From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how The Weeknd made an impact.
Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, famously known as The Weeknd, is a highly acclaimed Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor. He's garnered significant recognition for his work, evidenced by a vast collection of awards. These include four Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 22 Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, and a Latin Grammy Award. Furthermore, his talent has also been recognized with nominations for both an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, highlighting his versatility and impact across various entertainment platforms.
August 2009: Anonymously Released Music on YouTube
In August 2009, Tesfaye began anonymously releasing music on YouTube, marking his initial foray into the public music scene.
2009: Started Releasing Music Anonymously
In 2009, Tesfaye began releasing music anonymously, marking the start of his music career.
December 2010: Uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to YouTube
In December 2010, Tesfaye uploaded "What You Need", "Loft Music" and "The Morning" to YouTube under the username "xoxxxoooxo", gaining online attention and recognition from Drake.
May 2011: Started Working with Drake
In May 2011, Tesfaye started working with Drake, leading to collaborations and performance opportunities.
July 2011: First Live Performance and OVO Fest Appearance
In July 2011, Tesfaye held his first live performance at the Mod Club Theatre in Toronto, and earned a spot at Drake's OVO Fest.
2011: Released Three Mixtapes and Gained Recognition
In 2011, Tesfaye co-founded the record label XO and released three mixtapes: House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence. He gained recognition for his unique blend of contemporary and alternative R&B.
2011: Founded XO Record Label and Released "House of Balloons"
In 2011, Tesfaye met Wassim Slaiby and Amir Esmailian, with whom he founded the XO record label. On March 21st, he released his debut mixtape, House of Balloons.
April 2012: Performed at Coachella and Sold-Out Shows in New York City
In April 2012, Tesfaye began performing at more shows, such as the Coachella Festival, and two sold-out shows at the Bowery Ballroom in New York City.
November 13, 2012: Release of Compilation Album Trilogy
On November 13, 2012, Tesfaye released Trilogy, a compilation album comprising re-mixed and remastered versions of his 2011 mixtapes, and three additional tracks.
November 2012: Fall Tour in North America
From September to November 2012, Tesfaye embarked on his first concert tour, the Fall Tour, in North America.
2012: Signed with Republic Records and Reissued Mixtapes
In 2012, Tesfaye signed with Republic Records and reissued his mixtapes as the compilation album Trilogy, marking a significant step in his career.
May 17, 2013: Released Title Track to Debut Album, Kiss Land
On May 17, 2013, Tesfaye released the title track to his debut studio album, Kiss Land, marking the anticipation for his full-length release.
November 2013: Opening Act for Justin Timberlake
In November 2013, Tesfaye served as an opening act for Justin Timberlake during The 20/20 Experience World Tour.
2013: Collaboration with ONE Condom Company
In 2013, Tesfaye collaborated with ONE condom company to give away limited-edition condoms at his shows during the Kiss Land Fall Tour.
2013: Released Debut Studio Album Kiss Land
In 2013, Tesfaye released his debut studio album, Kiss Land.
February 2014: Released a Remix of "Drunk in Love"
In February 2014, Tesfaye released a remix of "Drunk in Love" from Beyoncé's eponymous studio album.
June 2014: Announced the King of the Fall Tour
In June 2014, Tesfaye announced the King of the Fall Tour, a 4-city tour of North America.
2014: Donation to University of Toronto
After receiving a Bikila Award in 2014, Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the University of Toronto to fund a Ge'ez course.
2014: Collaborations and Soundtrack Contributions
In 2014, Tesfaye engaged in a series of collaborations and contributed to film soundtracks, expanding his presence in the music industry.
May 27, 2015: Released "The Hills"
On May 27, 2015, Tesfaye released the second single from Beauty Behind the Madness, "The Hills".
August 28, 2015: Released "Beauty Behind the Madness"
On August 28, 2015, Tesfaye released Beauty Behind the Madness, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
September 4, 2015: Featured on Travis Scott's Debut Album
On September 4, 2015, Tesfaye was featured on Travis Scott's debut album Rodeo, on the track "Pray 4 Love".
November 2015: Partnership with Pax Labs
In November 2015, Tesfaye partnered with Pax Labs to release a limited edition vaporizer.
2015: Transitioned to Pop Sound with Beauty Behind the Madness
In 2015, Tesfaye transitioned from alternative R&B to a pop sound with his second studio album, Beauty Behind the Madness, which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 and spawned the hit singles "Can't Feel My Face" and "The Hills".
February 14, 2016: Featured on Kanye West's "The Life of Pablo"
On February 14, 2016, Tesfaye was featured on Kanye West's seventh studio album The Life of Pablo on the track "FML".
May 2016: Donation to St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral
In May 2016, Tesfaye donated CA$50,000 to the St. Mary Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Cathedral in Toronto.
