In a new cover story interview with 'Variety,' The Weeknd also opened up about how it contributed to his forthcoming album 'Hurry Up Tomorrow.'

Like so many other artists these days, Abel Tesfaye has struggled with the extent of his own celebrity. “People get consumed, especially now, by the concept of being famous,” he told Variety in a new interview. “And I’m not good at being famous—I never will be. I’ve always been reserved.”

The 34-year-old music star – whose real name is Abel Tesfaye – admits he could soon walk away from his stage name and move on to a new phase of his career. Tesfaye has been performing as The Weeknd since 2010, when he first gained attention through anonymous YouTube uploads.

The Weeknd AKA Abel Tesfaye is reflecting on the tumultuous production and controversial reception to “ The Idol .” The 2023 HBO series starred Tesfaye as a sleazy club owner turned music manager who becomes entangled in the life of a pop star (Lily-Rose Depp). Sam Levinson co-created the series with Tesfaye.

Samir Hussein/Getty Images for ABA The Weeknd’s sixth album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, may be the last that he releases under his stage name. The singer, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, said he is considering retiring the persona that has helped define his music and acting career after the album’s January 25 release.

The Weeknd is ready for a change. As the release of new album Hurry Up Tomorrow approaches, the 34-year-old hitmaker is saying it will most likely be his last under the persona that made him a star. In a new Variety cover story published Friday (Jan.

The end of The Weeknd might be closer than fans think. On Friday (Jan. 10), the “Blinding Lights" hitmaker, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, hinted at retiring his stage name once again. During a conversation with Variety,