Celebrating Abel: The Weeknd Turns 32

What better way to wrap up Aquarius season than to celebrate one of our favorites? Yes, we are talking about The Weeknd (Abel Makkonen Tesfaye). The Weeknd is now 32 years old—though he doesn’t age (unless it’s for an album cover). In light of his birthday, we have taken a look back at all his successes, and let’s just say they’re worth celebrating.

3 x Grammy Award Winner

Starting off strong, The Weeknd has won three Grammy Awards. In 2016, he did a double whammy. He earned two Grammy’s in one night; one for “Best Urban Contemporary Album” and the other for “Best R&B Performance.” In 2018 he won “Best Urban Contemporary Album” once again. Though Abel will be boycotting the Grammy Awards this year, he has still earned three nominations.

ALbums & Ep’s

The Weeknd’s discography consists of 8 albums and 2 EP’s. His first album, House of Balloons, was released in March of 2011. Since then, he has created a plethora of albums, EP’s, singles, and collaborations with other artists, most notably Arianna Grande and Drake. The Weeknd has shown the world that he is not done creating music anytime soon, especially since the release of his most recent album, Dawn FM, on January 7th, 2022.

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Source: Spotify

2021 super bowl halftime show

Of all the notable achievements in The Weeknd’s career, this one is certainly high on the list. At Super Bowl 55 in Tampa Bay, he was the headliner for the entire duration of the Pepsi Halftime Show. During the near fifteen-minute performance, The Weeknd performed a compilation of some of his most popular tunes. He concluded the performance with his, at the time, recently released hit single “Blinding Lights,” whilst hundreds of dancers lit up the entire football field.

fifty shades of grey

The Weeknd had two songs featured on the iconic Fifty Shades of Grey soundtrack. In terms of music, the trilogy is most often associated with his song off of Beauty Behind the Madness, “Earned It.” Though he did not win, “Earned It” was even nominated for an Oscar for “Best Original Song” at the 2016 Academy Awards. The Weeknd’s other tune off of the Fifty Shades soundtrack is called “Where You Belong.”

It is undeniable that The Weeknd has had quite a successful career thus far. From Super Bowls, to film, and all the music in between, he is definitely worth celebrating. We have comprised a playlist below of all of our favorite tunes from the artist—you’re welcome.

Happy 32nd birthday to our favorite Aquarius, Abel!

Which is your favorite song by The Weeknd? Leave a comment below.