The Weeknd Plans Retirement After Final Album

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has announced plans to retire his stage name following the release of his sixth album, 'Hurry Up Tomorrow', on January 24, 2025. In a candid interview, he expressed a desire to move on from the persona that has defined his career, stating that he feels he has 'overcome every challenge' associated with it. He cited a pivotal moment from his 2022 SoFi Stadium performance, where he lost his voice mid-show, as a significant factor in his decision to step back. Tesfaye explained that the pressures of fame and the constant pursuit of accolades have led him to question his future as The Weeknd. While he intends to continue making music, he emphasized the need for new challenges and hinted at possibly creating under his real name or a different identity. His upcoming album, the final part of a trilogy, will showcase a mix of genres and is poised to mark the conclusion of this chapter in his artistic journey.