The Weeknd publicly discussed changing his stage name in a series of tweets he shared on Sunday.
The 32-year-old actor specifically referenced Kanye West’s recent name change, writing, “Maybe pull a YE and just legally change my name to ABEL.”
The hitmaker, born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, then noted that his proposed nickname would not include a “last name”. Like Madonna or Cher or Prince.”
Reflection: The Weeknd publicly discussed changing his stage name in a series of tweets he shared on Sunday; he can be seen in 2021
The Weeknd started his thread by announcing that he was considering a possible name change after speaking to his fans.
He wrote: “You guys are hilarious. I feel like I should change my stage name to ABEL at this point lol.’
The Blinding Lights singer publicly expressed doubts about his possible decision, writing: “I don’t know, it seems like a lot.”
The performer then wrote that he could possibly be known as “ABEL, formally known as The Weeknd” in the future.
Following in his footsteps: The 32-year-old performer specifically referenced Kanye West’s recent name change in one of his tweets
Getting the word out: The Weeknd started his thread by announcing that he was considering a potential name change after speaking to his fans
Big plans: The performer then wrote that he could possibly be known as ‘ABEL, formally known as The Weeknd’ in the future
The Weeknd also responded to his fans’ concerns about the name change, writing: “Formerly ***** see that’s what I’m talking about @Twitter.”
When John Legend commented that the name change was “dope,” the songwriter added that he was “trying” to go through with it.
The artist previously opened up about his stage name in an interview with GQ, in which he noted that it drew a line between his public persona and his true personality.
“In the beginning the lines were blurry. And as my career developed – as I developed as a man – it became very clear that Abel is someone I go home to every night. And The Weeknd is someone I go to work as,” he said.
Interactive: The Weeknd was also responding to its fans’ concerns about the name change
Showing His Support: When John Legend commented that the name change was “dope,” the songwriter added that he was “trying” to go through with it
The performer added: “Abel can be nasty sometimes man. But I think The Weeknd is Hyde. Abel is Dr. Jekyll.”
The singer also noted that he had learned to distinguish between the two sides of his personality as an artist.
“I still like it, but I think now it’s easy to take that coat off. I like that I have this as an option to get away from Abel for a bit. I definitely loved it more then than I do now. I love my name now though,” he said.
The Weeknd then expressed that his closest fans referred to him by his first name, although he understood the popularity of his stage name.
Making distinctions: The singer also noted that he had learned to distinguish between the two sides of his personality as an artist; he can be seen in 2021
“My fans don’t call me The Weekend. They just call me Abel. It’s a tricky thing, but I think there’s such a legacy in The Weeknd’s name right now,” he said.
The performer recently won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 64th annual Grammy Awards ceremony, which took place on Sunday.
The singer took home the award for his work on West’s track Hurricane, which also featured Lil Baby.
Despite winning the award, The Weeknd did not attend the ceremony after publicly boycotting Recording Academy in 2021.
No thanks: Despite winning the award, The Weeknd did not attend the ceremony after publicly boycotting Recording Academy 2021; He can be seen at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards in 2016
He made the bold decision in response to the rejection of his 2020 album Blinding Lights.
The artist previously spoke to The New York Times and explained his decision to skip any future awards or ceremonies presented or held by the Academy.
“Because of the secret committees, I will no longer allow my label to submit my music to the Grammys,” he said.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. released a statement at the time expressing his disappointment with the decision.
Not happy: He made the bold decision in response to the snub of his 2020 album, Blinding Lights