What Just Happened to The Weeknd? | Nobody Saw This Coming!
The Weeknd, known for his captivating voice and chart-topping hits, recently faced a shocking moment that left fans and the music industry stunned. During a performance at Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, suddenly lost his voice in front of 80,000 people. This incident marked a turning point in his career, leading him to confront deeper issues he had been avoiding.
As he stood on stage, Abel realized that his voice, the very thing that built his empire, had vanished. This wasn’t just a physical setback; it represented a more profound struggle within himself. He expressed his uncertainty about whether he was still performing for the right reasons, questioning if he was losing touch with the feelings that originally inspired his music.
Born on February 16, 1990, in Toronto, Canada, to Ethiopian immigrants, Abel grew up in a neighborhood that shaped his identity and artistic vision. His parents’ separation at a young age left him raised by his mother and grandmother, who spoke Amharic at home. This connection to his roots would later influence his music. At 17, he dropped out of high school to pursue music, working odd jobs while honing his craft.
In December 2010, Abel released three songs on YouTube under the name The Weeknd, quickly capturing public attention. By March 2011, his mixtape *House of Balloons* dropped, redefining the R&B landscape. His music, characterized by dark themes and haunting melodies, resonated with listeners, leading to collaborations with major artists like Drake and Questlove.
Abel’s trilogy of mixtapes—*House of Balloons*, *Thursday*, and *Echoes of Silence*—established him as a formidable force in music. However, these projects also told a story of a character grappling with darkness, drugs, and toxic relationships. This character, reflecting Abel’s own experiences, would haunt him for years.
In September 2013, Abel released his debut studio album, *Kissland*, which showcased his evolution but received mixed reviews. Despite the pressure of fame, he pushed through, performing even during personal crises. At Coachella 2013, he realized he needed to confront his anxiety, leading him to book 100 shows to practice performing sober.
By 2015, *Beauty Behind the Madness* launched him into superstardom, with hits like “The Hills” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” The latter, an upbeat pop anthem about addiction, became a global sensation. Abel’s transformation continued with the release of *Starboy* in 2016, featuring collaborations with Daft Punk.
However, the pressures of fame weighed heavily on him. Abel questioned whether he was creating art from genuine experiences or simply feeding the industry’s demand for sadness. His personal life became tabloid fodder, with relationships under constant scrutiny, leading him to document his emotional turmoil in his music.
In March 2020, *After Hours* was released, featuring the record-breaking hit “Blinding Lights.” Yet, the album art, depicting a beaten and bandaged face, hinted at a deeper struggle. His follow-up album, *Dawn FM*, released in January 2022, continued exploring themes of identity and self-reflection.
Then came the pivotal moment at Sofi Stadium, where Abel’s voice failed him not due to physical issues but as a manifestation of his internal struggles. This moment forced him to confront his identity and the persona he had built over the years. Instead of hiding, he chose to create a film, *Hurry Up Tomorrow*, reflecting his journey of self-discovery.
As he prepares for the future, Abel is shedding the persona of The Weeknd and embracing his true self. With a net worth of approximately $300 million and a legacy of groundbreaking music, he now faces the question that has haunted him: Was any of it real? Only time will reveal the answers as he embarks on this new chapter of his life.
