In a candid new interview with Variety, The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, revealed that he’s contemplating retiring his public persona following a profound “mental breakdown.” The R&B superstar opened up about the pivotal moment during his 2022 tour, when he lost his voice mid-performance at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, leading him to reschedule the show. This experience, which he described as “defeated,” marked the beginning of a deep personal reflection on his career.
“I knew I really needed to sit the f— down and figure out my life,” The Weeknd shared. “I had a mental breakdown, which is pretty much what this new album’s about.” The artist also reflected on his desire to potentially end his career at its peak, questioning, “When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak?”
While he’s not planning to quit music altogether, The Weeknd acknowledged that he feels the need for a fresh challenge and has grown weary of the “rat race” of accolades and expectations in the industry. “The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered,” he admitted.
Adding to the speculation about his future, The Weeknd recently teased the end of his moniker with cryptic billboards and social media posts. His upcoming album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to release on January 24, marks the final chapter in his trilogy, possibly signaling the close of a major era in his career.
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