives Matter |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 |website=]}}</ref><ref name=blm250/> In May 2020, in response to the ], the ], and ], Tesfaye donated $500,000 to Black Lives Matter, ]'s Know Your Rights Camp, and the National Bail Out; he also posted on his official ] account to spread awareness.<ref>{{Cite web |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' |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>


On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye held The Weeknd Experience, an interactive ] on ], to raise funds for the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=Cornell Presents: The Weeknd Experience – TikTok Live |url=https://www.irl.com/cornell-presents-the-weeknd-experience-tik-tok-live/A2CMFPF0 |access-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224218/https://www.irl.com/cornell-presents-the-weeknd-experience-tik-tok-live/A2CMFPF0 |url-status=live }}</ref> Five days later, it was reported to have drawn in 2 million viewers and raised over $350,000 for the non-profit organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Virtual Concert on TikTok Drew Over 2M Viewers, Raised $350,000 for Equal Justice Initiative |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-weeknd-tiktok-virtual-concert-2-million-viewers-1234733104/ |access-date=August 12, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224119/https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/the-weeknd-tiktok-virtual-concert-2-million-viewers-1234733104/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye held The Weeknd Experience, an interactive ] on ], to raise funds for the ].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cornell Presents: The Weeknd Experience – TikTok Live |url=https://www.irl.com/cornell-presents-the-weeknd-experience-tik-tok-live/A2CMFPF0 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224218/https://www.irl.com/cornell-presents-the-weeknd-experience-tik-tok-live/A2CMFPF0 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref> Five days later, it was reported to have drawn in 2 million viewers and raised over $350,000 for the non-profit organization.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Virtual Concert on TikTok Drew Over 2M Viewers, Raised $350,000 for Equal Justice Initiative |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 |access-date=August 12, 2020}}</ref>


On November 2, 2020, the University of Toronto announced that after having worked with Tesfaye again, they were able to reach and surpass their goal of $500,000 for their ] program including a $30,000 donation by Tesfaye.<ref>{{cite web |title=With support from The Weeknd, U of T's Ethiopic program soars past $500,000 endowment goal |url=https://www.utoronto.ca/news/support-weeknd-u-t-s-ethiopic-program-soars-past-500000-endowment-goal |access-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> On November 2, 2020, the University of Toronto announced that after having worked with Tesfaye again, they were able to reach and surpass their goal of $500,000 for their ] program including a $30,000 donation by Tesfaye.<ref>{{Cite web |title=With support from The Weeknd, U of T's Ethiopic program soars past $500,000 endowment goal |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 |access-date=November 3, 2020}}</ref>


On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye announced that he would donate $1 million through ] to his motherland of Ethiopia in response to the civil unrest causing the death of innocent civilians.<ref>{{cite web |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/ |access-date=April 4, 2021}}</ref> On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye announced that he would donate $1 million through ] to his motherland of Ethiopia in response to the civil unrest causing the death of innocent civilians.<ref>{{Cite web |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/ |access-date=April 4, 2021}}</ref>


In May 2021, Tesfaye was among the celebrities expressing solidarity for civilians who died as a result of the ].<ref>{{cite web |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 | first=EMMA | last=NOLAN | work=] | date=May 11, 2021 | url-access=limited}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Weeknd Shares Instagram Posts Protesting Sheikh Jarrah Eviction |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/the-weekend-shares-instagram-posts-protesting-sheikh-jarrah-eviction-1.9794503 | work=] | date=May 11, 2021}}</ref> In May 2021, Tesfaye was among the celebrities expressing solidarity for civilians who died as a result of 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 web |date=May 11, 2021 |title=The Weeknd Shares Instagram Posts Protesting Sheikh Jarrah Eviction |url=https://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/the-weekend-shares-instagram-posts-protesting-sheikh-jarrah-eviction-1.9794503 |website=]}}</ref>


==Controversies and legal issues== ==Controversies and legal issues==
In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for allegedly punching a ] officer after he was taken into an elevator to break up a fight.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6436581/the-weeknd-arrested-for-punching-las-vegas-police-officer |title=The Weeknd Arrested For Punching Las Vegas Police Officer |last=Stutz |first=Colin |website=Billboard | date=January 12, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/oct/23/the-weeknd-abel-tesfaye-avoids-jail-time-after-punching-police-officer |title=The Weeknd avoids jail time after punching police officer |work=] |date=October 23, 2015 |archive-date=January 23, 2021 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref> He pleaded ] and was sentenced to 50 hours of ].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/10/22/the-weeknd-no-contest-punching-cop/ |title=The Weeknd Pleads No Contest To Punching a Cop |website=] | date=October 22, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224114/https://www.tmz.com/2015/10/22/the-weeknd-no-contest-punching-cop/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for allegedly punching a ] officer after he was 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 |work=Billboard |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 50 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>


