Abel Tesfaye is killing off The Weeknd. The Canadian superstar announced he’s retiring his decade-old stage name following the release of his sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, and its accompanying film, where he plays a fictionalized version of himself one last time. But don’t mistake this for retirement; he’s just shedding the persona that launched him from Toronto R&B anonymity to global fame.
The move caps off a career arc that began in 2011 with his anonymous House of Balloons mixtape, dripping with hazy, hedonistic R&B that redefined the genre. That mystique, paired with his hits like “Blinding Lights” and “Can’t Feel My Face,” propelled him from underground curiosity to pop domination. The album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, just so happens to be the curtain call under the moniker. The film, however, blends autobiography with fiction, serving as both origin story and farewell tour for the Weeknd character.
Tesfaye’s decision isn’t entirely shocking. He’s been hinting at this evolution for years, gradually peeling back the Weeknd’s enigmatic veneer. From his uncredited Uncut Gems cameo to his recent prestige TV debut in The Idol, he’s been testing life beyond the red jacket and that signature haircut. Now, with 15 Billboard Hot 100 top 10s and three Grammy wins under the Weeknd banner, he’s ready to step into the spotlight as himself.
The question isn’t why he’s retiring the name, it’s what comes next. Tesfaye has already proven he can shape-shift between R&B, pop, and synth-wave without losing his edge. Without the Weeknd persona, he’s free to reinvent again. One thing’s certain: the man who made anonymity his brand isn’t disappearing; Abel Tesfaye is just getting started.
