The Weeknd

House of Balloons Mixtape Cult Hit

The Weeknd anonymously releases 'House of Balloons' on YouTube, creating buzz in underground R&B circles. The dark, atmospheric sound caught the attention of Drake and industry insiders.

Kiss Land Debut Album

His first major label album 'Kiss Land' debuts at #2 on Billboard 200, establishing him as a commercial force. While divisive among critics, it proved his fanbase was substantial.

Beauty Behind the Madness Breakthrough

'Can't Feel My Face' and 'The Hills' both hit #1, while the album sells over 1.5 million copies in the US. The Weeknd transitioned from cult artist to mainstream pop superstar.

Starboy and International Domination

'Starboy' featuring Daft Punk becomes a global phenomenon, while the album showcases his evolution. He established himself as one of the world's biggest pop stars.

After Hours and Blinding Lights

'Blinding Lights' becomes the longest-charting song in Billboard Hot 100 history and one of the most-streamed songs ever. The 80s-inspired hit achieved unprecedented global success.

Super Bowl Halftime Show

Headlines the Super Bowl LV halftime show, personally investing $7 million to enhance the production. The performance was viewed by over 100 million people, cementing his superstar status.

Dawn FM and Acting Debut

Releases concept album 'Dawn FM' to critical acclaim while expanding into acting with HBO's 'The Idol.' His artistic ambitions continued to grow across multiple mediums.

Streaming Records and Tours

Becomes one of the most-streamed artists globally, with billions of streams across platforms. His world tours consistently gross hundreds of millions, proving his massive global draw.

Global R&B/Pop Icon

The Weeknd stands as one of the defining artists of the 2010s-2020s, with record-breaking songs, a Super Bowl performance, and billions in streaming. His distinctive sound revolutionized contemporary R&B and made him a universally recognized global icon.