In December 2015, Tesfaye was sued by Cutting Edge Music, who alleged that the ] for "]" had been taken from a composition featured in the score for the 2013 sci-fi film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2015/12/09/the-weeknd-the-hills-lawsuit/ |title=The Weeknd Sued over 'The Hills' |work=] | date=December 9, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224110/https://www.tmz.com/2015/12/09/the-weeknd-the-hills-lawsuit/ |url-status=live}}</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 |title=The Weeknd sued over alleged similarities between 'The Hills' and sci-fi movie score |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-18-1203899 | work=] | date=December 10, 2015 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224138/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-weeknd-18-1203899 |url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2015, Tesfaye was sued by Cutting Edge Music, who alleged that the ] for "]" had been taken from a composition featured in the score for the 2013 sci-fi film '']''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 9, 2015 |title=The Weeknd Sued over 'The Hills' |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 |website=]}}</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 |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 from a poet, singer, and songwriter named Yasminah.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.tmz.com/2018/09/18/the-weeknd-daft-punk-lawsuit-starboy-stolen/ |title=The Weeknd and Daft Punk Sued for Stealing 'Starboy' |work=] | date=September 18, 2018 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224051/https://www.tmz.com/2018/09/18/the-weeknd-daft-punk-lawsuit-starboy-stolen/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye denied the allegations.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/the-weeknd-denies-stealing-starboy-beat-from-somali-american-singer-news.80542.html |title=The Weeknd Denies Stealing "Starboy" Beat From Somali-American Singer | date=May 18, 2019 |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |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 |url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2018, Tesfaye and ] were sued for allegedly stealing the rhythm from a poet, singer, and songwriter named Yasminah.<ref>{{Cite web |date=September 18, 2018 |title=The Weeknd and Daft Punk Sued for Stealing 'Starboy' |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 |website=]}}</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 plagiarizing their song "I Need to Love" in order to create his song "]". They sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and ] in lieu of copyright infringement. Their original suit was summarily dismissed, 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 |title=The Weeknd's Copyright Win Fails to Justify Attorneys' Fees |url=https://convergenceapi.bna.com/ContentItem/ArticlePublic/253904988000000002/298944 |first=Blake |last=Brittain |publisher=] |date=September 8, 2020 |archive-date=April 1, 2021 |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 |url-status=live }}</ref> The plaintiffs filed an amended claim based on secondary infringement, which is still in litigation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd sued by British songwriters over 'A Lonely Night' plagiarism accusations|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/the-weeknd-a-lonely-night-copied-plagiarism-lawsuit-belly-rapper-a8854351.html|date=April 4, 2019|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|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|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd has move to dismiss song-theft lawsuit dismissed denied {{!}} Complete Music Update|url=https://completemusicupdate.com/article/the-weeknd-has-move-to-dismiss-song-theft-lawsuit-dismissed-denied/|access-date=May 5, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224125/https://completemusicupdate.com/article/the-weeknd-has-move-to-dismiss-song-theft-lawsuit-dismissed-denied/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2019, Tesfaye was sued by British trio William Smith, Brian Clover, and Scott McCulloch, who accused Tesfaye of plagiarizing their song "I Need to Love" in order to create his song "]". They sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and ] in lieu of copyright infringement. Their original suit was summarily dismissed, 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> The plaintiffs filed an amended claim based on secondary infringement, which is still in litigation.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 4, 2019 |title=The Weeknd sued by British songwriters over 'A Lonely Night' plagiarism accusations |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 |access-date=May 5, 2020 |website=The Independent |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd has move to dismiss song-theft lawsuit dismissed denied {{!}} Complete Music Update |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 |access-date=May 5, 2020}}</ref>


==Awards and nominations== ==Awards and nominations==
{{see also|List of awards and nominations received by the Weeknd}} {{see also|List of awards and nominations received by the Weeknd}}
Tesfaye has won three ]s, eight ], five ]s, two ], nine ]s,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=David |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082 |title=The Weeknd really cleaned up this Juno Awards weekend |date=April 3, 2016 |access-date=March 2, 2017 |publisher=CBC News |archive-date=January 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107224133/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082 |url-status=live }}</ref> and has been nominated for one ].<ref name=grammy/> He was awarded the ] by ] for "making a positive impact in the fields of music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation or philanthropy".<ref>{{Cite press release | url=https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/the-weeknd-honoured-with-allan-slaight-award-from-canadas-walk-of-fame-515623821.html |title=THE WEEKND HONOURED WITH ALLAN SLAIGHT AWARD FROM CANADA'S WALK OF FAME | publisher=] | date=February 14, 2015 |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 | url-status=live}}</ref> Tesfaye has won three ]s, eight ], five ]s, two ], nine ]s,<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Bell |first=David |date=April 3, 2016 |title=The Weeknd really cleaned up this Juno Awards weekend |publisher=CBC News |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/junos-sunday-night-1.3517082 |url-status=live |access-date=March 2, 2017 |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}}</ref> and has been nominated for one ].<ref name=grammy/> He was awarded the ] by ] for "making a positive impact in the fields of music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation or philanthropy".<ref>{{Cite press release |title=THE WEEKND HONOURED WITH ALLAN SLAIGHT AWARD FROM CANADA'S WALK OF FAME |date=February 14, 2015 |publisher=] |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>


==Discography== ==Discography==
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| '']'' | '']''
| Himself | Himself
|<ref>{{cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Chris |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/ |website=Variety |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=September 10, 2019 |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> |<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/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210208020551/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/the-weeknd-acting-safdie-brothers-uncut-gems-1203329975/ |archive-date=February 8, 2021 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Variety}}</ref>
|} |}