August 2016: Donation to Black Lives Matter
In August 2016, Tesfaye donated US$250,000 to the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation.
August 2016: Funding of Ethiopian Studies Program at University of Toronto
In August 2016, Tesfaye funded a new Ethiopian studies program at the University of Toronto.
September 2016: Announced album Starboy
In September 2016, The Weeknd, whose real name is Tesfaye, announced his third studio album, Starboy, which was set to be released in November of that year.
2016: Creative Collaborator with PUMA
In 2016, Tesfaye became a creative collaborator and global brand ambassador for Puma, releasing capsule collections and hosting pop-up retail stores.
2016: Released Starboy Album
In 2016, Tesfaye released his third studio album, Starboy, which debuted atop the US Billboard 200 and spawned the hit single "Starboy".
2016: Release of Starboy Album
In 2016, The Weeknd released his third studio album, Starboy, which led to a concert tour in support of the album the following year.
February 15, 2017: Featured on Nav's 'Some Way'
On February 15, 2017, The Weeknd was featured on Nav's commercial debut single, "Some Way", which also served as the lead single from Nav's self-titled mixtape.
February 17, 2017: Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour begins
On February 17, 2017, The Weeknd commenced his fifth concert tour, Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour, promoting his Starboy album from 2016, touring across Europa, North- and South America and Oceania.
June 2017: Donation to Suubi Health Center
In June 2017, Tesfaye donated US$100,000 to the Suubi Health Center in Budondo, Uganda.
December 14, 2017: Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour ends
On December 14, 2017, The Weeknd concluded his fifth concert tour, Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour, promoting his Starboy album from 2016.
2017: Partnership with H&M
In 2017, Tesfaye partnered with retail company H&M for their men's collection.
2017: Featured on Cashmere Cat's "Wild Love"
In 2017, Tesfaye was featured on Cashmere Cat's single "Wild Love" with Francis and the Lights.
February 2, 2018: Contributed to Black Panther soundtrack
On February 2, 2018, The Weeknd contributed to the Black Panther soundtrack with the song "Pray for Me," alongside Kendrick Lamar.
March 30, 2018: Released My Dear Melancholy,
On March 30, 2018, The Weeknd released his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy,, marking a new project in his discography.
June 6, 2018: Announced Apple Music 1 radio show Memento Mori
On June 6, 2018, The Weeknd announced his new Apple Music 1 radio show called Memento Mori, expanding his creative outlets.
July 2018: Collaboration with Marvel Comics
In July 2018, Tesfaye collaborated with Marvel Comics to release a comic book inspired by his third studio album, Starboy.
August 3, 2018: Featured on Travis Scott's Astroworld
On August 3, 2018, The Weeknd was featured on two tracks, "Skeletons" and "Wake Up," from Travis Scott's third studio album, Astroworld.
2018: Released My Dear Melancholy
In 2018, Tesfaye returned to alternative R&B with his debut extended play, My Dear Melancholy, which included the hit single "Call Out My Name".
January 11, 2019: Featured on Gesaffelstein's song Lost in the Fire
On January 11, 2019, The Weeknd was featured on Gesaffelstein's song "Lost in the Fire", which was the second single from his second studio album Hyperion, marking another collaboration for the artist.
January 2019: Starboy certified triple platinum
As of January 2019, the album Starboy by The Weeknd was certified triple platinum by the RIAA, which represents significant sales and popularity of the album.
April 2019: Owner and Global Ambassador of OverActive Media
In April 2019, Tesfaye became an owner and global ambassador of the esports company OverActive Media.
August 30, 2019: Acting debut in Uncut Gems
On August 30, 2019, The Weeknd made his acting debut in the film Uncut Gems during the Telluride Film Festival.
November 24, 2019: Teased 'Blinding Lights' in Mercedes-Benz commercial
On November 24, 2019, The Weeknd teased his upcoming single "Blinding Lights" through a Mercedes-Benz commercial.
2019: Fully Loaded: God's Country
In 2019, Fully Loaded: God's Country became the biggest first week debut for a greatest hits album.
January 2020: Second Apparel Collection with A Bathing Ape
In January 2020, Tesfaye released a second apparel collection in collaboration with A Bathing Ape.
February 19, 2020: Revealed After Hours album title and released title track
On February 19, 2020, The Weeknd revealed that his fourth studio album would be titled After Hours and released the album's title track as a promotional single.
March 7, 2020: Appeared in skit on Saturday Night Live
On March 7, 2020, The Weeknd starred in the skit "On The Couch" with actors Kenan Thompson and Chris Redd during his third appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live.
March 29, 2020: Released Deluxe Version of After Hours
On March 29, 2020, The Weeknd released the deluxe version of his album After Hours, which included the tracks "Nothing Compares", "Missed You" and "Final Lullaby".
