Abel Tesfaye Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

The Weeknd as the world knows him — could be coming to an end!In the latest edition of, the singer — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — hints that his run as his longtime stage persona could be coming to an end.«I’m going through a cathartic path right now,” the „Starboy“ musician says inside of the magazine. „It’s getting to a place and a time where I’m getting ready to close the Weeknd chapter. I’ll still make music, maybe as Abel, maybe as The Weeknd.

Goodbye Weeknd, hello Abel.

The Weeknd has addressed the production troubles on his upcoming HBO series The Idol, describing the show’s overhaul as a “challenge”.Set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival later this month, The Idol follows aspiring pop singer Jocelyn (Lily-Rose Depp) who falls into a complex relationship with self-help guru and cult leader Tedros (Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd).The series, created by Tesfaye, Reza Fahim and Euphoria’s Sam Levinson, underwent an overhaul in April 2022 after a rough-cut was completed. This led to various changes in the cast and crew, including the departure of director Amy Seimetz.According to an interview with Tesfaye and Levinson with W Magazine, the singer was concerned the dynamic between his cult figure character and Jocelyn in the original cut was “not as complex” as they had envisioned, which led to a “pivot”.“Film and TV is a new creative muscle for me,” Tesfaye told the outlet. “I don’t release my music until I think it is great.

The Weeknd is going for the hat trick.

Abel Tesfaye, otherwise known as The Weeknd, and Lily-Rose Depp are speaking out.

Next month will bring the arrival of The Idol, the debut series by The Weeknd, to HBO. In a new interview with W Magazine, Abel Tesfaye has suggested that his move into film and TV has coincided with what he sees as the end of his music-making career, at least in some capacity. Speaking about where he is at creatively at the moment, Tesfaye told the magazine in a new cover story, "I’m going through a cathartic path right now.

The Weeknd has once again paired up with producer Mike Dean for four new tracks that appear on the latter’s new album ‘4:23’ – check them out below.‘4:23’ was released yesterday (April 28) and is Dean’s fourth studio album, following on from 2020’s ‘4:22’.The Weeknd (real name Abel Tesfaye) served as executive producer on the album and features on four tracks: ‘Artificial Intelligence’, ‘Defame Moi’, ‘More Coke!!’, and ‘Emotionless’ (which he also co-wrote).Check it out below. Dean and Tesfaye have worked together on numerous projects including The Weeknd’s 2015 album ‘Beauty Behind The Madness’ as well as ‘Where You Belong’, which was written for the Fifty Shades Of Grey soundtrack.More recently, the pair collaborated on ‘Double Fantasy’, the Future-led track lifted from upcoming HBO series The Idol, which both Dean and Tesfaye will star in.Album “4:23” @therealmikedean, co-produced by @theweeknd TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/9mJU9qGg3N— The Weeknd News (@NewsWeeknd) April 27, 2023The Idol also features Lily-Rose Depp, Moses Sumney, Hank Azaria, and Jennie of BLACKPINK.Rolling Stone did a report on the series mid-production and wrote that The Idol was “torture porn”. 13 anonymous sources from the show’s cast and crew have spoken out on the production of the anticipated series, calling it “a shitshow”.Tesfaye, Depp and HBO all responded to the claims, with The Weeknd tweeting, “Did we upset you?” alongside a clip from the show of him and Depp’s characters denouncing the magazine..@RollingStone did we upset you? pic.twitter.com/Uyx06lyRgx— The Weeknd (@theweeknd) March 1, 2023The series will premiere at this year’s Festival De Cannes and is set to be released on June 4.

The Weeknd has said he didn’t think he was “marketable” when he first began his music career.The artist, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, was talking to Interview magazine about his reasons for hiding his identity when he first began releasing music on YouTube back in 2010.“I wanted to be very calculated about how I wanted people to see me or hear my music. The initial reason I did that was I didn’t think I was marketable when I was younger, especially for R&B. I didn’t think I had the right look,” he explained.“The R&B look was very sexual back in the day.

