In a recent interview with Variety, The Weeknd opened up about the mental strain he experienced after losing his voice during a concert in Los Angeles two years ago. The incident, which led to the cancellation of the show, was a pivotal moment for the singer, causing him to seriously consider stepping away from his stage persona and performing under his real name, Abel Makkonen Tesfaye.
Reflecting on the event, The Weeknd described the situation as unprecedented. He recalled performing through personal hardships in the past, such as a breakup or a family death, but losing his voice during a live show was something he had never faced before. Despite his efforts to power through with vocal warm-ups, the “Blinding Lights” singer admitted feeling “defeated on the world stage” with everyone watching.
This experience had a profound impact on The Weeknd, prompting him to reevaluate his outlook on his career, family, and mental health. These reflections are evident in his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, set to release on January 26, along with a film that will be released in May. The film, co-written by The Weeknd, stars him alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan.
During the interview, The Weeknd also discussed the possibility of retiring his stage name after the album’s release, saying, “Don’t overstay at the party – you can end it now and live a happy life.” He suggested that walking away at the peak of his career, symbolized by the album Hurry Up Tomorrow, could be the right way to end this chapter of his life. The Weeknd seems focused on finding peace and balance, both personally and professionally.