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| '']'' | '']''
| Himself (musical guest) | Himself (musical guest)
| 3 episodes: October 10, 2015,<ref>{{YouTube|id=ZqVu-GztA40|title=SNL Host Amy Schumer and The Weeknd Are Too Busy For Kate McKinnon.}}</ref> October 1, 2016,<ref>{{YouTube|id=Ko_rbA5UQj8|title=Margot Robbie hosts Saturday Night Live on October 1, 2016 with musical guest The Weeknd.}}</ref> March 7, 2020<ref>{{Cite web|title=The Weeknd Debuts New Song 'Scared to Live,' Performs 'Blinding Lights' on 'SNL': Watch|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9330345/the-weeknd-debuts-new-song-scared-to-live-performs-blinding-lights-snl-saturday-night-live|access-date=February 8, 2021|website=Billboard|language=en|archive-date=February 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217003750/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9330345/the-weeknd-debuts-new-song-scared-to-live-performs-blinding-lights-snl-saturday-night-live|url-status=live}}</ref> | 3 episodes: October 10, 2015,<ref>{{YouTube|id=ZqVu-GztA40|title=SNL Host Amy Schumer and The Weeknd Are Too Busy For Kate McKinnon.}}</ref> October 1, 2016,<ref>{{YouTube|id=Ko_rbA5UQj8|title=Margot Robbie hosts Saturday Night Live on October 1, 2016 with musical guest The Weeknd.}}</ref> March 7, 2020<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Weeknd Debuts New Song 'Scared to Live,' Performs 'Blinding Lights' on 'SNL': Watch |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9330345/the-weeknd-debuts-new-song-scared-to-live-performs-blinding-lights-snl-saturday-night-live |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210217003750/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/hip-hop/9330345/the-weeknd-debuts-new-song-scared-to-live-performs-blinding-lights-snl-saturday-night-live |archive-date=February 17, 2021 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=Billboard |language=en}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope=row|2020 ! scope=row|2020
| '']'' | '']''
| Himself (voice) | Himself (voice)
| Episode: "A Starboy Is Born"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Michallon |first1=Clémence |title=The Weeknd makes cameo in 'American Dad!' and unveils new song about being a virgin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/weeknd-american-dad-virgin-song-episode-watch-a9500681.html |access-date=February 8, 2021 |work=The Independent |date=May 5, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126135902/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/weeknd-american-dad-virgin-song-episode-watch-a9500681.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Variety20200504">{{cite news |last1=Aswad |first1=Jem |title=The Weeknd Talks About His Guest Spot on 'American Dad': Watch a New Trailer Here (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-american-dad-trailer-exclusive-1234597173/ |access-date=February 8, 2021 |work=Variety |date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=February 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215020555/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-american-dad-trailer-exclusive-1234597173/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br>Also writer<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=Rebecca |title=How The Weeknd's 'American Dad' Was the "Birth of a True Partnership" |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-weeknds-american-dad-was-birth-a-true-partnership-1299815 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |work=] |date=June 27, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=February 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214161223/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-weeknds-american-dad-was-birth-a-true-partnership-1299815 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|id=S7OTZMopkUg|title=American Dad – The Weeknd’s Dark Secret}}</ref> | Episode: "A Starboy Is Born"<ref>{{Cite news |last=Michallon |first=Clémence |date=May 5, 2020 |title=The Weeknd makes cameo in 'American Dad!' and unveils new song about being a virgin |language=en |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/weeknd-american-dad-virgin-song-episode-watch-a9500681.html |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126135902/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/weeknd-american-dad-virgin-song-episode-watch-a9500681.html |archive-date=November 26, 2020}}</ref><ref name="Variety20200504">{{Cite news |last=Aswad |first=Jem |date=May 4, 2020 |title=The Weeknd Talks About His Guest Spot on 'American Dad': Watch a New Trailer Here (EXCLUSIVE) |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-american-dad-trailer-exclusive-1234597173/ |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210215020555/https://variety.com/2020/music/news/the-weeknd-american-dad-trailer-exclusive-1234597173/ |archive-date=February 15, 2021}}</ref><br>Also writer<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ford |first=Rebecca |date=June 27, 2020 |title=How The Weeknd's 'American Dad' Was the "Birth of a True Partnership" |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-weeknds-american-dad-was-birth-a-true-partnership-1299815 |url-status=live |access-date=February 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214161223/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/how-weeknds-american-dad-was-birth-a-true-partnership-1299815 |archive-date=February 14, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{YouTube|id=S7OTZMopkUg|title=American Dad – The Weeknd’s Dark Secret}}</ref>
|- |-
! scope=row|2020 ! scope=row|2020
| '']'' | '']''
| Various voices | Various voices
| Episode: "Endgame"<ref name="Variety20200504"/><ref>{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Damian |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 |website=NME |access-date=February 8, 2021 |date=July 28, 2020 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031140952/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/the-weeknd-makes-cameo-appearance-on-robot-chicken-2716813 |url-status=live }}</ref> | Episode: "Endgame"<ref name="Variety20200504" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Damian |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 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031140952/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/the-weeknd-makes-cameo-appearance-on-robot-chicken-2716813 |archive-date=October 31, 2020 |access-date=February 8, 2021 |website=NME}}</ref>
|} |}


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* ] (2017) * ] (2017)
* ] (2018) * ] (2018)
* ] (2022)<ref>{{Cite tweet | user=theweeknd | number=1356966782876147713 |title=After Hours Tour 2022}}</ref> * ] (2022)<ref>{{Cite tweet |number=1356966782876147713 |user=theweeknd |title=After Hours Tour 2022}}</ref>


==References== ==References==

Revision as of 20:05, 18 May 2021

Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer For other uses, see Weekend (disambiguation).

The Weeknd
The Weeknd performing in July 2018
BornAbel Makkonen Tesfaye
(1990-02-16) February 16, 1990 (age 34)
Toronto, Canada
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2010–present
Musical career
Genres
Labels
Musical artist
Websitetheweeknd.com
Signature

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye (born February 16, 1990), known professionally as the Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Tesfaye is notable for his original and eccentric style, soaring falsetto and its singular tremolo, and his influence on artists in many contemporary music styles including pop, hip hop, and rhythm and blues.

