The Weeknd

The Weeknd & Girlfriend Simi Khadra Spent Their Long Weekend Partying In LA

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Throughout his career, Abel Tesfaye – better known as The Weeknd – has been linked to plenty of beautiful women. His most high-profile relationships, of course, were with supermodel Bella Hadid, and Disney Channel alum Selena Gomez. Aside from those, the Canadian has also been linked to Yovanna Ventura, Chantel Jeffries, Rosalia, and Angelia Jolie. Most recently, though, his heart reportedly belongs to Simi Khadra, who he’s rumoured to have been dating since August 2022.

As UsWeekly notes, the DJ and the singer first made headlines in April 2021, but it wasn’t until nearly a year later that sources saw them smooching in public. Since then, Tesfaye and his girl have stepped out on multiple occasions together. This past weekend, they were photographed in California, leaving the Roger Room in West Hollywood during the early hours of Sunday (April 9) morning. The Weeknd wore an almost all-black outfit, consisting of casual pants, a t-shirt, and a jacket. To complete the outfit, he added a black and white cap, and thick-soled boots on his feet.

The Weeknd and His Girl Hit the Town

The Weeknd and Simi Khadra are seen on July 18, 2022, in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images)

Khadra did her best to coordinate, also leaning into the dark side with a lengthy black sweater and boots. It remains unclear if the couple spent the evening with any other celebrities, or were simply enjoying one another’s company. Things have been relatively quiet on The Weeknd’s front as of late, though he did deliver the long-awaited deluxe version of his highly favoured Starboy album just last month. Among the handful of new tracks comes the Ariana Grande-assisted remix of “Die For You,” which has been in constant rotation for many this spring.

Besides his music, Abel Tesfaye has also been hard at work on his upcoming HBO series, The Idol. The singer-turned-actor stars opposite Lily Rose-Depp as a cult leader who crosses paths with an impressionable young popstar and subsequently changes her life – not necessarily for the better. Read more about the Sam Levinson-directed project here, and see photos from The Weeknd and Simi Khadra’s latest outing together here.

[Via] [Via]

The Weeknd Is Officially The “Most Popular Artist”, According To The Guinness World Record

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The Weeknd shattered a number of records throughout his illustrious career but according to the Guinness Book of World Records, the Canadian star is officially the biggest artist across the globe. According to statistics, largely made up of unmatched streaming numbers, The Weeknd is now the “most popular artist” worldwide. The Guinness World Records bestowed the title upon the After Hours singer this morning, weeks after Spotify named The Weeknd as the only artist to surpass the 100M listener mark.

In late February, the streaming platform revealed the Weeknd as the sole artist who ever reached this benchmark. However, he’s accrued even more followers since. Guinness reports that the “Starboy” artist’s streaming followers boosted to 111.4M since he reached the milestone in late February. The Weeknd leads the pack by a landslide with Miley Cyrus just behind him at 82.4M monthly listeners and Shakira in third place with 81.6M. Both of these accomplishments have been documented as two separate records in the Guinness Books.

The Weeknd Makes History In Guinness World Records

If numbers are any indication, then The Weeknd will go down as the greatest of all time. It’s an interesting feat, especially since he just matched Michael Jackson’s record as the only two male soloists to have numerous #1 hits on the Hot 100 from three separate albums. This came after the release of the “Die For You” remix ft. Ariana Grande, which spread across TikTok and propelled to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 a week after its release. Guinness credits the song’s success and massive streaming numbers for boosting The Weeknd to the title of most popular artist. 

Besides The Weeknd’s world record, he has a few projects in the world right now. Along with the controversial HBO series The Idol, which has been under scrutiny following a report from Rolling Stone, he’ll make his feature film debut in his first starring role, where he’ll also serve as a writer and producer. Little information surrounding the movie is available but perhaps, we’ll find him breaking another Guinness World Record when he makes his official foray in the film world. 

The Weeknd Is ‘Statistically’ The Most Popular Artist In The World, According To Guinness World Records

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The Weeknd
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The Weeknd has his hands full with new music, his controversial HBO series The Idol, his concert film, and more. Meanwhile, he’s been breaking records left and right following last year’s release of the seismic album Dawn FM.

