The Weeknd

The Weeknd is the stage name of Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. Inspired by Michael Jackson to become a singer, Weeknd was later influenced by Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Timbaland and The Neptunes. He has worked with stars like Kanye West, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Weeknd started his career with mixtapes that he released from his own website for free. He wants to be remembered for being unique and different. His Jean-Michel Basquiat-inspired hairstyle is his most recognizable feature.

The Weeknd's debut studio album 'Kiss Land' peaked at number two on the U.S. 'Billboard' 200 chart. With a sale of 96,000 copies, it trailed the top ranking album by only two thousand copies. The Weeknd's compilation album 'Trilogy' peaked at No. 5 on the Canadian Albums Chart and No. 4 on the U.S. 'Billboard' 200. Within a week of its release, it sold 86,000 copies. It eventually reached platinum status in America and double platinum status in Canada. 'Beauty Behind the Madness' is his most successful album, earning him multiple awards and nominations. It became the tenth best-selling album of 2015, with 1.5 million copies sold worldwide, and has sold over two million copies in the United States so far.