The Weeknd began his recording career in 2010, anonymously uploading several songs to YouTube. A year later, the Weeknd released the mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence, and quickly earned a following and critical recognition from several mainstream publications due to his dark style of Contemporary R&B and the mystique surrounding his identity. In 2012, he signed with Republic Records and re-released the mixtapes in the compilation album Trilogy (2012). His debut studio album, Kiss Land, was released in 2013. He followed it with Beauty Behind the Madness (2015), which was among the best-selling albums of 2015. With the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills", Beauty Behind the Madness won Best Urban Contemporary Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2016 Grammy Awards.

The Weeknd's third album Starboy (2016) was a similar commercial success and included the number-one single of the same name, and also won Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 2018 Grammy Awards. His fourth album, After Hours (2020), featured the Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles "Heartless", "Save Your Tears", and "Blinding Lights", the latter of which has since become the first ever song to spend over a year in the top ten of the chart.

The Weeknd is on the list of best-selling music artists with over 75 million records sold. He has won three Grammy Awards, five American Music Awards, nine Billboard Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, and nine Juno Awards, and has been nominated for an Academy Award. He holds several chart records, being the first artist to simultaneously hold the top three positions on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart with "Can't Feel My Face", "Earned It", and "The Hills". He was awarded the Allan Slaight Award by Canada's Walk of Fame. In 2017, he was featured on the cover of Forbes for his annual earnings of $92 million.

He chose his stage name in tribute to when he was 17 years old, when, along with a friend, he left home, dropped out of high school, took his mattress, and drove off, never coming home. He left out the letter E due to copyright issues with the Canadian band the Weekend.

Early life

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye was born on February 16, 1990 in Toronto, to Ethiopian immigrants Makkonen and Samra Tesfaye</ref> and grew up in the Scarborough area of Toronto. He is an only child and was raised by his grandmother and mother after his parents separated. While living with his grandmother, he learned Amharic, which he also spoke with his mother. He attended services at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. He said of his father: "I saw him vaguely when I was six, and then again when I was 11 or 12, and he had a new family and kids. I don't even know where he lived — I'd see him for, like, a night. I'm sure he's a great guy. I never judged him. He wasn't abusive, he wasn't an alcoholic, he wasn't an asshole. He just wasn't there."

Tesfaye has described his teens as being like the film "Kids without the AIDS". He stated he began smoking marijuana at age eleven, and later used ecstasy, oxycodone, Xanax, cocaine, psilocybin, and ketamine. He said that he often shoplifted to supplement his drug use. He attended West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute in Scarborough, where he left without graduating in 2007. After this, he also left home and moved to the Parkdale neighbourhood of Toronto. He has said that his stage name was inspired by his high school drop-out status, after he "left one weekend and never came home", though producer Jeremy Rose claims the name was his idea. The spelling was modified in order to avoid trademark problems with the Canadian band the Weekend.

Career

2010–2011: Career beginnings

Main articles: House of Balloons, Thursday (album), and Echoes of Silence

Tesfaye met Jeremy Rose in 2010, a producer who had an idea for a dark R&B musical project. After initially trying to pitch the idea to musician Curtis Santiago, Rose played one of his instrumentals for Tesfaye, who freestyle rapped over it. This led to the two collaborating on an album. Rose produced three songs – "What You Need", "Loft Music", and "The Morning" – and others that Tesfaye had rapped on, which were ultimately scrapped. Rose let Tesfaye keep the tracks he had produced under the condition that he would ultimately be credited for them. In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to YouTube under his stage name, although his identity was initially unknown. The songs drew some attention online, and were later included in a blog post from Drake. The songs subsequently received coverage from various media outlets, including Pitchfork and The New York Times. Before adopting the stage name the Weeknd, he worked under the aliases of the Noise and Kin Kane.

On October 31, 2012, Tesfaye posted via Twitter that: "noise ep was bunch of songs leaked by salty producers and found AFTER HOB dropped. demo's written as a teen to get recognition. xo." The EP consists of 10 tracks, some of which influenced his debut mixtape, House of Balloons.

On March 21, 2011, Tesfaye self-released his debut mixtape House of Balloons. The mixtape included production from Canadian producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney, and included the tracks produced by Rose, although, he did not receive production credits. House of Balloons was met with critical acclaim. It was named as one of ten shortlisted nominees for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize.

Tesfaye began a tour of Toronto, with his first live performance at the city's Mod Club venue. Drake was in attendance to view the performance, which ran for a total of ninety minutes. Drake approached Tesfaye and described a potential musical collaboration between the pair. Tesfaye accompanied Drake at his various shows, often performing as the opening act for shows scheduled at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, as well as appearing at the second annual OVO Fest in July. Over the summer of 2011, Tesfaye contributed to four songs on Drake's Take Care, both as a writer and a featured artist.

Tesfaye refrained from participating in interviews, choosing to communicate via Twitter after the album was released. This was credited as an advertising tactic for Tesfayes second mixtape Thursday, which was released on August 18, 2011. Tesfaye's third mixtape Echoes of Silence was released on December 21, 2011, a year after his debut singles.

Following this release, the three mixtapes were collectively known as the Balloons Trilogy, and saw Tesfaye receiving offers from various record labels.

2012–2014: Trilogy and Kiss Land

Main articles: Trilogy (The Weeknd album) and Kiss Land
Tesfaye performing at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2012

In April 2012, Tesfaye began his first tour of the United States, with a performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. The tour culminated in New York with back-to-back sold-out shows, which were positively reviewed by Rolling Stone. Tesfaye expanded his tour to accompany Europe, performing at various European festivals, including the Primavera Sound Festivals in Spain and Portugal, and the Wireless Festival in London. Covering "Dirty Diana" at his performance in London, he received positive responses from both Katy Perry and Florence Welch, who noted the singer's ability to successfully undertake a complex song. In June, the Balloons Trilogy was revealed to have been downloaded over 8 million times, which allowed Tesfaye to initiate formal commercial release of the projects later that year.