April 2020: COVID-19 Relief Efforts
In April 2020, Tesfaye launched a face mask line with proceeds to MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and donated to MusiCares and Scarborough Health Network.
May 2020: Donations Following George Floyd's Murder
In May 2020, Tesfaye donated US$500,000 to Black Lives Matter, Know Your Rights Camp, and National Bail Out following George Floyd's murder.
August 7, 2020: Featured on Juice Wrld's single Smile
On August 7, 2020, The Weeknd was featured on the late Juice Wrld's single "Smile" from his first posthumous album Legends Never Die.
August 31, 2020: Partnership to launch Black HXOUSE
On August 31, 2020, Tesfaye partnered with TD Bank to launch Black HXOUSE, an entrepreneurial initiative within the incubator HXOUSE.
2020: Released After Hours Album
In 2020, Tesfaye explored dream-pop and new wave genres with his fourth studio album, After Hours, which spawned the chart-topping singles "Heartless", "Save Your Tears", and "Blinding Lights".
2020: Collaboration with NBC Sports and Summer Olympics
In 2020, The Weeknd collaborated with NBC Sports and the Summer Olympics, announcing the single "Take My Breath".
February 5, 2021: Released The Highlights
On February 5, 2021, The Weeknd released his second greatest hits album, The Highlights, which debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200.
February 7, 2021: Super Bowl LV halftime show
On February 7, 2021, The Weeknd headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show, becoming the first Canadian solo artist to do so.
March 2021: NFT Auction on Nifty Gateway
In March 2021, Tesfaye auctioned a collection of visual artwork and an unreleased song as an NFT on Nifty Gateway.
March 2021: Reissued House of Balloons Mixtape
In March 2021, The Weeknd reissued his mixtape House of Balloons in its authentic form with the original mixes and samples to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its release.
April 4, 2021: Donation to Ethiopia Tigray War Relief
On April 4, 2021, Tesfaye donated US$1,000,000 to the UN World Food Programme for Tigray War relief efforts in Ethiopia.
May 8, 2021: "Save Your Tears" Remix Hit #1
On May 8, 2021, The Weeknd's remix of "Save Your Tears" with Ariana Grande reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming both artists' sixth number one hit.
May 2021: Solidarity for Civilians in Israel-Palestine Crisis
In May 2021, Tesfaye expressed solidarity for civilians who died during the 2021 Israel-Palestine crisis.
June 29, 2021: Announcement of The Idol series
On June 29, 2021, Tesfaye announced his involvement in the HBO television drama series "The Idol" as a co-creator, co-writer, executive producer, and star.
August 2, 2021: Teased New Music on Social Media
On August 2, 2021, The Weeknd released a snippet of new music on social media, hinting at upcoming projects.
August 2021: Reissued Thursday's Mixtape
In August 2021, The Weeknd's reissue of his Thursday's mixtape followed the House of Balloons reissue, in its authentic form with the original mixes and samples to celebrate the tenth anniversary of its release.
September 11, 2021: "Blinding Lights" long charting song ends
On September 11, 2021, The Weeknd's single "Blinding Lights" ended its record-breaking run as the longest charting song by a solo artist on the Hot 100 at 90 weeks.
September 2021: Cover of GQ
In September 2021, The Weeknd appeared on the cover of the September issue of GQ, marking the magazine's first global publication.
October 4, 2021: Album Complete
On October 4, 2021, The Weeknd revealed that his fifth studio album was complete and that he was waiting on a "couple characters that are key to the narrative."
October 22, 2021: Featured on Swedish House Mafia's Single
On October 22, 2021, The Weeknd appeared on Swedish House Mafia's single "Moth to a Flame" from their debut studio album Paradise Again.
November 23, 2021: "Blinding Lights" ranked #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time
On November 23, 2021, The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" was ranked as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time by Billboard, surpassing Chubby Checker's "The Twist".
2021: Appointed World Food Programme Goodwill Ambassador
In 2021, Tesfaye was appointed a World Food Programme goodwill ambassador, showcasing his commitment to addressing global food security.
January 7, 2022: Released Dawn FM
On January 7, 2022, The Weeknd released his fifth studio album, Dawn FM.
March 3, 2022: Launch of XO Humanitarian Fund
On March 3, 2022, Tesfaye partnered with the WFP to launch the XO Humanitarian Fund, donating US$1 per ticket sold on his tour.
March 20, 2022: Voicing Characters on The Simpsons
On March 20, 2022, Tesfaye voiced two characters in an episode of The Simpsons.
July 2022: After Hours Tour rescheduled
In July 2022, The Weeknd's upcoming tour, originally titled the After Hours Tour, would be held entirely in stadiums due to arena constraints and was scheduled to commence.
