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Abel Tesfaye, also known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter and and R&B artist. Born on February 16, 1990, in Scarborough, Canada, The Weeknd has become one of the music industry's leading alternative R&B performers. He is the son of Ethiopian immigrants but has had little contact with his father, who left the family when the Weeknd was only a toddler. His early musical influences ranged from traditional Ethiopian music to Michael Jackson.

He has released six studio albums, one live album and three compilation albums. The Weeknd has emerged as one of the most influential artists of this generation with revolutionizing modern pop and R&B with albums like "Starboy" and "Dawn FM" which as a result, made him one of the biggest artists out there today. He also dabbles into modern hip-hop and 80-90s style music, which shows his versatitlity in the music industry. Tesfaye was listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people in 2020, and was dubbed the "world's most popular artist" by Guinness World Records in 2023.

In conclusion, The Weeknd has emerged himself as one of, if not the biggest artists of colour and generally speaking in the world with his hit songs and longevity.

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The Weeknd has always been performing on the biggest stages, going worldwide for his tours and performing at big venues such as Rogers Centre, SoFi stadium and the Nissan Stadium. However, by far his biggest performance was at the SuperBowl 2021, with millions of people, at the stadium, or watching from home, seeing this performance. During this performance, there were lots of visuals that catches your eye, while also performing hit songs like "Starboy" and "Blinding Lights". Some fn facts of this performance was that this was the first time a Canadian solo artist headlined and the SuperBowl halftime show. He also played a song from one of his first mixtapes ever, called "House of Balloons." Here is the video of the entire halftime performance.

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The Weeknd’s FULL Pepsi Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

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In 2023, we celebrated a decade since The Weeknd's first JUNO Award for Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Over the past ten years, he has transitioned from an emerging underground R&B artist to a global music icon, renowned for his innovative and commercially successful work. With six JUNO nominations this year, we reflect on some of The Weeknd's most remarkable achievements.

1. Dominating the airwaves, “Blinding Lights” was crowned the greatest ‘Billboard Hot 100 song of all time’ in 2021. It became the first-ever song to spend an entire year in the Hot 100’s top 10 spots, holding the position for a total of 88 consecutive weeks. It also holds the most streams on Spotify, which overtook Ed Sheeran's "Shape of You.'

2. 2021 marked a pivotal moment in The Weeknd's career. He became the first Canadian artist to headline a solo Super Bowl halftime show, joining Shania Twain and Dan Aykroyd as one of only three Canadians ever to perform at this globally-watched event. His visually captivating and dynamic performance garnered widespread acclaim from fans, critics, and fellow artists.

3. The Weeknd's highly anticipated fourth studio album, After Hours, released in 2020, achieved a record-breaking 1.02 million pre-adds globally on Apple Music. Featuring hit singles like "Heartless," "Blinding Lights," and "Save Your Tears," the album garnered critical acclaim, with many praising it as a career-defining work.

The Weeknd's influence on popular music is undeniable. His multi-award-winning albums and record-breaking hits, coupled with introspective lyrics, compelling characters, and a constantly evolving sound, have cemented his position as a generational talent.

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Who has The Weeknd collabed with over the years?

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Who has The Weeknd collabed with over the years?

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The Weeknd has dominated the music scene for the past decade, his unique sound and captivating performances earning him global superstardom. But beyond his solo hits, The Weeknd has also collaborated with a diverse range of artists, creating some truly unforgettable tracks. So, who are these collaborators that have joined forces with The Weeknd?

1. Drake. Arguable the two biggest artists in the world right now, these two collaborated for the first time on a song called "Crew Love" which was made back in 2011 on Drake's album "Take Care". This was when The Weeknd was just beginning to gain popularity when he started this career, and Drake helped him boost this. Another fun fact is that The Weeknd helped Drake write some songs on "Take Care," some examples are "Practice", "The Ride" and Crew Love, which The Weeknd also produced the instrumental too. They made 2 other collaborations after this song, "The Zone" which was made in the 2011 as well, and "Live For" on The Weeknd's project "Kiss Land" in 2013.

2. Daft Punk. The Weeknd collaborated with famed French producers Daft Punk in 2016 on the singles "Starboy" and "I Feel It Coming" released as part of his 'Starboy' album. These are some of, if not the most popular songs the Weeknd has put out, “Starboy” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and “I Feel It Coming” hit No. 2. Both those songs also have more than a billion streams on Spotify.

3. Travis Scott. Travis Scott has been one of the most popular rappers of this decade, who made his breakthrough album "Rodeo" a decade ago. This album featured the Weeknd on a song called "Pray 4 Love." This wasn't the only collab they have, these two love collaborating with each other. "wonderful" on Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, "WAKE UP" and "SKELETONS" on ASTROWORLD, "K-POP" and "CIRCUS MAXIMUS" on "UTOPIA", "REFLECTIONS LAUGHING" on The Weeknd's newest album "Hurry Up Tomorrow" and there is also a single called "Power is Power" which also features SZA.

The Weeknd's influence and versatility are undeniable, and his collaborations only serve to amplify his artistic reach and solidify his status as a true icon in the music industry.

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The Weeknd's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Live Performance

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The Weeknd's iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Live Performance

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Here is a performance by The Weeknd of his song "Save Your Tears" off his album "After Hours". This song is one of his more recent hits, and the song features synths which really hints to the 80's. This specific performance features lots of live instruments including an electric guitar and an acoustic drum set. The Weeknd's vocals in this performance are immaculate, and its an example of an artists vocals being very similar to the studio version, despite no autotune being used.