In January, the “Blinding Lights” performer became the first artist in history to cross 96 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Then, in the following month, he became the first artist in Spotify History to reach 100 million monthly listeners. So it comes as no surprise that Guinness World Records have deemed him “statistically the most popular musician on the planet.”

“There’s two new world records for @theweeknd as he has become the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners on @Spotify,” they wrote on Twitter. In their article, they noted that “no one else even comes close,” with Miley Cyrus trailing behind with 82.4 million monthly listeners on the app.

Following Cyrus is Shakira with 81.6 million, Ariana Grande with 80.6 million, Taylor Swift with 80.2 million, Rihanna with 78.5 million, and Ed Sheeran with 77.5 million.

Last month, The Weeknd teamed up with pop powerhouse Grande for a “Die For You” remix, which definitely helped boost both of their streaming numbers since the 2016 song has been experiencing a resurgence on the charts due to TikTok.

The Weeknd Has Settled The ‘Call Out My Name’ Copyright Infringement Lawsuit

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Rolling Stone reports The Weeknd has settled a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against him over his 2018 single “Call On Out My Name.” The lawsuit was filed in September 2021 by the electro duo Epikker, who claimed that “Call Out My Name” was significantly similar to their unreleased song “Vibeking.”

According to Billboard, Epikker — which consists of Suniel Fox and Henry Strange — claimed to have evidence that The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) had heard the song. Email correspondence between Epikker and Tesfaye’s “playback engineer” appeared to confirm that he’d “listened to and liked” the original song.

In a statement filed with the Los Angeles court on Friday, the plaintiffs’ attorneys wrote, “The parties have reached a settlement in principle of this action. Because the parties are still in the process of formalizing, executing, and consummating that settlement, Plaintiff respectfully requests that the Court take all dates off calendar and set a date in 30 days for the parties to file a joint status report if the case has not already been dismissed.”

This isn’t the first time The Weeknd was sued by other songwriters for allegedly copying their work. In 2019, he was sued over his Starboy track “A Lonely Night” while in 2020, the band Yeasayer sued both The Weeknd and Kendrick Lamar over their Black Panther song “Pray For Me.” However, that suit was dropped a month later. The Weeknd is currently one of the celebrities named in a class-action suit over the promotion of NFTs.

Metro Boomin’, The Weeknd, 21 Savage, And Diddy Get Nostalgic On Their ‘Creepin” Remix

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Metro Boomin‘ has shared an updated version of his collaboration with 21 Savage and The Weeknd, “Creepin’.” Though, some fans may say that this update feels quite like a throwback. You see, “Creepin’” interpolates a 2004 song called “I Don’t Want To Know” by Mario Winans, Diddy, and a vocal sample from Enya. Almost 20 years later, Diddy revisits his classic heartache anthem, creating a special feel of early aughts nostalgia.

The “Creepin’” remix features its standard verses — which comprise of The Weeknd’s recreation of Winan’s verses, as well as Enya’s vocals, an original verse by 21 Savage — and a new verse by Diddy.

“They ain’t real ain’t they ain’t Puff / Ain’t a place in this world that my feet ain’t touch / I got visions that cost millions and make billions / Baby girl, we can make love or make trillions” raps Diddy on his verse.

Diddy’s verse is notably different from that of the 2004 original, on which, he laments the thought of his woman cheating. This time, Diddy is assured, as in the nearly two decades since “I Don’t Wanna Know,” he’s reached billionaire status.

Still, it makes for a pleasant union across two generations of hip-hop.

You can check out the “Creepin’” remix above.

The Weeknd And Jessie Reyez Won Big At The 2023 Juno Awards Hosted By Simu Liu

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Jessie Reyez Juno Awards 2023
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Outside of Avril Lavigne being swarmed by a topless protestor during her presentation onstage, the 2023 Juno Awards went off without a hitch. The annual music ceremony for Canadian artists was held last night (March 13) in Edmonton at Rogers Place. Hosted by actor Simu Liu, some of the biggest names in music were present, well, except The Weeknd.

