In a candid interview with Variety, The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has revealed the harrowing details of his mental health struggles during 2022.

The acclaimed singer-songwriter, known for his chart-topping hits and enigmatic persona, faced an unexpected crisis that forced him to confront his own limitations and reevaluate his life choices.

This revelation comes after a particularly challenging period marked by immense pressure, personal challenges, and a transformative journey toward self-discovery.

The turning point for The Weeknd occurred during a concert in Los Angeles in September 2022.

Fans were left stunned when he abruptly ended the show due to vocal issues.

“I felt defeated on the world stage, with everyone watching,” he admitted, reflecting on the moment when his voice cracked, preventing him from delivering the performance his audience expected.

This incident was not just a professional setback; it was the culmination of a year filled with immense stress and self-imposed pressure.

 

Following the concert, The Weeknd sought medical advice, only to be told that there was nothing physically wrong with him.

His doctor confirmed that his vocal cords were simply inflamed, but the real issue lay deeper.

“That’s when we came to the realization that it was all up here,” he said, pointing to his head.

This moment of clarity marked the beginning of a challenging yet necessary journey toward understanding his mental health.

 

As he navigated the demands of a world tour while simultaneously filming HBO’s “The Idol,” The Weeknd found himself juggling multiple responsibilities.

The pressure to perform at his best, both on stage and on screen, became overwhelming.

“There was a lot of self-imposed pressure: flying to L.A. between concerts, getting into character for ‘The Idol,’ shooting, and then flying back for the next show,” he explained.

 

This relentless pace took a toll on his mental well-being, leading him to confront the deeper issues that had been suppressed throughout his life.

“Maybe it was that year, but maybe it was my whole life: survival, school, family, friendships, relationships, making it in the music industry.

I’d always kind of suppressed it.

You know, delusion helps!” he remarked.

 

The incident at the concert served as a wake-up call for The Weeknd, prompting him to take a step back and reassess his life.

“I really needed to sit the f–k down and figure out my life,” he said.

This moment of introspection allowed him to confront his mental health and seek new beginnings.

He recognized that understanding what had happened in his life was essential for his growth as an artist and as a person.

This journey of self-discovery has not only influenced his personal life but has also inspired new music.

The Weeknd hinted that his upcoming album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” would reflect the lessons learned during this tumultuous period.

“I want to understand what happened, face it, learn something new, and start again,” he expressed.

 

In addition to his personal struggles, The Weeknd faced criticism for his role in “The Idol,” a series he co-created and starred in.

Despite the mixed reviews, he remains proud of the project and the creative team behind it.

“We had a great cast and great crew. I made some really great friends, and I love seeing everybody thriving,” he stated.

 

He acknowledged that not every project resonates with audiences, saying, “Not everything you put out is going to connect, and that’s fine.

” The Weeknd emphasized that he does not take criticism personally, even if it stings.

“Believe it or not, none of the criticism felt personal. Of course, it gets to you — I’m not saying I wasn’t affected by it; I’m saying I didn’t take it personally”.

As The Weeknd reflects on his career, he hinted at a potential shift in his artistic identity.

“Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say.

Don’t overstay at the party — you can end it now and live a happy life,’” he mused.

This contemplation of change suggests that The Weeknd may consider releasing music under a different name in the future.

 

Despite these thoughts, he reassured fans that he is not stepping away from music entirely.

“Everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered,” he concluded.

This statement reflects his desire to continually evolve as an artist while embracing new challenges.

 

Looking ahead, The Weeknd is excited about his acting career and his upcoming film, “After Hours.

” He expressed enthusiasm for the new challenges that lie ahead, stating, “I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge.”

As he prepares for this new chapter, The Weeknd is eager to explore what comes next.

“I want to know what tomorrow looks like,” he said, leaving fans curious about his future endeavors.

 

The Weeknd’s candid revelations about his mental health struggles and the pressures of fame provide a rare glimpse into the life of one of music’s biggest stars.

His journey from a mental breakdown to self-discovery serves as an inspiration for many who face similar challenges.

As he embarks on this new chapter, fans eagerly await the music and art that will emerge from his experiences.

With an unwavering commitment to authenticity and creativity, The Weeknd is poised to continue captivating audiences worldwide, proving that even in the darkest moments, there is always a path to renewal and growth.

 

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“Everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, the Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do the Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now,” he concluded, before bringing up his acting career and upcoming film After Hours.

“I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge,” he said. “But I just want to know what comes after. I want to know what tomorrow looks like.”