The Weeknd Plans to 'Kill' His Famous Persona

Brian Ziff, via Wikimedia Commons

Grammy-winning artist Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has shocked fans by announcing that he is leaving behind the persona that made him famous.

In a recent interview with W Magazine, Tesfaye explained that his decision was motivated by his desire to embark on a "cathartic path" and to "kill The Weeknd."

However, Tesfaye has stated that he plans to continue making music but under a new persona. "I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn," he said in the interview.

The news comes after Tesfaye played the role of Tedros, the ambitious Svengali in "The Idol," an upcoming HBO series about a pop icon and her relationship with a charismatic club owner. Tesfaye helped the protagonist, portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, captivate the crowd.

W with Lily 📸 by Tyler Mitchell pic.twitter.com/AgpOpEpytg

— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) May 8, 2023

During the final night of filming at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Tesfaye had to switch back and forth between personas, a move that took a toll on him. After the concert, he lost his voice, attributing it to the difficulty of switching between the two characters.

“I had to take off the Weeknd outfit, put on Tedros’s wig, shoot with Jocelyn, then go back to being The Weeknd,” he told W Magazine. “It was tough to go from one head to another. Then, after the concert, I lost my voice. No voice came out at all. That’s never happened before. My theory is that I forgot how to sing because I was playing Tedros, a character who doesn’t know how to sing. I may be looking too deeply into this, but it was terrifying. As The Weeknd, I’ve never skipped a concert. I’ve performed with the flu. I’ll die on that stage. But there was something very complicated going on with my mind at that moment.”

I can’t breathe bruh, The Weeknd is working on his last album.

— Mïtçh (@Love__Mitch) May 8, 2023

hearing "the Weeknd's last album" was not a great thing to wake up to 😞

— D (@dbaelon) May 8, 2023

The Weeknd's decision has left fans wondering what's next for the artist, who has been known for his unique sound and distinct visual aesthetic. Many have taken to social media to express their support for Tesfaye, while others are disappointed that they won't be able to see him perform as The Weeknd again.

The last album to the trilogy, a perfect way to close the chapter. He’s grown so much as a person and artist, The Weeknd gave us an entire catalog of timeless music that I will cherish forever. I am excited to see what he’ll give us in the future, not as The Weeknd but as Abel✨ https://t.co/HmcBTwCatO

— Crystal⚡️ (@sicamoregirl) May 8, 2023