Renowned musician Abel Tesfaye, known to fans as the Weeknd, has revealed in a recent interview with W Magazine that he may soon retire his famous alter ego. The Grammy-winning artist discussed his upcoming HBO musical drama, “The Idol,” which is set to premiere in June, as well as his plans to release new music.
Tesfaye hinted at the possibility of ending the Weeknd persona, stating, “I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. 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 singer has previously mentioned an elaborate roll-out plan for his next musical project, which could complete a trilogy that includes 2020’s “After Hours” and 2021’s “Dawn FM.” He shared that the upcoming album might be his “last hurrah as the Weeknd,” adding, “As the Weeknd, I’ve said everything I can say.”
Tesfaye also discussed the challenges of playing his character, cult leader Tedros, in “The Idol” while simultaneously performing as the Weeknd. The overlap between the two roles even led him to cancel a second concert at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium after losing his voice.
Co-starring Lily-Rose Depp, “The Idol” has experienced its share of delays and reshoots following the departure of original director Amy Seimetz in 2022. “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson later stepped in, a decision that sparked controversy. Tesfaye, however, remains committed to the quality of the series, stating, “I don’t release my music until I think it is great. Why would this be any different?”
