The Weeknd's Success and Achievements in Timeline

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

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, is a highly acclaimed Canadian singer-songwriter and actor. He has garnered significant recognition throughout his career, evidenced by his impressive 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, he has received nominations for both an Academy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award, demonstrating his versatility and impact across different entertainment mediums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2011: Foundation of XO Record Label and Release of 'House of Balloons' Mixtape

In 2011, The Weeknd met Wassim "Sal" Slaiby and Amir "Cash" Esmailian, with whom he co-founded the XO record label. On March 21, 2011, he released his debut mixtape, House of Balloons, which featured production from Illangelo and Doc McKinney. House of Balloons was also nominated for the 2011 Polaris Music Prize.

2012: Polaris Music Prize Nomination

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

2013: Nomination for BBC's Sound of 2013

In 2013, The Weeknd received a nomination for the Sound of 2013 poll award by BBC.

October 2014: Allan Slaight Honour

In October 2014, Tesfaye was awarded the Allan Slaight Honour by Canada's Walk of Fame for making a positive impact in music, film, literature, visual or performing arts, sports, innovation, or philanthropy.

2014: Bikila Award for Professional Excellence

In 2014, Tesfaye was presented with a Bikila Award for Professional Excellence and subsequently donated CA$50,000 to the University of Toronto to fund a new course on Ge'ez, the classic language of Ethiopia, showcasing his commitment to education and philanthropy.

June 2015: BET Awards Performance and Release of "Can't Feel My Face"

In June 2015, The Weeknd performed "Earned It" with Alicia Keys at the BET Awards after winning the Centric Award. On June 8, he released "Can't Feel My Face" as the third single from Beauty Behind the Madness. It became his first number-one song in the United States.

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2015: Release of "Earned It" and Academy Award Nomination

In 2015, The Weeknd's song "Earned It", from the Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack, peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him his first Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. The song later won Best R&B Performance at the Grammy Awards.

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June 2019: "The Hills" Certified Diamond by RIAA

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

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February 7, 2021: Super Bowl LV Halftime Show

On February 7, 2021, Tesfaye headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show, becoming the first Canadian solo artist to headline the show.

May 8, 2021: "Save Your Tears" Remix #1 Hit

On May 8, 2021, the remix of "Save Your Tears" with Ariana Grande launched the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming both artists' sixth number one hit.

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September 11, 2021: "Blinding Lights" Chart Record

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

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November 23, 2021: "Blinding Lights" Ranked #1

On November 23, 2021, Billboard ranked "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 January 1, 2023, "Blinding Lights" became the most streamed song on Spotify with 3.3 billion streams.

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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.

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's and Ariana Grande's seventh number one hit.