Despite not being present, the Toronto native was awarded five Junos, including Single of the year, Album of the year, and Artist of the year, making him the second most awarded music in Juno Awards history. The top spot is currently being held by Anne Murray. Other notable winners include Jessie Reyez, who not only performed but also took home the award for Contemporary R&B recording of the year for their album, Yessie.

Band Arkells also broke a record. After winning group of the year, the group is now the most awards in that category. Singer Savannah Ré hit a three-peat after winning traditional R&B recording of the year yet again.

View the full list of winners below.

TikTok Juno fan choice

  • Avril Lavigne
  • Lauren Spencer-Smith
  • MacKenzie Porter
  • Preston Pablo
  • Rêve
  • Shawn Mendes
  • Tate McRae
  • The Reklaws
  • The Weeknd
  • Tyler Shaw

Single of the year

  • “Bite Me” – Avril Lavigne
  • “Flowers Need Rain” – Preston Pablo and Banx & Ranx
  • “When You’re Gone” – Shawn Mendes
  • “She’s all I Wanna Be” – Tate McRae
  • “Sacrifice” – The Weeknd

International album of the year

  • Ed Sheeran – =
  • Harry Styles – Harry’s House
  • Lil Nas X – Montero
  • Taylor Swift – Midnights
  • Taylor Swift – Red (Taylor’s Version)

Album of the year

  • Ali Gatie – Who Hurt You?
  • Avril Lavigne – Love Sux
  • Nav – Demons Protected By Angels
  • Tate McRae – I Used to Think I Could Fly,
  • The Weeknd – Dawn FM

Artist of the year

  • Avril Lavigne
  • Lauren Spencer-Smith
  • Michael Bublé
  • Shawn Mendes
  • The Weeknd

Group of the year

  • Arcade Fire
  • Arkells
  • Billy Talent
  • Metric
  • The Reklaws

Breakthrough artist of the year

  • Dax
  • Devon Cole
  • Preston Pablo
  • RealestK
  • Rêve

Breakthrough group of the year

  • Banx & Ranx
  • Harm & Ease
  • Rare Americans
  • Tommy Lefroy
  • Wild Rivers

Songwriter of the year

  • Abel Tesfaye: “Less Than Zero” (co-songwriters Tomoko Yamaguch, Hamada Tetsuro, Daniel Lopatin, the Weeknd); “Out of Time” (co-songwriters Max Martin, Fragogian Josefsson, Axel Hedfors, Oscar Holter, Sebastian Ingrosso, Carl Nordstrom, Kevin Duane McCord); “Sacrifice” (co-songwriters Max Martin, Fragogian Josefsson, Axel Hedfors, Oscar Holter, Sebastian Ingrosso, Carl Nordstrom, Kevin Duane McCord).
  • Faouzia: “Anybody Else” (co-songwriters Andre Davidson, Michelle Buzz, Sean Davidson);
  • “Puppet” (co-songwriters Andre Davidson, Johnny Goldstein, Sean Davidson); “RIP, Love” (co-songwriters Fran Hall, Jakke Erixson).
  • Tate McRae: “Chaotic” (co-songwriter Victoria Zaro); “Feel Like Shit” (co-songwriters Victoria Zaro, Jacob Hindlin, Russell J Chell); “She’s all I Wanna Be” (co-songwriter Greogry Kurstin).
  • Tenille Townes: “The Last Time” (co-songwriters Gordon Sampson, Benjamin Goldsmith); “When you Need It” (co-songwriter Stephen Wrabel); “When’s it Gonna Happen” (co-songwriters Stephenie Jones, Stephen Wrabel).
  • Tobi: “Before we Panic” (co-songwriters Alex Goose, Eric Hagstrom, John Stephen Sudduth, Kevin Martin, Tony Martin, Stephenie Jones, Stephen Wrabel); “Flowers” (co-songwriters Alex Goose, Daniele Luppi, Homer Steinweiss, Nick Movshon, Nicole Wray, Leon Michels, Paul Spring); “Move” (co-songwriters Alex Goose, Jessica Lee Hansell, Jon Bap, Robin Hannibal, Tavon Thompson, Tyler Demorest).