In September 2012, Tesfaye signed with Republic Records in a joint venture with his own imprint XO. The compilation album for the mixtapes entitled Trilogy, was released two months later, and consisted of several remastered versions of songs, as well as three additional ones. It also officially credited Rose as a producer and writer on the three songs from House of Balloons for which he did not initially receive credit. Trilogy charted at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200 with first-week sales of 86,000 copies. It also debuted at number five on the Canadian Albums Chart, with similar sales. Trilogy was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and double-platinum by Music Canada in May 2013. He had also gained a nomination for the Sound of 2013 poll award by the BBC a week later.

Tesfaye performing at Massey Hall in October 2013

On May 16, 2013, Tesfaye premiered the title track to his debut studio album Kiss Land, and announced the album's release date as September 10. The album was later promoted by the singles "Belong to the World" and "Live For" featuring Drake, as well as with Tesfaye embarking on a Fall tour a week prior to the album's release. Upon release, Kiss Land debuted at number two on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 96,000 copies. It was later confirmed to have sold over 273,000 copies in the United States, as well as receiving generally positive reviews from music critics.

Tesfaye appeared on the 20/20 Experience World Tour, joining headline act Justin Timberlake for six shows. This was three weeks prior to his contributions to the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), contributing "Devil May Cry", as well as featuring on Sia's "Elastic Heart". The latter proved to be the second lead single from the soundtrack.

In 2014, Tesfaye remixed "Drunk in Love", a single by Beyoncé from her eponymous studio album. Retaining the theme and concept of the song, he detailed the synopsis through the perspective of a male. The remix was well-received, and came days prior to the announcement of Tesfaye's first headlining tour, entitled the King of the Fall tour. The tour was held across the United States in September and October, and saw Schoolboy Q and Jhené Aiko as supporting acts. This oversaw his release of the songs "Often" and "King of the Fall", leading to speculation that the former was the first single from his second studio album. He later collaborated with Ariana Grande on a duet titled "Love Me Harder", which peaked at number seven on the Billboard Hot 100. Days later, he released "Earned It", a single from Fifty Shades of Grey (2015). The song, which marked his second contribution to a film, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. He also performed the song at the 88th Academy Awards, where it was nominated for Best Original Song.

2015–2017: Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy

Main articles: Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy (album)
Tesfaye performing at Bumbershoot 2015

After Tesfaye won the Centric Award at the 2015 BET Awards, he performed "Earned It" with Alicia Keys, as well as debuting the song "The Hills". "The Hills" was later released for digital download, and debuted at number twenty on the Billboard Hot 100. The single later went on to top the Billboard chart, marking Tesfaye's first number-one single. The single was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), making it Tesfaye's first diamond-certified record.

On June 8, "Can't Feel My Face", a previously leaked track, was released as the album's third single, following its performance at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference. The song debuted at number twenty-four on the Billboard Hot 100, and reached number-one on the Hot 100, making it his third top 10 hit, and his second number-one hit in the United States. He occupied all three slots on Billboard's Hot R&B Songs chart simultaneously with the aforementioned singles, becoming the first artist in history to accomplish this. He headlined FVDED in the Park, a festival in Surrey, British Columbia. Tesfaye was unveiled as one of the musical faces of the streaming service Apple Music, a position he harboured with frequent collaborator 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. It was revealed that his second studio album would be titled Beauty Behind the Madness.

Beauty Behind the Madness 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, as well as reaching 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 his first large-scale tour across the United States, which began in November, and concluded in December. The album went double platinum in the US, and sold 1.5 million copies worldwide. It was reported to be the most-streamed album throughout 2015, with over 60 million, as well as being ranked on multiple lists detailing albums of the year.

On September 8, Tesfaye became the first male artist to have simultaneously held the top three spots on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart, with the three singles that preceded the release of his album. They all went platinum in the United States. After engaging in multiple musical collaborations with Belly, Meek Mill, and Travis Scott, Tesfaye was featured on "Low Life", the triple platinum single from Future's fourth studio album. Tesfaye appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside actress Amy Schumer, performing as the show's musical guest on October 10. This was his first performance on the show as a solo artist, after appearing with Ariana Grande to perform "Love Me Harder".

Tesfaye was featured on "FML", a track on Kanye West's The Life of Pablo. It marked the second collaboration between the pair, with West providing production and writing on "Tell Your Friends" from Beauty Behind the Madness. Tesfaye appeared on "6 Inch", the fifth song on Beyoncé's Lemonade. He was announced by Spotify as being among the top five most streamed artists in their first year partnering with Sony to provide the streaming service on the PlayStation 4.

On August 24, in preparation for his third studio album, Republic Records executive vice-president Wendy Goldstein confirmed Tesfaye began collaborations with French electronic music duo Daft Punk. On the same day, Tesfaye also announced a collaboration with Norwegian record producer Cashmere Cat, titled "Wild Love". A month later, the previously mentioned album's title was announced as Starboy, and had a release date of November 25. He released the album's title track, which features Daft Punk on September 21. The song received platinum certification and went to number one in the United States, as well as in various other countries. A second collaboration with Daft Punk, entitled "I Feel It Coming", was released a week proceeding the album's release, alongside the solo efforts "Party Monster" and "False Alarm". Tesfaye returned to Saturday Night Live on October 10, performing "Starboy" and "False Alarm". He released a 12-minute short film, titled M A N I A, on November 23. 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".