The Weeknd and Future have released the new collaborative single k ‘Double Fantasy’ for the soundtrack to new HBO drama The Idol.The track is the first to be released from the official soundtrack of the new HBO Max series The Idol. The Weeknd co-created the show with Sam Levinson and Reza Fahim, and is said to be “one of HBO’s most provocative” shows yet.‘Double Fantasy’ is a darkened space pop track where The Weeknd – real name Abel Tesfaye – sings about a toxic relationship.

The Weeknd has been stepping out of his stage persona to introduce fans to the man behind the alter ego, Abel Tesfaye.

The Weeknd is speaking out about the criticism “The Idol” has experienced.

“torture porn” — is here.The “Blinding Lights” history-maker, 33, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, portrays shady nightclub owner Tedros, who becomes obsessed with Jocelyn, an up-and-coming pop star played by “nepo baby” Lily-Rose Depp, 23. “When was the last truly f – – king nasty, nasty bad-pop girl?” asks Jocelyn’s friend Caleb, portrayed by singer Troye Sivan, 27, as she poses for a sexy photo shoot in the teaser.

The Idol, a new TV show from The Weeknd, Reza Fahim, and Euphoria creator Sam Levinson, will debut this summer, it has been confirmed. The series will launch on HBO and the recently-renamed streaming service Max, on June 4.

On the heels of Harry Styles’ highly publicized pivot to acting and Taylor Swift’s already-infamous cameo in David O. Russell’s latest flop “Amsterdam,” another major pop star is throwing their hat in the acting ring.

the latest teaser and June premiere date for the controversial new series,, starring The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp.Co-created by Sam Levinson, The Weeknd — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — and Reza Fahim, the upcoming drama follows a pop star named Jocelyn (Depp) who is determined to reclaim «her rightful status as the greatest and sexiest pop star in America» after a nervous breakdown derailed her career. In doing so, she encounters Tedros (The Weeknd), a nightclub impresario who reignites her passions while also possibly leading her down a dark new path. In the new video set to Britney Spears' «Gimme More,» viewers get a taste for what's to come as Jocelyn navigates the ups and downs of being in the spotlight as she deals with video shoots, social media updates and various managers, publicists and entourage members all trying to control her narrative. In addition to The Weeknd and Depp, the series also stars Troye Siva, Dan Levy, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eli Roth, Hari Nef, Jane Adams, Jennie Ruby Jane, Mike Dean, Moses Sumney, Rachel Sennott, Ramsey, Suzanna Son and Hank Azaria.Leading up to its debut, sparked controversy after a investigation reported that the production had «gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails» with regard to chaotic scheduling, going over budget, last-minute script changes and overhauls on graphically violent and sexual scenes.In response, The Weeknd shared a clip from the series, in which his character slams the magazine for being «irrelevant.» The singer even threw additional shade in the caption, by writing, "@rollingstone did we upset you?«Depp also spoke out, telling ET, „Sam is, for so many reasons, the best director I have ever worked with.

Metro Boomin was joined by a star-studded support cast at his Coachella set on Friday night (April 14) – watch him perform with The Weeknd, Diddy, Future, John Legend and more below.During the set, the producer and rapper also welcomed the likes of 21 Savage, Mike Dean and Don Toliver to the stage.Opening with ‘On Time’ (featuring John Legend), he then went straight into introducing ‘Future’ for ‘Superhero (Heroes & Villains)‘ and three Future covers with the rapper.Elsewhere in the 23-song set, he covered three Weeknd songs alongside Abel Tesfaye, closing with an all-star performance of ‘Creepin’‘ featuring The Weeknd, 21 Savage and Diddy.See footage from the performance, which also featured a preview of a new track from The Weeknd, below.XOCHELLA

After weeks of speculation, Cannes Delegate General Thierry Frémaux confirmed Thursday morning that Sam Levinson’s Euphoria follow-up The Idol will screen out-of-Competition at the festival.

After weeks of speculation, Cannes Delegate General Thierry Frémaux confirmed Thursday morning that Sam Levinson’s Euphoria follow-up The Idol will screen out-of-Competition at the festival.