Country album of the year

  • High Valley – Way Back
  • Jade Eagleson – Honkytonk Revival
  • Orville Peck – Bronco
  • Tenille Townes – Masquerades
  • The Reklaws – Good Ol’ Days

Adult alternative album of the year

  • Altameda – Born Losers
  • Basia Bulat – The Garden
  • Dan Mangan – Being Somewhere
  • The Sadies – Colder Streams
  • The Weather Station – How is it That I Should Look at the Stars

Alternative album of the year

  • Alvvays – Blue Rev
  • Luna Li – Duality
  • Ombiigizi – Sewn Back Together
  • Pup – The Unraveling of PupTheBand
  • Tanya Tagaq – Tongues

Pop album of the year

  • Alessia Cara – In the Meantime
  • Avril Lavigne – Love Sux
  • Carly Rae Jepsen – The Loneliest Tim,
  • Tate McRae – I Used to Think I Could Fly
  • The Weeknd – Dawn FM

Rock album of the year

  • Alexisonfire – Otherness
  • Billy Talent – Crisis of Faith
  • Nickelback – Get Rollin’
  • The Sheepdogs – Outta Sight
  • Three Days Grace – Explosions

Vocal jazz album of the year

  • Caity Gyorgy – Featuring
  • Diana Panton – Blue
  • Laura Anglade and Sam Kirmayer – Venez donc chez moi
  • Nikki Yanofsky – Nikki by Starlight
  • The Ostara Project – The Ostara Project

Jazz album of the year

  • Ernesto Cervini – Joy
  • Lauren Falls – A Little Louder Now
  • Luis Deniz – El Tinajon
  • Rafael Zaldivar – Rumba
  • Renee Rosnes – Kinds of Love

Jazz album of the year

  • Andrew Rathbun Quintet – Semantics
  • BadBadNotGood – Talk Memory
  • Carn Davidson 9 – The History of Us
  • Florian Hoefner Trio – Desert Bloom
  • Mark Kelso & the Jazz Exiles – The Dragon’s Tail

Instrumental album of the year

  • Canadian Brass – Canadiana,
  • Esmerine – Everything was Forever Until it was no More,
  • Hard Rubber Orchestra – Iguana
  • Jean-Michel Blais – Aubades
  • Stephan Moccio – Lionheart

Album francophone de l’année

  • Ariane Roy – Medium plaisir
  • Daniel Bélanger – Mercure en mai
  • Hubert Lenoir – Pictura de ipse: Musique directe
  • Les Louanges – Crash
  • Lisa LeBlanc – Chiac Disco

Children’s album of the year

  • Beppie – Nice to Meet You
  • Jeremy and Jazzy – Say Hello
  • Splash’N Boots – I am Love
  • Walk off the Earth and Romeo Eats – Walk off the Earth & Romeo Eats, Vol. 2
  • Young Maestro and Keysha Freshh – Maestro Fresh Wes Presents: Julia the Great

Classical album of the year (solo artist)

  • Bruce Liu – Winner of the 18th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition Warsaw 2021,
  • David Jalbert – Prokofiev: Piano Sonatas, Vol. 1
  • Isabel Bayrakdarian – La Zingarella: Through Romany Songland
  • James Ehnes – Bach: Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin
  • Philip Chiu – Fables

Classical album of the year (large ensemble)

  • Clara – Robert – Johannes: Lyrical Echoes, Canada’s National Arts Centre Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Shelley
  • Handel: Messiah, HWV 56, Ensemble Caprice, Ensemble Vocal Arts-Quebec, conducted by Matthias Maute, featuring Karina Gauvin
  • Richard Strauss: Metamorphosen – Arvo Pärt: Symphonie No. 4, ‘Los Angeles,’ I Musici de Montréal, conducted by Jean-Marie Zeitouni
  • Viola Borealis, Orchestre de l’Agora, conducted by Nicolas Ellis, featuring Marina Thibeault
  • Radiant Dawn: Music for Advent and Christmas, The Elora Singers, conducted by Mark Vuorinen

Classical album of the year (small ensemble)

