In an interview for the January Issue of Variety Magazine, Abel Tesfaye said that he was retiring his stage name, “The Weeknd,” after the release of his upcoming album and film Hurry Up Tomorrow. He expressed that he lacks the motivation to inhabit the persona of The Weeknd, st ating in the interview, “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for.” This announcement shocked fans around the world. It marks not just the end of a stage name but the beginning of Tesfaye’s artistic rebirth–one shaped by personal growth, cultural impact and a profoundly deep connection with his audience.
Tesfaye’s journey began in Toronto, Canada, where he first uploaded mixtapes online under the name “The Weeknd.” In the early 2010s, he gained attention with a trilogy of dark, emotional projects: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. At the time, nobody knew what he looked like–he didn’t show his face, he didn’t do interviews, and he barely posted online, creating a mysterious and enigmatic persona.
As Tesfaye’s career progressed, so did his sound. The Weeknd transitioned from indie R&B to full-on pop stardom. His top hit songs like “Can’t Feel My Face,” “Starboy,” and “Blinding Lights” showcased a new side of him–one that wasn’t afraid to embrace mainstream success while still staying true to his emotional roots.
His albums became more experimental and cinematic, especially After Hours and Dawn FM, where he built entire worlds within his lyrical ideas, melodies, beats and storytelling. His performances, from the Super Bowl halftime show in 2021 to massively popular sold-out global tours, proved that he could command a stage just as well as any pop legend.
The Weeknd’s music resonates with many people, especially students and young adults. Loneliness, heartbreak, success, and self-doubt are all themes that resonate with today’s youth. Alison Lopez (’26) shares how much his music means to her: “his voice is very soothing, and I like how his lyrics actually have meaning. I resonate with them.”
Lopez describes how certain songs like Cry For Me help her through tough times when she’s feeling sad, while others, like Timeless and Rather Lie, give her a feeling of excitement, especially when driving around with friends. “His music is thrilling,” Lopez adds.
In a world full of carefully curated social media lives and seemingly perfect public faces, The Weeknd’s music speaks to the parts people often try to hide. For many students like Lopez, lyrics are not just songs– they’re soundtracks to emotional moments. Lopez also shares mixed feelings about his recent announcement to retire his stage name. “It might bring in a new era of music and sound for him,” she says, but also admits, “I don’t think he’ll go through with it completely– he’s built so much as The Weeknd.” This perspective reflects a larger trend: The Weeknd’s music doesn’t just touch individuals– it shapes the generation. His ability to connect so personally with listeners is part of what makes his influence so powerful and far-reaching.
So why retire “The Weeknd”? In his interview with Variety Magazine, Tesfaye explained that he feels he has said everything he can as The Weeknd. He described the persona as a “rat race” of seeking more accolades and success, adding, “it never ends until you end it.” He isn’t afraid to grow as he’s choosing authenticity over fame.
Looking ahead, nobody knows exactly what Abel Tesfaye will do next. He’s already ventured into acting and producing, and fans are excited to see what kind of music he’ll make as himself. What’s clear is that this change isn’t the end for his career; it’s a new beginning. By dropping the mask of “The Weeknd,” he is stepping into a future that feels more honest, more creative, and more real.
