Singer: The Weeknd

The Weeknd, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, is a global music sensation known for his distinctive voice, dark and moody lyrics, and genre-blending sound that combines R&B, pop, and electronic music.

The Weeknd first gained attention in 2010 by anonymously releasing music on YouTube, and his early mixtapes—House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence—quickly garnered a cult following. These mixtapes were later compiled into the critically acclaimed album Trilogy (2012).

In 2015, The Weeknd’s career skyrocketed with the release of his album Beauty Behind the Madness, which included chart-topping singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.” The album won him two Grammy Awards and established him as a mainstream pop and R&B star. He followed this success with the album Starboy (2016), featuring the hit title track, which won a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album.

Known for his enigmatic persona, The Weeknd’s music often explores themes of love, lust, fame, and heartbreak, delivered with his signature falsetto and atmospheric production. His 2020 album After Hours further solidified his status as a pop icon, with the single “Blinding Lights” becoming one of the most successful songs of all time, breaking numerous records and spending an unprecedented amount of time on the Billboard Hot 100.

The Weeknd has also ventured into other creative fields, including acting and producing, and has become known for his elaborate, cinematic music videos and live performances. In 2021, he performed at the Super Bowl LV halftime show, delivering a visually striking and critically acclaimed performance.

Throughout his career, The Weeknd has won multiple awards, including Grammys, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. His influence on contemporary music is profound, and he continues to push the boundaries of pop and R&B with his innovative sound and artistic vision.