  • Andrew Balfour and musica intima – Nagamo
  • ARC Ensemble – Hemsi: Chamber Works
  • collectif9 – Vagues et ombres
  • Elinor Frey and Rosa Barocca, conducted by Claude Lapalme – Early Italian Cello Concertos
  • Suzie LeBlanc, Marie Nadeau-Tremblay, Vincent Lauzer, and Sylvain Bergeron – De la cour de Louis XIV à Shippagan! Chants traditionnels acadiens et airs de cour du XVIIe siècle

Classical composition of the year

  • Anthony Tan – An Overall Augmented Sense of Well-being
  • Bekah Simms – Bestiary I & II
  • Keyan Emami – The Black Fish
  • Nicole Lizée – Prayers for Ruins
  • Vincent Ho – Supervillain Études,

Rap album/EP of the year

  • Boslen – Gonzo
  • Classified – Retrospected (Acoustic)
  • Jazz Cartier – The Fleur Print Vol. 2
  • Nav – Demons Protected by Angels
  • Tobi – Shall I Continue?

Dance recording of the year

  • “Afterglow” – Bob Moses and Kasablanca
  • “Shinigami Eyes” – Grimes
  • “These Nights,” – Loud Luxury feat. Kiddo
  • “Ctrl + Alt + Del” – Rêve
  • “Spiral” – Rezz

Contemporary R&B recording of the year

  • “When Flowers Bloom” – Adria Kain
  • “If I Get Caught” – dvsn
  • No Longer in the Suburbs – Dylan Sinclair
  • Yessie – Jessie Reyez
  • “WTF” – Savannah Ré

Reggae recording of the year

  • “Water” – Ammoye
  • “Like a Star” – Celena
  • “Jah Love” – Exco Levi
  • “In the Streets” – Kairo McLean
  • “Reggae Party,” – Kirk Diamond, Kairo McLean and Finn feat. Kairo McLean

Contemporary Indigenous artist or group of the year

  • Watin, Aysanabee
  • Zhawenim, Digging Roots
  • Code Red, Indian City
  • Beyond the Reservoir, Julian Taylor
  • The Crossing, Susan Aglukark

Contemporary roots album of the year

  • Blackie and the Rodeo Kings – O Glory
  • Fortunate Ones – That was you and Me
  • Shakura S’Aida – Hold on to Love
  • The Bros. Landreth – Come Morning
  • The East Pointers – House of Dreams

Traditional roots album of the year

  • Allison de Groot & Tatiana Hargreaves – Hurricane Clarice
  • Le Vent du Nord – 20 printemps
  • Mama’s Broke – Narrow Line
  • Pharis & Jason Romero – Tell ‘Em You Were Gold
  • The McDades – The Empress

Blues album of the year

  • Angelique Francis – Long River
  • Crystal Shawanda – Midnight Blues
  • Harrison Kennedy – Thanks for Tomorrow
  • Spencer Mackenzie – Preach to my Soul
  • The Harpoonist & the Axe Murderer – Live at the King Eddy

Contemporary Christian/gospel album of the year

  • Dan Bremnes – Into the Wild
  • Daniel Ojo – Trust
  • Jordan St. Cyr – Jordan St. Cyr
  • Love & the Outcome – Only Ever Always
  • Tehillah Worship – The Church Will Rise,

Global music album of the year

  • Ghalia Benali, Constantinople, and Kiya Tabassian – In the Footsteps of Rumi
  • Lenka Lichtenberg – Thieves of Dreams,
  • Pierre Kwenders – José Louis and the Paradox of Love,
  • Ruby Singh – Vox.Infold,
  • Wesli – Tradisyon,

Jack Richardson producer of the year

  • Akeel Henry: “For Tonight,” Giveon (co-producers Sevn Thomas, Jahaan Sweet); “Splash,” John Legend (co-producer Tone, Kevin Ekofo).
  • Banx & Ranx: “Ctrl + Alt + Del,” Rêve; “Dynamite feat. Sia,” Sean Paul (co-producers Greg Kurstin, Jason Jigzagula Henriques).
  • Kaytranada: “dog food,” IDK; “Iced Tea,” Joyce Wrice and Kaytranada.
  • Mike Wise: “10 Things I Hate About You,” Leah Kate; “Yuck,” Charli XCX.
  • Murda Beatz: “California Breeze,” Lil Baby (co-producer Marcel Korkutata); “Have Mercy,” Chlöe (co-producers Chlöe, BoogzDaBeast, Fnz, Joseph L’Etranger).

