The Weeknd Shockingly Considers Abandoning His Iconic Name After 16 Years of Dominance

Abel Tesfaye, known by his stage name The Weeknd, has shocked the music world by revealing that he is considering giving up his famous name after nearly 16 years of success. In an exclusive interview with Variety magazine, Tesfaye shared his thoughts on possibly leaving behind his iconic persona in favor of new projects in the future. His upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, which will be released on January 24, is expected to be a significant milestone in his career.

The Struggles Behind the Decision

In the interview, The Weeknd reflected not only on his musical journey but also on a memorable incident that took place in September 2022. During a performance at SoFi Stadium in California, he was forced to cancel the rest of the show after only four songs due to losing his voice. Tesfaye mentioned that while doctors didn’t find any physical issues, he realized that the root cause lay in his mental state. “And that’s when we realized it was all here,” he said, pointing to his head.

Burnout and the Need for Change

Tesfaye admitted that the intense work schedule and mental exhaustion had started to take a toll on him. He confessed that preparing for the release of his new album had left him feeling drained and under immense pressure. According to him, he felt as though he had already said everything he needed to say through his music, and it might be time to step away, even while on top. “You build a persona, but then you have to compete with everything. It becomes a rat race: more awards, more success, more shows, more albums, more No. 1s. It never ends… unless you end it yourself.”

Leaving Behind The Weeknd—A New Beginning

One of the key reasons why Tesfaye is considering leaving his stage name behind is the sense that everything has reached its peak. “You create a persona, but then you’re forced into a never-ending cycle of achievements,” Tesfaye said. He expressed that he didn’t want to become a part of the endless competition and was instead focused on moving forward in new and creative directions. For him, stepping away from The Weeknd could offer a sense of closure, allowing him to take control of his legacy before it becomes stale.

Not the End of His Music Career

While Tesfaye may be stepping away from The Weeknd as we know it, he was quick to clarify that this doesn’t mean the end of his music career. “I don’t think I can stop creating,” he admitted. “But everything has to be a challenge. And for me right now, The Weeknd—whatever it is—has reached its peak. No one can do The Weeknd better than I can, and I won’t do it better than it is now.” Tesfaye shared his excitement about new projects, particularly in the film industry, and his ongoing desire for creative challenges.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tesfaye?

What fans are curious about is what comes next in Abel Tesfaye’s evolution. Though he may be parting with The Weeknd name, he emphasized his ongoing passion for creativity and innovation. “I just want to know what’s next. I want to see what tomorrow holds,” he said. This could signal an exciting shift in his artistic career, as Tesfaye seems eager to explore new opportunities beyond the world of pop music.

Conclusion

While the idea of giving up The Weeknd may come as a shock to many, for Tesfaye, it might just be the beginning of a new creative chapter. His loyal fans are eager to see what comes next and whether his next moves will shake up the music industry or lead him down a completely different path. Whatever happens, Abel Tesfaye’s legacy as one of the most influential artists of his generation is undeniable.