The Weeknd's more than a «Starboy,» he's the most popular artist in the world — at least according to the Guinness World Records.On Wednesday, GWR — previously known as The Guinness Book of World Records, a reference book published annually, listing world records both of human achievements and the extremes of the natural world -- declared that the «Blinding Lights» singer is statistically the most popular musician on the planet.Citing two new Guinness World Records titles, the records company said that The Weekend, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has not only become the artist with the most monthly listeners on Spotify, raking in 111.4 million as of March 20, but has become the first artist on the streaming platform to reach 100 million monthly listeners.GWR also notes that The Weeknd currently has almost 30 million more listeners than Miley Cyrus, who came in at second place at 82.4, with Shakira (81.6 million) coming in third.Trailing behind them, are Ariana Grande (80.6 million), Taylor Swift (80.2 million), Rihanna (78.5 million) and Ed Sheeran, who boasts a total of 77.5 million Spotify listenersThe ranking comes after the release of The Weeknd's «Die For You» remix featuring Ariana Grade. The remix has gone viral on TikTok and is being used frequently as a sound on the app.The track also hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the seventh number-one hit for both The Weeknd and Grande respectively.Outside of music, The Weeknd has been making headlines for his new HBO series, , following a bit of back and forth with music magazine .

The Weeknd has been named the world’s most popular artist in terms of Spotify statistics.That’s according to a new report by Guinness World Records in which the Spotify data of some of the biggest acts in the music industry has been analysed.The number of monthly listeners on the streaming platform is a key metric in Guinness‘ report. Abel Tesfaye aka The Weeknd has 111.4million monthly listeners.It comes weeks after Tesfaye became the first artist and so far the only act in Spotify history to hit 100million monthly listener milestone [via Billboard].The next artist on the list is Miley Cyrus, who currently tallies 82.4million monthly listeners.

“the world’s most popular artist.”The 33-year-old “Starboy” singer currently holds the Guinness title for the most monthly listeners on Spotify (male) at 111.6 million, which also makes him the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners on the platform, Guinness confirmed to The Post on Tuesday. His Spotify numbers even soar above other high-ranking acts, including Miley Cyrus, who has 82.3) million monthly listeners, Shakira (81.7 million), Taylor Swift (80.3 million) and Rihanna (78.2 million).The Weeknd’s closest male competitor, Ed Sheeran, has 77.5 million monthly Spotify listeners.

The Weeknd has been breaking more records.

The Weeknd has settled a copyright infringement case relating to his 2018 track ‘Call Out My Name’, it has been reported.The song featured on his first EP ‘My Dear Melancholy’ and saw the star singing over a minimal, melancholy R&B backing.In 2021, Suniel Fox and Henry Strange – who make up the electro duo Epikker – filed a lawsuit against The Weeknd and producers Frank Dukes and Nicolas Jaar, claiming that ‘Call Out My Name’ plagiarised their unreleased song ‘Vibeking’. The pair claimed that his track pulled from their vocal hook and lead guitar part.Now, a new filing in the case states that all parties have reached a settlement.

Last month, director Trey Shults confirmed that he and Abel Tesfaye (aka music superstar The Weeknd) would co-write a new film featuring Tesfaye, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. An intriguing list of artists there, to be sure.

The best in Canadian music have been revealed.

Jenna Ortega is excited about working with The Weeknd.

The Weeknd continues to break records.

Miley Cyrus truly gets her flowers as she claims a seventh consecutive week at Number 1 in the UK.

 claiming that the production of  is having issues, the show's stars, The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp, and HBO are speaking out in defense of the project.On Wednesday, released a lengthy article claiming that the series — helmed by 's Sam Levinson — has «gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails» with regard to chaotic scheduling, going over budget and last-minute script changes and overhauls on graphically violent and sexual scenes.In response, The Weeknd — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — shot back at the report, sharing a clip from the series, in which The Weeknd's character — a cult leader and self-help guru named Tedros — slams magazine for being «irrelevant.»The Weeknd threw additional shade in the caption, writing, "@rollingstone did we upset you?"A post shared by The Weeknd (@theweeknd) editor-in-chief Noah Shachtman replied to The Weeknd's message with two recent covers featuring the artist, writing, «Not at all!» Not at all! https://t.co/jKuDh7xAHQpic.twitter.com/TgLkYvsG9nIn the scene, Tedros is cozied up with pop star Joceyln (Lily-Rose Depp), as her publicist (Dan Levy) pitches the idea of Joceyln doing a photo shoot for the magazine."? Aren't they a little irrelevant?" Tedros asks, before pulling out his phone to look at their Instagram. " has six million followers on Instagram, half of them probably bots.