In 2017, Tesfaye appeared on Future's sixth studio album, as well as on the debut single from Nav, who was signed by XO in January. He became the first feature utilized by Lana Del Rey, appearing on "Lust for Life", the title track and second single from her fifth studio album. He was featured on French Montana's "A Lie", the third single from his second album Jungle Rules and on Cashmere Cat's debut single "Wild Love" from his album 9. He appeared on the Virgil Abloh-directed music video for Lil Uzi Vert's "XO Tour Llif3" alongside XO signee Nav. He was later featured on Lil Uzi Vert's debut album and Gucci Mane's eleventh studio album Mr. Davis. He gained a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards for Starboy and ended up winning the award.

2018–present: My Dear Melancholy and After Hours

Main articles: My Dear Melancholy and After Hours (The Weeknd album)
Tesfaye performing in November 2018

On January 31, 2018, Top Dawg Entertainment revealed the full tracklist of the Kendrick Lamar-curated Black Panther soundtrack album with Tesfaye featured on one of the tracks, "Pray for Me". On February 2, 2018, it was released as the soundtrack's third single. This marks the second collaboration between Tesfaye and Lamar, after the song "Sidewalks" on the Starboy album.

On March 27, 2018, Tesfaye began publicity for a new official release in an Instagram post. On March 29, 2018, a billboard appeared in London, England promoting a possible album titled My Dear Melancholy, and on the same day the project was officially announced. On March 30, 2018, the extended play My Dear Melancholy, was released. On June 6, 2018, the Weeknd announced his new Beats 1 radio show Memento Mori, which's first episode was released two days later. Later in the year, on November 21, 2018, the compilation album The Weeknd in Japan was released and served as his first greatest hits album.

In January 2019, French producer Gesaffelstein (who previously worked with Tesfaye on My Dear Melancholy) began promoting a new collaboration. On January 11, 2019, Tesfaye and Gesaffelstein released "Lost in the Fire", the second single off the latter's second studio album, Hyperion. On April 18, 2019, Tesfaye released "Power Is Power" alongside SZA and Travis Scott, a song part of a series of music inspired by the television show Game of Thrones, of which Tesfaye himself is a fan. On May 5, Tesfaye, SZA and Travis Scott released the music video for their Game of Thrones-inspired track. On August 30, 2019, during the Telluride Film Festival, Tesfaye made his debut cinematic appearance in the film Uncut Gems.

On November 24, 2019, "Blinding Lights", the expected lead single of his fourth studio album, was announced via a Mercedes-Benz commercial on German television. The next day, footage of a music video being shot in Fremont Street, Las Vegas surfaced. News outlets then began reporting that Tesfaye would follow up "Blinding Lights" with another single titled "Heartless". In promotion of the upcoming album, episode seven of the Weeknd's manager Cash's Memento Mori Beats 1 radio show was released on November 27, 2019. The single "Heartless" went on to debut at number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 and later became his fourth number one single on the chart, the following week. The second single "Blinding Lights" went on to debut at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 the same week "Heartless" topped it, fell to number 52 in its second week, and then after a long climb reached number one on the chart on the issue dated April 4, 2020. Tesfaye revealed the album's title, After Hours, and release date, March 20, 2020, on February 19, 2020, and released the album's title track as a promotional single simultaneously. On March 7, Tesfaye appeared on Saturday Night Live, performing "Blinding Lights" and the previously unreleased "Scared to Live". Subsequently, the album was released on March 20, 2020, containing the singles "Heartless", "Blinding Lights" and "In Your Eyes". The record debuted atop the US Billboard 200, earning 444,000 album-equivalent units of which 275,000 were in pure sales. Shortly after the album release, on March 29, 2020, Tesfaye announced the release of three more previously unreleased songs: "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby". In the album's first charting week, Tesfaye became the first artist to lead the Billboard 200, Billboard Hot 100, Billboard Artist 100, Hot 100 Songwriters and Hot 100 Producers charts simultaneously. After Hours had a second consecutive week at number one on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart (April 2020), due to five entries on the latest Billboard Hot 100 (singles), all of which he co-wrote and co-produced. In April 2020, Tesfaye announced he would be co-writing and starring in an upcoming episode of American Dad!, which later premiered on May 4, 2020.

On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye released "Smile" as a single, with late American rapper and singer Juice Wrld. Three weeks later, on August 28, he released the single "Over Now" with Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris. After six years, Tesfaye worked with Ariana Grande again on a song called "Off The Table." The song was featured on track five of her album Positions, which released October 30, 2020. On the same day, Magic Oneohtrix Point Never released by Daniel Lopatin featured vocals from Tesfaye on track eight, "No Nightmares." On November 5, 2020, Maluma released the "Hawái" remix featuring Tesfaye. He also debuted three live performances on Vevo in November 2020, and performed at iHeartRadio's Jingle Ball alongside other artists on December 10, 2020.

Widely expected to receive multiple nominations for After Hours, Tesfaye was shut out of any nominations for the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards (2021). Tesfaye took to his social media to criticize the Recording Academy, claiming corruption. Speculation arose that the announcement of his then-upcoming Super Bowl performance as well as the discrepancy of being nominated as pop music versus R&B contributed to the snubs. In response to the controversy, the Academy chairman Harvey Mason Jr. issued a statement:

We understand that The Weeknd is disappointed at not being nominated. I was surprised and can empathize with what he's feeling. His music this year was excellent, and his contributions to the music community and broader world are worthy of everyone's admiration. We were thrilled when we found out he would be performing at the upcoming Super Bowl and we would have loved to have him also perform on the Grammy stage the weekend before. Unfortunately, every year, there are fewer nominations than the number of deserving artists. But as the only peer-voted music award, we will continue to recognize and celebrate excellence in music while shining a light on the many amazing artists that make up our global community. To be clear, voting in all categories ended well before The Weeknd's performance at the Super Bowl was announced, so in no way could it have affected the nomination process. All Grammy nominees are recognized by the voting body for their excellence, and we congratulate them all.