Recording engineer of the year

  • Derek Hoffman: “My Body,” Lili-Ann De Francesco; “Stronger Than you Know,” the East Pointers.
  • George Seara: “Hell/Heaven,” Keshi; “It’ll be Okay,” Shawn Mendes.
  • Gus van Go: “Grow up Tomorrow,” the Beaches; “What Feels Like Eternity,” Metric.
  • Jason Dufour: “She Don’t Know,” Jade Eagleson; “The old Me,” Ria Mae.
  • Serban Ghenea: “That’s What I Want,” Lil Nas X; “Unholy,” Sam Smith feat. Kim Petras.

Album artwork of the year

  • Emy Storey (art director, designer, photographer), Becca McFarlane and Pamela Littky (photographers): Crybaby, Tegan and Sara.
  • Ian Ilavsky (art director and designer), Maciek Szczerbowski (illustrator): Everything was Forever Until it was no More, Esmerine.
  • Jud Haynes (art director, designer): Kubasongs, Kubasonics.
  • Kee Avil (art director), Lawrence Fafard (photographer): Crease, Kee Avil.
  • Lights (art director, illustrator), Virgilio Tzaj (designer), Matt Barnes (photographer): PEP, Lights.

Music video of the year

  • “Fraud” by Emma Higgins (Jessie Reyez)
  • “Unholy” by Floria Sigismondi (Sam Smith and Kim Petras)
  • “Have Mercy” by Karena Evans (Chlöe)
  • “Different Than Before” by Mayumi Yoshida (Amanda Sum)
  • “Remember me for Me” by Sterling Larose (SonReal and Lily Moore)

Electronic album of the year

  • Mecha Maiko – Not OK
  • Odonis Odonis – Spectrums
  • Rezz – Nightmare on Rezz Street 2 Mix
  • Rich Aucoin – Synthetic Season One
  • Teen Daze – Interior

Metal/hard music album of the year

  • Cancer Bats – Psychic Jailbreak
  • Get the Shot – Merciless Destruction
  • Skull Fist – Paid in Full
  • Voivod – Synchro Anarchy
  • Wake – Thought Form Descent

Adult contemporary album of the year

  • Francois Klark – Adventure Book
  • Jann Arden – Descendant
  • Marc Jordan & Amy Sky – He Sang she Sang
  • Michael Bublé – Higher
  • Tyler Shaw – A Tyler Shaw Christmas

Comedy album of the year

  • Courtney Gilmour – Let me Hold Your Baby,
  • Jackie Pirico – Splash Pad,
  • Jon Dore – A Person who is Gingerbread
  • Matt Wright – Here Live, not a Cat
  • Zabrina Douglas – Things Black Girls Say — the Album

Traditional R&B/soul recording of the year

  • “Please Do Not Lean” – Daniel Caesar feat. BadBadNotGood
  • “Palisade” – Jon Vinyl
  • “All I Need” – Safe
  • “How to Make Love” – TheHonestGuy
  • “Last One” – Savannah Ré feat. Dylan Sinclair

Rap single of the year

  • “Alejandro Sosa” – 6ixbuzz and Pengz
  • “Been Himma” – Dom Vallie
  • “Wrath” – Freddie Dredd
  • “Twin Flame” – Kaytranada and Anderson .Paak
  • “Wrong Decisions” – Nav

Underground dance single of the year

  • “Debonair” – Bensley
  • “Aye Aye” – Blond:ish and Cameron Jack
  • “The Time Is (Now)” – Fred Everything
  • “I Knew Techno” – Greg Gow
  • “Easy” – Tiga

Traditional Indigenous artist or group of the year

  • Kâkîsimo ᑳᑮᓯᒧᐤ, Cikwes
  • Katajjausiit, Iva & Angu
  • Mikwanak Kamôsakinat, Joel Wood
  • Ôskimacîtahowin: A New Beginning, Northern Cree
  • Unbreakable, the Bearhead Sisters