The Weeknd’s Transformative Year: From Album Release to Hometown Recognition

A Year of Milestones and Transformation

The Weeknd kicked off 2025 with the release of his sixth studio album ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ on January 31, which produced the US top-five single ‘Timeless’. This album completes a trilogy that began with ‘After Hours’ (2020) and continued with ‘Dawn FM’ (2022).

Toronto’s Hometown Hero

In a significant hometown recognition, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow presented Abel ‘The Weeknd’ Tesfaye with the Key to the City. The honour coincided with his four highly anticipated concerts at Rogers Centre, with the city officially proclaiming July 26-27, 2025 as the ‘Weeknd Weekend’ in Toronto.

Continued Philanthropy and Impact

Tesfaye’s commitment to his community remains strong through his co-founding of HXOUSE, a Toronto-based innovation hub supporting emerging creatives and entrepreneurs. In partnership with Live Nation, he has invested in the Boys & Girls Club of West Scarborough and Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute to create youth spaces.

Professional Evolution

The artist has expanded his creative horizons, making his leading actor debut in ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’, where he portrays a fictionalized version of himself in a story about a singer who experiences an existential journey after losing his voice on stage. As of 2025, Tesfaye has been focusing on new music under his own name, alongside high-profile ventures and world tours, cementing his position as one of the defining figures in 21st-century music.

Recognition and Achievements

The artist’s accolades have continued to grow, with his trophy collection expanding significantly since 2022. By mid-2025, he has accumulated 176 award wins from 517 nominations across major music platforms and ceremonies, including four Grammy Awards, twenty-two Billboard Music Awards, and twenty-two Juno Awards.