Why the Weeknd Doesn’t Like His Stage Name as Much Anymore
The Weeknd still releases music under his iconic stage name, even if he doesn’t like the name as much as he initially did. Here’s what this artist said about the origin of “The Weeknd” and why he prefers that some fans call him by his real name — Abel.
The Weeknd is a stage persona for Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
The Weeknd is known for songs like “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears.” Recently, the artist released Dawn FM, which featured “Out of Time,” “Sacrifice,” and “How Do I Make You Love Me?”
It also featured an old man version of The Weeknd on the cover, with the character highlighted in shades of blue. Although this musician releases music under the stage name The Weeknd, he’s also known by his birth name — Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
“My fans don’t call me The Weeknd,” the artist said during a 2021 interview with GQ. “They just call me Abel. It’s a tricky thing, but I think the name The Weeknd holds such a legacy right now. The story of that name isn’t done yet.”
The Weeknd doesn’t like his stage name as much as he initially did
What’s the meaning behind The Weeknd’s stage name? The artist explained that while he was still releasing music as Abel, his original album House of Balloons used to be called The Weekend.
During the same interview, The Weeknd was asked if he likes his stage name as much as he initially did.
“No, not as much as I did then,” the singer said. “I still like it, but I think now it’s easy to take off that coat. I like that I have that as an option to escape Abel a little bit. I definitely loved it more back then than I do now. I love my name now, though: Abel.”
Of course, The Weeknd still releases music under this stage persona, also appearing as the character in music videos for Dawn FM. With this character constantly getting beat up or killed, some interpret it as a way for Abel to destroy his character.
The Weeknd is a Grammy Award-winning artist
Since his debut on the music scene, this artist has earned recognition from several award ceremonies. That includes the Grammys, where he earned awards in the Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best R&B Performance categories.
He earned two Best Urban Contemporary Album Grammy Awards. The Weeknd is the artist nominated for the most awards at the BBMAs, snagging recognition in 17 categories due to his 2022 release Dawn FM.
Thanks to Planet Her, Doja Cat earned 14 Billboard Music Award nominations. Meanwhile, Olivia Rodrigo, Kanye “Ye” West, and Justin Bieber each received 13 nominations for the upcoming award ceremony.
Music by The Weeknd is available on most major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
