The Weeknd breaks Michael Jackson's 20-year music record 
Michael Jackson and The Weeknd. Photo/Courtesy.

The Weeknd breaks Michael Jackson’s 20-year music record 

2 mins read

The Weeknd has set a new tour record previously held by the late king of pop Michael Jackson for over 20 years.

The Canadian singer of Ethiopian origin has embarked on his ongoing “After Hours Til Dawn Tour” in support of his fourth and fifth studio albums.

With his millions of fans and constant chart-topping records, many believed Weeknd could do something special with his seventh tour, and he did.

The award-winning singer surpassed the late Michael Jackson’s record for the highest-grossing tour ever by a black musician.

His global experience has already raked in over $350 million in revenue.  The late king of pop held the record since 1987 when he went on his “Bad Tour.” According to Hot New Hip Hop, the musical icon grossed $311 million after adjusting for inflation.

After setting a new tour marker, Weeknd celebrated the milestone by honoring MJ, who passed away in 2009 at age 50.

The Canadian singer shared a video of a fan recording his performance of Jackson’s ’80s hit “Dirty Diana” in Brussels, Belgium.

“My king. Then, now, and forever. Rest easy,” Weeknd captioned his Instagram post.

The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, is a Canadian singer, songwriter, and record producer. He gained significant popularity with his mixtapes released in 2011, such as “House of Balloons,” “Thursday,” and “Echoes of Silence.”

His unique blend of R&B, pop, and electronic music, combined with his haunting and introspective lyrics, helped him establish a distinctive sound and style.

The Weeknd’s breakthrough into mainstream success came with his 2015 album “Beauty Behind the Madness,” which included hit singles like “Can’t Feel My Face” and “The Hills.”

He continued to dominate the music scene with subsequent albums like “Starboy” (2016) and “After Hours” (2020), which featured chart-topping songs such as “Starboy,” “Blinding Lights,” and “Save Your Tears.”

Known for his enigmatic persona and signature red suit, The Weeknd has received critical acclaim for his vocal range, introspective lyrics, and captivating performances. He has won numerous awards, including Grammy Awards, and has been recognized as one of the most successful and influential artists of his generation.