Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is undoubtedly one of the most influential artists of this century. With his unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds, he has consistently delivered hits that have defined an era, from Beauty Behind the Madness to his latest project, Hurry Up Tomorrow. However, before he became a global superstar, his stage name was inspired by a pivotal moment in his life.
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Why is The Weeknd his stage name?
At 17 years old, Abel Tesfaye made a life-changing decision—he dropped out of high school and left home one weekend, never returning. This experience led him to adopt the name “The Weekend” as a symbol of his independence and fresh start. However, when he discovered that a Canadian band already used that name, he modified it to “The Weeknd,” removing the “e” to avoid legal issues.
Since emerging in 2011 with his mixtapes, The Weeknd has achieved extraordinary success. He has won four Grammy Awards, including Best Urban Contemporary Album for Beauty Behind the Madness and Starboy. His songs, including “Blinding Lights,” “Save Your Tears,” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” have topped the Billboard Hot 100 and shattered streaming records. As of February 2025, “Blinding Lights” stands as the most-streamed song of all time on Spotify and the longest-running song in Billboard Hot 100 history.
In 2021, he became the first Canadian solo artist to headline the Super Bowl Halftime Show, delivering a performance that captivated millions. Beyond his musical career, The Weeknd has expanded into acting, making his debut in Uncut Gems (2019) and later co-creating and starring in HBO’s The Idol (2023). He is also set to release his film Hurry Up Tomorrow in May.
After a decade of success, The Weeknd announced a few years ago that he would be retiring his stage name after the release of Hurry Up Tomorrow. He explained his desire to “kill The Weeknd” and continue his artistic journey under his birth name, Abel Tesfaye.
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