The Rise of The Weeknd in the R&B World
The Weeknd is one of the biggest music stars in the world today. His songs are played on the radio, in movies, and at big concerts. He has won tons of awards and performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show! But how did he become so famous? And what makes his music different from other artists?
Let’s dive into The Weeknd’s journey—from a mystery musician on the internet to one of the most famous singers in the world!
Who is The Weeknd?
The Weeknd’s real name is Abel Tesfaye. He was born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada. His parents came from Ethiopia, so he grew up listening to Ethiopian music along with American artists like Michael Jackson and Prince.
As a teenager, he loved music but didn’t follow the usual path to fame. Instead of trying out for a big record label, he dropped out of school and started making music on his own.
The Start of His Music Career
In 2011, The Weeknd released his first mixtape (a collection of songs) called House of Balloons. But instead of selling it, he put it on the internet for free!
His songs were slow, emotional, and deep. They talked about love, heartbreak, and life struggles. People had never heard R&B music quite like this before—it was dark, moody, and mysterious.
Famous rapper Drake noticed The Weeknd’s talent and helped introduce him to the world. Soon, he was gaining millions of fans.
What Makes His Music Special?
The Weeknd’s music doesn’t sound like anyone else’s. He mixes R&B, pop, electronic, and even rock music. Some of his songs are slow and emotional, while others are fast and fun to dance to.
His Voice
His singing voice is smooth, high, and powerful. Many people compare him to Michael Jackson because of the way he sings.
His Style
Most R&B songs talk about love and relationships, but The Weeknd also sings about fame, struggles, and personal feelings. His lyrics feel honest and real, which is why so many people connect with his music.
His Biggest Songs
The Weeknd has released many hit songs that have broken records! Here are some of his most famous:
"Blinding Lights" – This song is one of the most-played songs in history! It has a cool ’80s-style beat that makes people want to dance.
"Starboy" – A fun, fast song that shows off his confidence and cool style.
"Save Your Tears" – A beautiful song about love and regret.
"Can’t Feel My Face" – A hit that made him a global superstar!
Working with Other Stars
The Weeknd has worked with some of the biggest artists in the world:
Drake – Helped him get noticed in the beginning.
Ariana Grande – They sang "Love Me Harder" and "Save Your Tears (Remix)" together.
Travis Scott – Rapped with him on a few songs.
By working with different artists, The Weeknd keeps his music fresh and exciting while also staying relevant.
The Weeknd’s Performances Highlights
One of the reasons The Weeknd is so famous is because of his incredible live performances. He doesn’t just stand and sing—he creates a whole experience with lights, cool sets, and exciting energy.
Super Bowl Halftime Show (2021)
In 2021, The Weeknd performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. This is one of the biggest concerts in the world, watched by millions of people!
Instead of bringing in other stars, he performed alone and created a huge, exciting show with bright lights, dancers, and cool visuals. It proved that he was a top performer in the music industry.
Breaking Records & Winning Awards
The Weeknd has won tons of music awards, including:
Grammy Awards (the biggest music award in the U.S.)
Billboard Music Awards
MTV Video Music Awards
His song "Blinding Lights" stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for 90+ weeks—longer than any other song in history!
He is one of the best-selling artists of all time and continues to break records with every new album.
What’s Next for The Weeknd?
The Weeknd is always trying new things. His latest album, Dawn FM, introduced a cool, futuristic sound.
Other Projects
He’s acted in an HBO show called The Idol.
He’s working on new music that will likely surprise his fans.
He might tour the world again soon!
One thing is certain: The Weeknd is not slowing down!
Conclusion
The Weeknd’s rise to fame is a remarkable story. He started as a mystery artist online and became one of the biggest music stars in the world.
With his unique voice, emotional lyrics, and exciting performances, he has changed the world of R&B forever.
And he’s only getting started!
What’s your favorite song by The Weeknd? Let us know!
References
Tesfaye, A. (2011). House of Balloons. XO.
Tesfaye, A. (2016). Starboy. XO.
Tesfaye, A. (2021). Dawn FM. XO.
The Weeknd. (2021, February 7). The Weeknd's Super Bowl LV halftime performance, explained. Rolling Stone. Retrieved from https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/the-weeknd-super-bowl-halftime-performance-explained-1112631/
The Weeknd. (n.d.). Biography. Biography.com. Retrieved from https://www.biography.com/musician/the-weeknd
The Weeknd. (2025, January 30). Wikipedia. from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Weeknd