The Weeknd is ready to hang up his mic—or at least his moniker—with a graceful exit worthy of a rock star.
After nearly 16 years of chart-topping hits, boundary-pushing performances, and a signature vibe that’s been imitated but never replicated, Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, is pondering the end of his iconic alter ego. But don’t worry, this isn’t a goodbye to music—it’s a pivot to something new and just as exciting.
Speaking with Variety ahead of his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow (dropping Jan. 24), Tesfaye spilled the tea on why he’s ready to close this chapter. “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” he admitted, describing the grueling mental gymnastics that come with being The Weeknd. From the relentless pursuit of accolades to the pressure of constantly outdoing himself, the race has become more exhausting than exhilarating.
Tesfaye reflected on a pivotal moment in September 2022 when his voice gave out mid-show at SoFi Stadium. Fans were devastated, but the real revelation came later: nothing was physically wrong. “That’s when we came to the realization that it was all up here,” he said, pointing to his head. Talk about a wake-up call.
Promoting Hurry Up Tomorrow with cryptic billboards and social media posts hinting at the “final chapter,” Tesfaye confirmed to Variety that this chapter refers to The Weeknd persona itself. “Part of me was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party,’” he shared. Wise words, considering how many artists drag their personas through unnecessary sequels and spin-offs.
But before you start mourning The Weeknd, Tesfaye reassures fans that his creative journey is far from over. “I don’t think I can stop making music. But everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, the Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do it better than me, and I’m not gonna top what I’ve done.”
On Jan. 24, Tesfaye will release Hurry Up Tomorrow, his sixth and final album as The Weeknd. But he’s not just dropping music; he’s also starring in a Lionsgate film of the same name, directed by Trey Edward Shults. Described as an extension of the album, this feature film marks a bold new chapter in Tesfaye’s career. Rock stars reinvent themselves all the time, and Tesfaye seems poised to do it with style.
So, what comes after The Weeknd? Even Tesfaye doesn’t fully know yet, but he’s ready to find out. “I just want to know what tomorrow looks like,” he said. And if his track record is any indication, tomorrow is bound to be just as thrilling.
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