July 26, 2022: Hosted Haunted House at Universal Studios
On July 26, 2022, The Weeknd announced that he would host a haunted house at Universal Studios Florida and Hollywood as part of Universal's Halloween Horror Nights hosted every Halloween.
December 2, 2022: Appeared on Metro Boomin's 'Creepin''
On December 2, 2022, The Weeknd was featured on the song "Creepin'" from Metro Boomin's album, Heroes & Villains.
December 16, 2022: Released 'Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)'
On December 16, 2022, The Weeknd's song "Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength)", created for the film Avatar: The Way of Water's official soundtrack, was released.
2022: Released Dawn FM Album
In 2022, Tesfaye explored dance-pop, leading to his fifth album, Dawn FM, which included the US top-ten single, "Take My Breath".
2022: Investment in Koia
In 2022, Tesfaye invested in the plant-based beverage brand Koia.
January 1, 2023: "Blinding Lights" most streamed song on Spotify
On January 1, 2023, The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" became the most streamed song on Spotify with 3.3 billion streams, marking a significant milestone.
February 24, 2023: Release of "Die for You" remix featuring Ariana Grande
On February 24, 2023, The Weeknd released a remix of his song "Die for You" featuring Ariana Grande, marking their fourth collaboration.
February 27, 2023: The Weeknd surpasses 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify
On February 27, 2023, The Weeknd became the first artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify, following the success of the "Die for You" remix.
March 3, 2023: Release of Live at SoFi Stadium
On March 3, 2023, The Weeknd released his first live album, titled Live at SoFi Stadium, featuring recordings from his HBO concert film.
March 11, 2023: "Die for You" remix reaches number one on Billboard Hot 100
On March 11, 2023, the "Die for You" remix reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming both The Weeknd and Ariana Grande's seventh number one hit.
March 2023: "Starboy" certified Diamond
As of March 2023, The Weeknd's song "Starboy" was certified Diamond by the RIAA, indicating significant sales and popularity.
April 29, 2023: Featured on Mike Dean's album 4:23
On April 29, 2023, The Weeknd was featured on four songs from Mike Dean's album 4:23.
May 2023: The Weeknd considers retiring moniker
In May 2023, The Weeknd stated his intention to retire the moniker "The Weeknd" and potentially perform under his birth name or a new pseudonym.
June 8, 2023: Announcement of EPs featuring music from The Idol
On June 8, 2023, The Weeknd announced a series of EPs featuring music from The Idol, with collaborations from various artists.
August 28, 2023: HBO cancels The Idol after one season
On August 28, 2023, HBO announced the cancellation of The Idol, a series co-created by and starring The Weeknd, after only one season due to negative reviews and controversy.
December 2, 2023: The Weeknd featured in Fortnite Festival
On December 2, 2023, Fortnite announced that The Weeknd would be featured as the headlining artist for its Fortnite Festival gamemode, and outfits of him would become available to play with.
2023: Co-created and Starred in The Idol
In 2023, Tesfaye co-created and starred in the HBO drama series The Idol, which received negative reviews, but its soundtrack had commercial success.
2023: Co-writing and starring in a film
In 2023, Tesfaye was announced to be co-writing and starring in a film with Trey Edward Shults, alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.
January 8, 2024: Tesfaye teases upcoming album
On January 8, 2024, Tesfaye teased an upcoming album on social media, posting pictures of his last two albums and a question mark.
January 9, 2024: Partnership with School on Wheels Inc.
On January 9, 2024, Tesfaye partnered with School on Wheels Inc. to support students experiencing homelessness and will donate 10% of merchandise profits to BrazilFoundation.
March 22, 2024: Appears on track from Future and Metro Boomin's album
On March 22, 2024, Tesfaye appeared on the track "Young Metro" from Future and Metro Boomin's collaborative album, We Don't Trust You as well as several tracks on Future and Metro Boomin's We Still Don't Trust You album.
April 29, 2024: Donation to Palestine as loaves of bread
On April 29, 2024, Tesfaye announced he will donate another $2 million to Palestine as loaves of bread.
July 17, 2024: Announcement of One-Night Show in São Paulo and Title of New Album
On July 17, 2024, Tesfaye announced a one-night show in São Paulo, Brazil, set to take place on September 7, 2024. He also announced the title of his upcoming sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow.
September 7, 2024: One-Night Show in São Paulo, Brazil
Tesfaye is set to perform a one-night show in São Paulo, Brazil on September 7, 2024.
January 31, 2025: Release of Hurry Up Tomorrow
Tesfaye's album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, was released on January 31, 2025.
2025: Release of "Hurry Up Tomorrow" Album and "Timeless" Single
In 2025, Tesfaye's sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, yielded the US top-five single, "Timeless".