In January 2021, Tesfaye responded by saying that his previous Grammy awards are of no value to him any more. Despite the Recording Academy announcing the elimination of private nominating committees, Tesfaye said that moving forward with his career, he will prevent his record label from submitting his work to the Recording Academy. On February 5, 2021 The Highlights was released, as his second greatest hits album. Tesfaye performed at the Super Bowl LV halftime show on February 7, 2021 after announcing he would perform in November 2020. He reportedly spent $7 million on his performance at the show. Despite having a mixed response, 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, along with an increase in ticket sales for The After Hours Tour.

Artistry

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. He also said his high-flying vocal style was influenced by Ethiopian singers like Aster Aweke. He grew up listening to a variety of music genres, including soul, hip hop, funk, indie rock, and post-punk. Tesfaye has said: "I've always had an admiration for the era before I was born. 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's songs are "built around a fogged, crepuscular production", and feature slow tempos, rumbling bass, and forlorn echoes. Tesfaye often sings in a falsetto register, exhibiting an enticing tone. 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 in order to build resonance to belt out strong high notes within the fifth octave. His music incorporates samples that are unconventional in R&B production, including punk 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", with samples of artists such as Beach House, Siouxsie and the Banshees and Aaliyah. Tesfaye worked mostly with producers Illangelo and Doc McKinney, whom Pitchfork's Ian Cohen 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. 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". The Guardian's Paul MacInnes has 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 viewed that, by singing vulgar, ignorant lyrics in an elegant, sexy way, he is paying homage to R. Kelly and Prince.

Tesfaye's musical style has been described as Contemporary R&B, alternative R&B, pop, electropop, and synth-pop. Tesfaye has helped broaden R&B's musical palette to incorporate indie and electronic styles; his work has been categorized with the alternative R&B tag. 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". AllMusic's Andy Kellman categorizes him as an "alternative R&B act". While promoting his third album Starboy, Tesfaye also revealed Lana Del Rey, David Bowie, the Smiths, Bad Brains, Talking Heads, DeBarge, 50 Cent, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Eminem as influences. When electronic music duo Daft Punk announced their split, Tesfaye commented on an interview with Variety: "Those guys are one of the reasons I make music, so I can't even compare them to other people..."

Business ventures

During the Legend of the Fall Tour promoting Kiss Land, Tesfaye collaborated with condom-producing company ONE to give away limited-edition condoms at his shows. They featured the visual identity of the new album with Oxcy – the album's mascot – printed on one side.

In November 2015, to further promote Beauty Behind the Madness, Tesfaye collaborated with Pax Labs to release a limited edition version of the PAX 2 vaporizer, an electronic cigarette that could be used in shows during The Madness Fall Tour. The e-cigarette featured the "xo" branding on the front, as well as having the ability to play "The Hills" when turned on. With the original PAX 2 priced at $279.99, the limited edition e-cigarette cost $324.99. PAX also acted as an official sponsor for the tour, presenting special backstage VIP activations for fans who bought packages that included the e-cigarette. 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."

In 2016, Tesfaye announced a partnership with Puma, as a global brand ambassador, for the company's "Run the Streets" campaign. It was launched in early November, with the final collection made available to coincide with the release of his album Starboy. He also hosted several pop-up retail stores for the "Starboy: Limited Capsule" collection, which were available across North America, including New York City, Los Angeles, and Toronto. With this partnership, Tesfaye also released three capsule collections named PUMA X XO including T-shirts, caps, sweatpants, bomber jackets and a pair of shoes called the Parallels.

Tesfaye has also begun his own XO branded merchandise, which was furthered by a collaboration with H&M to present its Spring 2017 campaign. The campaign would feature new collaborative pieces developed with the singer's brand, and was released on March 2, 2017. Tesfaye collaborated with H&M again for a fall collection, however, after an incident which he described as "deeply offensive" in 2018, he cut ties with the company. In May 2017, Tesfaye had a limited edition pop up sale for the "Starboy 2017 Limited Capsule Collection". The collections were available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami Beach, Houston, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Tesfaye has collaborated with artists and designers such as Kidult, Alexander Wang and Futura for small-lived and sometimes exclusive capsule collections.

In October 2017, Tesfaye began marketing and promotion on a partnership with Marvel Comics on Instagram. A week later, he attended New York Comic-Con and it was revealed that a Starboy comic book would be released on June 13, 2018, with the title character being a superhero modelled after himself. In August 2018, XO released a collection of apparel in collaboration with A Bathing Ape. They released another collection in January 2020.

In April 2019, Tesfaye bought ownership in esports company OverActive Media Group, the owners of Splyce and Overwatch League team Toronto Defiant, and will serve as the company's global ambassador.

On August 31, 2020, Variety reported that Tesfaye partnered with TD Bank to launch Black Hxouse, an entrepreneurial initiative. On September 9, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $221 million joint venture with Hxouse for Black Canadian entrepreneurs.

Personal life

Relationships

Tesfaye began dating model Bella Hadid in early 2015. The couple were first seen together in May at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, and Hadid starred in his music video for "In the Night" a few months later. They appeared as a couple at the 2016 Grammy Awards. On November 11, 2016, it was reported that the couple had split due to their conflicting schedules. Tesfaye reportedly started dating Selena Gomez in January 2017 and they moved in together temporarily in September of that year, but broke up a month later. By May 2018, Tesfaye and Hadid had started dating again, before splitting up once more in August 2019. The two were in touch again nine months later, in June 2020. In February 2021, the Weeknd denied rumors of his involvement with Spanish singer Rosalía.

