Abel Tesfaye, better known as The Weeknd, has announced that his next album will likely be his final release under the moniker.
The singer, who has made a name for himself with hits such as “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” is expanding into the world of television with his upcoming HBO series, The Idol.
The Weeknd stars as Tedros, a cult leader who becomes romantically involved with Jocelyn, played by Lily-Rose Depp.
However, the show’s production has been marred by delays and rewrites, leading to allegations surrounding the controversial nature of the program.
In an interview with W Magazine, The Weeknd addressed the criticism and controversy surrounding The Idol, stating, “My stuff’s always, kind of, been provocative…As an artist, you have to know that you can’t please everybody, and you have to accept that it comes with the job.”
The Weeknd acknowledged that he has been judged from the beginning of his career and has always pushed boundaries with his music.
The artist also revealed that he feels he has outgrown his stage name and is currently on a “cathartic” path. “It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close The Weeknd chapter,” he said. “I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd. But I still want to kill The Weeknd. And I will. Eventually. I’m definitely trying to shed that skin and be reborn.”
The Weeknd’s upcoming album is expected to be his last as The Weeknd, stating that he has said everything he can say under the moniker.
As he transitions into new creative ventures, The Weeknd is excited to explore the world of film and television. He views it as a new creative muscle that he is eager to flex. “I don’t release my music until I think it is great. Why would this be any different?” he asked. Tesfaye believes that he has fought hard to reach the top of the music industry, as he was once an underdog. “I had to fight to get to the top of the mountain,” he said.
Fans will have to wait and see what the future holds for the star.