The forthcoming HBO show The Idol is said to be “the sleaziest love story in all of Hollywood,” according to its very own promo push from late last summer. And considering its creators — Euphori

Shutting it down. The Weeknd fired back after Rolling Stone published a scathing report that claimed his upcoming HBO show, The Idol, has gone “off the rails.”

 claiming that the production of The Weeknd's new HBO series,  is having issues, the singer-turned-actor has fired back at the publication.On Wednesday, released a lengthy article claiming that the show — created alongside s Sam Levinson — has «gone wildly, disgustingly off the rails» with regard to chaotic scheduling, going over budget and last-minute script changes and overhauls on graphically violent and sexual scenes.In response, The Weeknd — whose real name is Abel Tesfaye — shot back at the report Wednesday afternoon, sharing a clip from the series, in which The Weeknd's character — a cult leader and self-help guru named Tedros — slams magazine for being «irrelevant.»The Weeknd threw additional shade in the caption, writing, "@rollingstone did we upset you?"A post shared by The Weeknd (@theweeknd)In the scene, Tedros is cozied up with pop star Joceyln (played by Lily-Rose Depp), as her publicist (played by Dan Levy) pitches the idea of Joceyln doing a photo shoot for the magazine."? Aren't they a little irrelevant?" The Weeknd's Tedros asks, before pulling out his phone to look at their Instagram. " has 6 million followers on Instagram, half of them probably bots.

Rolling Stone story published Wednesday, many of the 13 anonymous sources claiming to be close to the project described the director’s scripts as including disturbing sexual and physically violent scenes between The Weeknd, 33, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, and Lily-Rose Depp, 23. “It was like any rape fantasy that any toxic man would have in the show — and then the woman comes back for more because it makes her music better,” one anonymous source told the publication.The series follows Depp’s character, a pop star named Jocelyn, who meets a nightclub owner, Tedros (The Weeknd), who secretly happens to run a cult similar to NXIVM and Scientology.In one example, Levinson allegedly proposed a scene in which Jocelyn was reportedly expected to successfully place and carry an egg in her vagina.

The Weeknd is set to star in an as-yet-untitled feature film, which he also co-wrote and is co-producing. The film also stars Jenna Ortega of ‘Wednesday’ fame and Barry Keoghan, who recently appeared in ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’.Co-written by Reza Fahim, Trey Edward Shults, Kevin Turen and Harrison Kreiss, details of the film are currently being kept under wraps.

The Weeknd has landed his first starring role in a movie, which Oneohtrix Point Never will score.The film, which as yet is untitled, was co-written by the singer with director Trey Edward Shults and will also star Wednesday actor Jenna Ortega and The Banshees Of Inisherin‘s Barry Keoghan.It has also been confirmed that the movie will be soundtracked by Oneohtrix Point Never, who previously worked with Abel Tesfaye on his 2022 album ‘Dawn FM’ and remixed the title track.The Weeknd previously appeared in 2019’s Netflix movie Uncut Gems and he is set to appear in HBO series The Idol as a self-help guru, club owner and leader of a modern-day cult, who begins dating an up-and-coming pop artist played by Lily-Rose Depp. It was co-created with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson.Meanwhile, Tesfaye recently shared a remix of his 2016 song ‘Die For You’, featuring new vocals from longtime collaborator Ariana Grande.The song first appeared on the tracklist of The Weeknd’s third studio album, ‘Starboy’.

The Weeknd is quickly positioning himself as a rising media mogul. Still fresh off producing and co-wiring a new TV series that he'll star in later this year, the singer has followed the exact same blueprint for the big screen.The «Earned It» singer is set to star in his own yet-to-be-named film, which he also co-wrote (alongside Reza Fahim and Trey Edward Shults)  and produced.