The Weeknd, a three-time Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter and music producer, has made an undeniable mark on the global music scene. His debut album, Trilogy, earned gold certification and helped solidify his place in modern music history. Over the years, The Weeknd has delivered multiple chart-topping hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with fan favorites like “The Hills,” “Can’t Feel My Face,” and “Starboy” dominating airwaves and playlists worldwide.
Before rising to international fame, The Weeknd quietly began building a loyal fanbase by anonymously uploading tracks to YouTube back in 2010. This bold move paid off when his mixtape House of Balloons dropped, receiving widespread critical acclaim and setting the stage for his meteoric rise. Born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, The Weeknd proudly embraces his Ethiopian heritage—his parents are from Ethiopia, and he’s fluent in Amharic. As an only child, he often channeled his focus into his artistry from a young age.
When it comes to relationships, The Weeknd has been linked to several high-profile figures. He began dating supermodel Bella Hadid in 2015, and though their relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, there’s no denying the deep connection they’ve shared. Prior to that, he was in a widely publicized relationship with Selena Gomez, which lasted about a year before ending in late 2017. He also dated Russian model Alice Ustinova. In 2022, The Weeknd started a new chapter by beginning a relationship with Simi Khadra, keeping fans intrigued about his personal life as much as his music.
Through every phase of his journey—musical evolution, personal growth, and public relationships—The Weeknd continues to captivate audiences around the world.
He made history by becoming the first artist ever to claim the top three spots on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart at the same time—a major milestone in his career. Around 2018, he expanded his influence beyond music by launching his own Marvel comic book, Starboy, which was inspired by his persona and artistic identity. He continued to diversify his talents when he made his film debut in the 2019 movie Uncut Gems, showcasing yet another dimension of his creative range. He’s truly redefining what it means to be a modern artist, constantly pushing boundaries across different forms of media.