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The Weeknd - Save Your Tears (iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Live Performance)

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The Weeknd's albums aren't just collections of songs they tell a story. Each release builds on a larger narrative, exploring complex themes and characters, inviting listeners to piece together the evolving saga. The Weeknd's music frequently explores topics such as love, heartbreak, and the deeper side of fame and relationships. He tells this throughout his discography as the character "The Weeknd". His most recent album, "Hurry Up Tomorrow", was the last piece of the saga, and I will try to explain the end of "The Weeknd's" tale song by song.

"Wake Me Up": The narrative begins with Abel seemingly deceased, but his journey isn't over. He's in a liminal space, questioning the existence of a higher power and a final resting place. He yearns for release from this state, haunted by past regrets and inner turmoil.

"Cry For Me": A flashback reveals a past relationship. Abel is left wondering if his former love even noticed his absence.

"Can't Sing / São Paulo": He then descends further, losing his sense of self and engaging in self-destructive behavior, seeking solace in fleeting physical connections. He reaches a breaking point, overwhelmed by despair, and seemingly ends his own life, a symbolic first encounter with the divine.

"Baptized in Fear": He finds himself transitioning to this in-between realm, justifying his actions by blaming a lost romance.

"Open Hearts": A revelation occurs: the woman he thought was indifferent actually cared, leaving him a message. But it's too late.

"Reflections Laughing": He reflects on the beginning of that relationship, and his time in various cities, now viewed through a nostalgic lens. He longs for his former life, even though he knows it's unattainable.

"Niagara Falls / Take Me Back To LA": He pleads with the divine for mercy, hoping for redemption.

"Give Me Mercy": He confronts a significant regret, a relationship with a close family member. He reflects on their sacrifices and is consumed by remorse for his final act.

"Red Terror": He hopes to be remembered as he prepares for one final supplication.

"Without A Warning": Finally, he separates from his artistic persona. He confesses a deep-seated wound, the absence of a paternal figure, and asks for peace, expressing complete honesty. The ending suggests he achieves the tranquility he sought. The fate of his artistic persona is left open to interpretation.

And that was the end of the tale..

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The Weeknd, maintains a high degree of privacy regarding his personal life. Early in his career, he favored communication through social media, citing shyness and insecurity as reasons for avoiding interviews. He now grants interviews only selectively. Raised in the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian faith, Tesfaye's current spiritual beliefs are nuanced, stating in 2020 that "everything is a test."

Tesfaye's romantic relationships have often been subject to intense media scrutiny. His on-again, off-again relationship with model Bella Hadid (2015-2019) and his relationship with singer-actress Selena Gomez (2017) were frequent tabloid fodder. Currently, he is in a relationship with disc jockey Simi Khadra, which he has intentionally kept out of the public eye.

Tesfaye's distinctive hairstyle, a prominent feature of his early career, was reportedly inspired by artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. He maintained this style from 2011 until 2016. His early social media presence often included the suffix "xo," an emoticon for hugs and kisses, though some interpreted it as a reference to substance use. He later updated his social media handles to reflect his stage name. In 2021, he described his current lifestyle as "sober lite," indicating he has significantly reduced his use of substances, with the exception of occasional marijuana use and limited alcohol consumption.

In 2015, Tesfaye was arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly assaulting a police officer. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to community service.

Tesfaye currently resides in Bel Air, Los Angeles. He previously owned a home in Hidden Hills, California, which he sold in 2021. He has also resided in penthouses in Westwood, Los Angeles, and New York City.

In 2023, Tesfaye disclosed that he has been diagnosed with ADHD.

In short, The Weeknd, carefully manages his public image, balancing artistic expression with a desire for privacy. From his early media shyness to his evolving relationship with fame and substance use, he's navigated the industry's pressures with intention. While his relationships have garnered attention, he now prioritizes discretion. His artistic evolution reflects a continuous self-discovery. Ultimately, The Weeknd's journey reveals a complex individual navigating modern celebrity while striving for authenticity.

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The Weeknd, has demonstrated a consistent commitment to philanthropic endeavors. Following receipt of the 2014 Bikila Award for Professional Excellence, he contributed CA$50,000 to the University of Toronto to establish a course in Ge'ez, the classical Ethiopian language. Further contributions to Ethiopian studies at the University of Toronto, including a CA$30,000 donation in 2020, have supported the expansion of their Ethiopic program.

His philanthropic activities extend beyond cultural initiatives. In 2016, he donated CA$50,000 to St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral in Toronto. In 2017, he provided US$100,000 to the Suubi Health Center in Uganda, supporting maternal and child health.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Tesfaye launched a face mask initiative with proceeds benefiting the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, and made substantial donations of US$500,000 to MusiCares and CA$500,000 to the Scarborough Health Network.

Tesfaye has also been a vocal supporter of social justice causes. In 2016 and 2020, he donated significant funds to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation, and in 2020, he contributed to Colin Kaepernick's Know Your Rights Camp and the National Bail Out. He also urged industry peers to contribute to these causes.

His "Weeknd Experience" virtual concert on TikTok in 2020 raised over US$350,000 for the Equal Justice Initiative, and he donated US$300,000 to Global Aid for Lebanon following the Beirut explosion.

In 2021, he expressed solidarity with civilians affected by the Israel-Palestine crisis and received the Quincy Jones Humanitarian Award from the Black Music Action Coalition.

More recently, in 2024, Tesfaye partnered with School on Wheels Inc. to support students experiencing homelessness and pledged a portion of merchandise sales to the BrazilFoundation's Brazilian Soul Fund.

The Weeknd's philanthropy reveals a deep understanding of global interconnectedness, supporting diverse causes from cultural preservation to crisis relief. His actions, spanning continents and addressing social injustices, highlight the power of individual impact on a global scale. Through his varied efforts, he reinforces the idea of a shared, interconnected community.