Drug use

Tesfaye often used drugs to help get over his writer's block on earlier albums, and also abused illegal substances such as "ketamine, cocaine, MDMA, mushrooms, and cough syrup". Speaking in December 2013, he said that drugs were a "crutch" for him when it came to writing music. On social media, he typically suffixed his first name with "xo", which is often used as an emoticon for "a kiss and a hug". According to writer Hermione Hoby, this was Tesfaye's intention, though others believe it was a reference to his recreational use of ecstasy and oxycodone, part of the slogan "XO 'til we overdose". He later altered the handles on his social media to reflect his stage name in preparation for the release of Starboy.

Hairstyle

Tesfaye's hairstyle, which has been described as his most recognizable trait, has been claimed to be partly inspired by Brooklyn graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. In an interview, he detailed that 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 eventually cut his hair in 2016, prior to the release of Starboy.

Hobbies

In his spare time, Tesfaye enjoys watching television and playing video games such as The Last of Us.

Residences

In 2017, the Weeknd purchased a new 13,500 square foot mansion in Hidden Hills, California for $18.5 million. In November 2019, he purchased an 8,200 square foot penthouse in the Beverly West building in Westwood, Los Angeles for $21 million.

Politics

Despite having lived in a condominium apartment in Trump International Hotel and Tower in Toronto, Tesfaye and Belly cancelled an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in May 2016 due to Donald Trump being present.

In January 2017, The Weeknd criticized Donald Trump's boasts regarding women.

Religion

Tesfaye was raised as an Ethiopian Orthodox. When asked about his religious beliefs in 2020, Tesfaye said "I dunno...everything is a test, and if you are religious or spiritual, you have to go through things."

Philanthropy

After being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence in 2014, Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the University of Toronto to help them start a course on Ge'ez, the classic language of Ethiopia. He stated that he "was proud to support his hometown by sharing the brilliant, ancient history of Ethiopia." In August 2016 he continued donations to the University in the creation of a new Ethiopian Studies program. In May 2016, during Orthodox Easter, Tesfaye donated $50,000 to the St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church in Toronto, Canada, a church he attended growing up.

In December 2015, he worked with Ryan Seacrest's foundation to visit Children's Hospital in Atlanta.

In June 2017, Tesfaye donated $100,000 to the Suubi Health Center, a maternity and children's medical facility in Budondo, Uganda. Tesfaye was inspired to support the center after learning of his friend 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 relaunched his record label XO's popular line of non-medical cloth face masks in an effort to raise money for the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which is a campaign launched by the Grammys to help musicians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was announced that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the masks will be donated to the relief fund. With the profit, Tesfaye donated $500,000 each to MusiCares and $500,000 to his hometown front-line hospital workers of the Scarborough Health Network in Ontario, Canada for a total of $1 million to COVID-19 relief.

In the context of media outlets reporting cases of police brutality, in July 2016, he expressed disdain, tweeting "blue lives murder". In August 2016, Tesfaye donated $250,000 to Black Lives Matter. In May 2020, in response to the murder of George Floyd, the George Floyd protests, and mass racial violence in the United States, Tesfaye donated $500,000 to Black Lives Matter, Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp, and the National Bail Out; he also posted on his official Instagram account to spread awareness.

On August 7, 2020, Tesfaye held The Weeknd Experience, an interactive virtual concert on TikTok, to raise funds for the Equal Justice Initiative. Five days later, it was reported to have drawn in 2 million viewers and raised over $350,000 for the non-profit organization.

On November 2, 2020, the University of Toronto announced that after having worked with Tesfaye again, they were able to reach and surpass their goal of $500,000 for their Ethiopic program including a $30,000 donation by Tesfaye.

On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye announced that he would donate $1 million through World Food Programme to his motherland of Ethiopia in response to the civil unrest causing the death of innocent civilians.

In May 2021, Tesfaye was among the celebrities expressing solidarity for civilians who died as a result of the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis.

Controversies and legal issues

In January 2015, Tesfaye was arrested for allegedly punching a Las Vegas Police Department officer after he was taken into an elevator to break up a fight. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 50 hours of community service.

In December 2015, Tesfaye was sued by Cutting Edge Music, who alleged that the bassline for "The Hills" had been taken from a composition featured in the score for the 2013 sci-fi 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 from a poet, singer, and songwriter named 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 plagiarizing their song "I Need to Love" in order to create his song "A Lonely Night". They sought $150,000 from Tesfaye and Belly in lieu of copyright infringement. Their original suit was summarily dismissed, 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. The plaintiffs filed an amended claim based on secondary infringement, which is still in litigation.

Awards and nominations

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

Tesfaye has won three Grammy Awards, eight Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Awards, two MTV Video Music Awards, nine Juno Awards, and has been nominated for one Academy Award. He was awarded the Allan Slaight Award 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".

Discography

Main article: The Weeknd discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2019 Uncut Gems Himself

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2015;

2020

Saturday Night Live Himself (musical guest) 3 episodes: October 10, 2015, October 1, 2016, March 7, 2020
2020 American Dad! Himself (voice) Episode: "A Starboy Is Born"
Also writer
2020 Robot Chicken Various voices Episode: "Endgame"

Tours

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External links

The Weeknd
Studio albums
Mixtapes
EPs
Compilation albums
Live albums
Tours and shows
See also
Category
Awards for the Weeknd
American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
Best-selling singles by year in the United Kingdom
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
BET Her Award
Grammy Award for Best Progressive R&B Album
2010s
2020s
Juno Award for Artist of the Year
2000s
2010s
2020s
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