The Weeknd captures Guinness World Records, is officially the world's most popular artist: Do you agree?
'Abel is the closest we've gotten to replacing Michael Jackson,' some fans say as the Canadian steals a huge title
After a sweeping win at the 2023 Juno Opening Night Awards recently, The Weeknd has set two new Guinness World Records this week.
According to the website, Abel Tesfaye—more commonly known as The Weeknd—is now statistically the most popular musician on the planet.
The 33-year-old Canadian singer now has the most number of monthly listeners on Spotify and is also the first artist to reach 100 million monthly listeners.
While second-place Miley Cyrus has 82.4 million monthly listeners, the Weeknd has a whopping 111.4 million monthly listeners—at least 30 million more, according to the last data from March 20, 2023.
Not long ago, the Canadian musician also had Spotify's most-played song of all time, Blinding Lights, which has been played a staggering 3.4 billion times.
'I'm so happy': Fans react
I'M SO HAPPY FOR THE WEEKND KING I'M CRYING TEARS OF HAPPINESS 👑❤️
— NAFISA XO (@Nafisa_H_23) March 20, 2023
That’s my GOAT! I never pictured him getting this big. https://t.co/m7025j5Yfo
— 𝐇𝐁𝐊. (@gatsbythethird) March 20, 2023
I will always maintain that Abel is the closest we’ve gotten to replacing Michael Jackson as far as talent is concerned https://t.co/vtBoM7PFBp
— Jekyll or Hyde? (@OfficialEmerie) March 20, 2023
My man out here breaking records every day 😍😍😍🥰🥰🥰 https://t.co/YlIwjZhX2v
— Paul Casey (@MugginsMcS) March 20, 2023
Statistically yea but not actually
— Lion (@TheInfectedLion) March 20, 2023
Born in Toronto to Ethiopian immigrants, Abel Tesfaye, professionally known as The Weeknd, began his career in 2009 by anonymously releasing his songs on YouTube, showcasing his dark lyricism, versatility in his R&B music. Two years later, he. co-founded theXO record label and released his mixtapes House of Balloons, Thursday, and Echoes of Silence.
His accolades include four Grammy Awards, twenty Billboard Music Awards, twenty-two Juno Awards, six American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and several nominations for an Academy Award.
Recently, The Weeknd won four Juno Awards including artist of the year (for a 4th time); songwriter of the year; single of the year for a record-tying third time for "Sacrifice"; and pop album of the year for Dawn FM.
“Blinding Lights” from The Weeknd’s fourth album, After Hours, remains the most streamed track on Spotify, with over 3.4 billion streams as of February 2023. The song ousted Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” which had held the top spot since September 2017.
