The Weeknd is Over Abel Tesfaye Teases Shocking Retirement After ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ Is This the End of an Era

Abel Tesfaye, known globally as The Weeknd, is contemplating a major shift in his career—leaving behind the iconic persona that has brought him unparalleled success in the music industry. Though retiring from music entirely is not in the cards, Tesfaye may be ready to say goodbye to The Weeknd after the release of his highly anticipated album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Could this album be his “final hurrah” as the superstar R&B artist we know and love?

A Glimpse Into Tesfaye’s Thoughts on Retirement

Tesfaye has made no secret of his inner turmoil over his future in music. Back in May 2024, during an interview with W Magazine, he hinted that Hurry Up Tomorrow would likely mark his final project under The Weeknd moniker, saying, “As The Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say.” Fast forward to January 2025, and the decision remains on his mind. In a recent interview with Variety, he admitted that he’s leaning toward “closing this chapter” of his life as The Weeknd.

The Pressure of Continuous Success: A Major Factor in Retirement Thoughts

A significant driving factor behind Tesfaye’s potential departure is the immense pressure to continually top his past successes. “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for,” Tesfaye shared. The relentless competition in the music industry—the need for more accolades, more success, more albums, and more awards—has taken a toll. “It becomes this rat race,” he explained. “It never ends until you end it.” Tesfaye feels as though he’s reached the pinnacle of The Weeknd, and the pursuit of additional achievements no longer excites him as it once did.

A Voice Lost: The Turning Point for Tesfaye’s Career

A key moment in Tesfaye’s journey toward contemplating retirement occurred during a concert at SoFi Stadium in California, when he lost his voice. This incident made him reflect on his career. “Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party—you can end it now and live a happy life,'” Tesfaye admitted. For him, that moment was a wake-up call. It made him question: When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak? He sees Hurry Up Tomorrow as the perfect opportunity to close the chapter on his The Weeknd persona while maintaining his integrity.

The Future: Embracing New Challenges Beyond “The Weeknd”

Despite his musings about retiring as The Weeknd, Tesfaye isn’t leaving music behind altogether. Instead, he’s more focused on seeking new challenges that will push him creatively. “The Weeknd has been mastered,” Tesfaye declared. “No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me.” He is excited to shift gears into new ventures, particularly in film, where he will embrace a different kind of creative challenge. Tesfaye is eager to explore what’s next in his journey, and Hurry Up Tomorrow isn’t the end but a pivot toward what comes after.

Exciting New Projects: “Hurry Up Tomorrow” and Upcoming Film Release

Fans can look forward to Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to drop on January 24, 2025. This album will be a pivotal release, possibly marking the final project in The Weeknd’s musical catalog. To accompany the album, a companion film directed by Terry Edward Shultz will be released on May 16, 2025. The film, which co-stars Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan, will be co-written and starred in by Tesfaye himself, offering an exciting glimpse into his evolving artistic ambitions.

A Sensational Future: The Weeknd’s Legacy and What Lies Ahead

Abel Tesfaye’s musings on retirement have stirred up anticipation for what’s next in his career. Will Hurry Up Tomorrow truly be the end of The Weeknd as we know it? Or is it the beginning of an exciting new era? Tesfaye’s fans, music lovers, and critics alike are watching closely as he prepares to close the door on one chapter while opening another. No matter what comes next, Tesfaye’s legacy as The Weeknd is guaranteed to remain a significant force in the world of music and entertainment.