The Weeknd's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 27, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of The Weeknd.

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer-songwriter, record producer, and actor prominent for his tenor vocal range and alternative R&B sound. His success is evidenced by numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Juno Awards, American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and a Latin Grammy Award, marking his significant impact on the music industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2012: Nomination for Polaris Music Prize

In 2012, Tesfaye's third mixtape, Echoes of Silence, was a longlisted nominee for the Polaris Music Prize.

2013: Nomination for the Sound of 2013 Poll Award

In 2013, Tesfaye earned a nomination for the Sound of 2013 poll award by BBC, recognizing his rising prominence.

October 2014: Allan Slaight Honour

In October 2014, The Weeknd received the Allan Slaight Honour from Canada's Walk of Fame, recognizing his positive influence in music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation, or philanthropy.

2014: Donation to University of Toronto after Bikila Award

In 2014, after being presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence, The Weeknd donated CA$50,000 to the University of Toronto to fund a new course on Ge'ez, the classic language of Ethiopia.

2015: Nomination for Academy Award and Grammy Awards

In 2015, Tesfaye's song "Earned It" from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The song also won Best R&B Performance and was nominated for Best R&B Song and Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

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June 2019: "The Hills" Certified Diamond

In June 2019, "The Hills" was certified diamond by the RIAA, marking Tesfaye's first diamond-certified record.

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2020: Listed as One of the World's Most Influential People

In 2020, Tesfaye was listed by Time as one of the world's most influential people, recognizing his significant impact.

September 11, 2021: "Blinding Lights" long charting

As of the week of September 11, 2021, The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" became the longest charting song by a solo artist on the Hot 100, with 90 weeks.

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November 23, 2021: "Blinding Lights" ranked #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time

On November 23, 2021, Billboard ranked The Weeknd's "Blinding Lights" as the #1 Greatest Hot 100 Hit of All Time, surpassing "The Twist" by Chubby Checker.

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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.

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February 27, 2023: Surpassed 100 Million Monthly Spotify Listeners

On February 27, 2023, The Weeknd became the first artist to surpass 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

March 11, 2023: "Die for You" Remix Tops Billboard Hot 100

On March 11, 2023, the "Die for You" remix featuring Ariana Grande reached the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming both artists' seventh number one hit.