The Weeknd, one of the most influential figures in contemporary music, has recently opened up about a personal struggle that nearly derailed his career: a mental breakdown. 

In a candid conversation about his upcoming album, the artist revealed that he experienced significant emotional and psychological challenges leading up to the release. 

This period of inner turmoil not only affected his music but also sparked thoughts of a major shift in his identity

—one that could involve stepping away from the iconic stage persona he has cultivated and going by his real name, Abel Tesfaye.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, has been a fixture in the music industry for nearly a decade. Known for his distinctive voice, genre-defying sound, 

and provocative lyrics, he has built an empire as The Weeknd, leaving an indelible mark on pop, R&B, and alternative music. 

However, in a recent interview, he shared that the pressures of fame, success, and his own expectations weighed heavily on him during the making of his new album, leading to what he described as a “mental breakdown.”

While he did not delve into the specifics of the breakdown, it’s clear that the emotional strain of balancing his public and private lives, alongside the intense demands of his career, took a toll. The Weeknd has always been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction in his music, but this revelation takes things to a more personal level, revealing just how deeply these issues have affected him behind the scenes.

This period of vulnerability and self-reflection has also prompted The Weeknd to rethink his public persona. He admitted that he has been considering a departure from the stage name “The Weeknd” and returning to his birth name, Abel Tesfaye. The notion of shedding the persona that has defined his career for so long represents a bold shift in the way he views himself and his relationship with the public. In his words, this idea is rooted in the desire to reconnect with his true self and distance himself from the character he has created.

“For so long, I’ve lived in this persona, but I think it’s time to return to who I really am,” he said in the interview. This statement has sparked speculation among fans and critics alike about what this potential name change would mean for his career. Would it signal a new era of music, one that is more personal and raw? Or would it be a temporary shift as he works through his mental health struggles and redefines his artistic vision?

This moment of introspection has clearly had an impact on the music The Weeknd is now creating. His upcoming album, which is expected to drop soon, will reflect this period of emotional upheaval and self-discovery. According to sources close to the artist, the album will explore themes of mental health, self-worth, and the complex realities of fame, with a more vulnerable and stripped-down sound compared to his past work. Fans can expect to hear a side of The Weeknd that is more raw and authentic, as he confronts the challenges that have been weighing on him for so long.

The idea of going by his real name is not just a passing thought for The Weeknd; it’s part of a broader journey of self-exploration and healing. By taking ownership of his true identity, he may be looking to reclaim a sense of control over his life and career that has sometimes felt out of his grasp. This shift could also be a way for him to make a statement about the cost of fame, highlighting how it has shaped his personal struggles and his ongoing efforts to balance his public image with his private life.

While it remains to be seen whether he will officially make the change or continue to perform as The Weeknd, this revelation has sparked important conversations about mental health in the music industry. The pressure to maintain a certain image, particularly for artists who are as high-profile as The Weeknd, can be overwhelming. His openness about his struggles serves as a reminder that even those who appear to have it all can face deep emotional challenges.

In the meantime, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of The Weeknd’s new album, curious to hear how these personal struggles and moments of self-doubt have influenced his music. Whether he continues to perform as The Weeknd or adopts his birth name, Abel Tesfaye, one thing is certain: this new chapter in his career is sure to be an exciting, emotionally charged journey that offers fans a more intimate glimpse into the mind of one of music’s brightest stars.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.