Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, record producer, and actor born on February 16, 1990, making him 35 years old in 2025. With a net worth of $300 million, his wealth stems from chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and strategic business ventures. The Weeknd’s salary from tours can exceed $90 million annually during active years. Currently unmarried, he has been linked to high-profile relationships, including Bella Hadid and Selena Gomez. Standing at 5 feet 8 inches and weighing approximately 75 kg, his enigmatic persona continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Early Life and Rise to Fame: The Weeknd’s Age and Background
Born in Toronto, Canada, The Weeknd’s age of 35 reflects a journey from humble beginnings to global stardom. Raised by his mother, Samrawit Hailu, and grandmother in Scarborough, his Ethiopian heritage shaped his cultural identity. His parents, both Ethiopian immigrants, separated early, leaving Abel to navigate a challenging youth. By age 11, he experimented with marijuana, later escalating to harder substances, which influenced his raw, introspective lyrics. Dropping out of high school at 17, he pursued music, uploading tracks to YouTube in 2009 under a veil of anonymity, sparking intrigue that fueled his rise.
His debut mixtape, House of Balloons (2011), redefined alternative R&B with its haunting, cinematic sound. Collaborations with Drake and critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork propelled him to sign with Republic Records in 2012. His compilation album Trilogy and debut studio album Kiss Land (2013) solidified his place in music, but Beauty Behind the Madness (2015) marked his mainstream breakthrough with hits like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills”.
The Weeknd’s Net Worth and Salary: A Financial Powerhouse
As of 2025, The Weeknd’s net worth is estimated at $300 million, driven by music sales, tours, and business ventures. His salary peaks during touring years, with his After Hours til Dawn Tour reportedly grossing over $150 million globally. Albums like Starboy (2016) and After Hours (2020) have sold millions, with “Blinding Lights” becoming the most-streamed song on Spotify, surpassing 3 billion streams. His business acumen shines through collaborations with Puma, H&M, and Apple, alongside investments in esports and music tech startups like OverActive Media.
A unique insight: The Weeknd’s decision to release early mixtapes for free online built a loyal fanbase, a strategy that contrasts with today’s paywalled music platforms. This approach, rooted in accessibility, mirrors tactics used by modern influencers to grow audiences organically. His 2023 live album, Live at SoFi Stadium, and recent film Hurry Up Tomorrow (starring Jenna Ortega) showcase his ability to diversify income streams beyond music.
Dating History and Marital Status: Is The Weeknd Married?
The Weeknd is not married and remains single as of 2025, though his dating history has drawn significant attention. He dated Bella Hadid on and off from 2015 to 2019, with their relationship sparking media frenzy due to their high-profile appearances, including the 2016 Grammy Awards. His romance with Selena Gomez in 2017 was brief but highly publicized, ending after ten months. Since 2022, he has been linked to Simi Khadra, though no recent confirmations exist.
The Weeknd has openly discussed his views on relationships, telling GQ in 2021, “I feel like I’m the kind of guy that would have kids before getting married.” This perspective offers a glimpse into his priorities, balancing career and personal life. Fans often speculate about his lyrics reflecting heartbreak, particularly in tracks like “Call Out My Name”, rumored to reference Gomez. His openness about love and vulnerability sets him apart in an industry often guarded about personal matters.
Height, Weight, and Physical Presence
The Weeknd’s height is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), and his weight is approximately 75 kg (165 lbs), though these metrics fluctuate. Known for his signature dreadlocks in the early 2010s, he later adopted a sleek, modern look, aligning with his evolving artistic persona. His stage presence, marked by high-energy performances and dramatic visuals, enhances his physical impact. For instance, his 2021 Super Bowl halftime show, celebrated as The Weeknd Day in Toronto, showcased his ability to command global audiences.
Recent Updates and Career Milestones
In 2025, The Weeknd continues to dominate with his album Hurry Up Tomorrow, which, despite a lukewarm film reception, climbed U.K. charts post-vinyl release. His six songs on Billboard’s global charts, including “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears”, reflect enduring popularity. His philanthropy, including $1 million for COVID-19 relief in 2020, underscores his commitment to social causes. Collaborations with Ariana Grande and Doja Cat keep him relevant, while his role in Uncut Gems and HBO’s The Idol highlight his acting ambitions.
A case study: The Weeknd’s Spotify milestone of 100 million monthly listeners in 2023, a first for any artist, illustrates his digital dominance. This achievement, driven by streaming-friendly hits, offers a blueprint for artists navigating the modern music landscape. His ability to blend genres—R&B, pop, and synthwave—sets a precedent for versatility.
Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abel Makkonen Tesfaye |
| Stage Name | The Weeknd |
| Date of Birth | February 16, 1990 |
| Age | 35 years old (2025) |
| Net Worth | $300 million |
| Salary (Touring Year) | Up to $90 million annually |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Ethiopian |
| Hometown | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Parents | Makkonen Tesfaye, Samrawit Hailu |
| Education | Dropped out of West Hill Collegiate Institute and Birchmount Park Collegiate |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Dating History | Bella Hadid (2015–2019), Selena Gomez (2017), Simi Khadra (2022–present?) |
| Major Awards | 4 Grammy Awards, 20 Billboard Music Awards, 22 Juno Awards |
| Notable Albums | House of Balloons, Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours |
| Business Ventures | Puma, H&M, Apple, OverActive Media |
| Philanthropy | $1 million for COVID-19 relief, University of Toronto Ethiopic program |
Why The Weeknd Stands Out
The Weeknd’s journey from a drug-addled teenager to a global icon is a testament to resilience. His ability to channel personal struggles into music resonates deeply, offering fans authenticity rare in pop culture. Unlike many artists, his anonymity early on created a mystique that amplified his appeal, a strategy that could inspire new artists. His 2025 projects, including potential new music and acting roles, signal continued evolution.
For more on The Weeknd’s career, visit his Wikipedia page or follow him on X and Instagram. For financial insights, check Forbes.
