The Weeknd Makes History as Highest-Grossing Black Male Artist at MetLife Stadium
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In a groundbreaking achievement, The Weeknd has solidified his status as the highest-grossing Black male artist to ever grace the stage at MetLife Stadium. The 35-year-old superstar, known offstage as Abel Tesfaye, recently completed a triumphant three-night run at the iconic venue in East Rutherford, N.J. Drawing an impressive crowd of over 163,000 fans, The Weeknd’s historic feat was confirmed by a press release from Live Nation shared exclusively with PEOPLE.
The magnitude of The Weeknd’s performances at MetLife Stadium becomes even more evident when compared to New York City’s renowned Governors Ball Music Festival, which coincidentally took place over the same weekend. Surpassing all expectations, The Weeknd managed to sell an astounding 40,000 more tickets than the entire festival combined, showcasing his immense popularity and drawing power.
Moreover, The Weeknd didn’t just deliver phenomenal music to his fans; he also demonstrated his philanthropic spirit by partnering with Global Citizen. A commendable initiative saw the artist donating a portion of each ticket sale towards supporting disadvantaged children in communities across the globe, further solidifying his impact and influence beyond the realm of music.
Taking to social media on Monday, June 9, The Canadian singer-songwriter expressed his gratitude and excitement for the momentous occasion. Sharing a video of the stadium illuminated by fireworks during his performance of “Less Than Zero,” The Weeknd captioned the post with a simple yet powerful message: “METLIFE 3 NIGHTS ✅ MAGIC.”
Throughout the electrifying performances, The Weeknd was joined on stage by special guests such as Mike Dean and Playboi Carti, adding an extra layer of excitement for the audience. Playboi Carti, in particular, took a moment during the show to express his gratitude and admiration for The Weeknd, visibly moved by the experience of performing in such an iconic venue alongside the music legend.
The concert itself was a nostalgic journey for fans, as The Weeknd belted out a mix of his classic hits like “Blinding Lights,” “After Hours,” and “Wicked Games,” among others. Not forgetting his loyal supporters, The Weeknd made sure to engage with his “OG XO fans” in attendance, making the night even more special for everyone present.
In addition to his recent MetLife Stadium milestone, The Weeknd’s illustrious career has seen him bag four Grammy awards and achieve the remarkable feat of having his hit song “Blinding Lights” become the most-streamed track in Spotify’s history, amassing over 4 billion streams. The talented artist also delved into the world of cinema with his appearance in the film “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” which serves as a visual companion to his latest album release.
As The Weeknd continues to reach new heights in his career, fans can rest assured that his passion for music remains unwavering, despite his contemplation of retiring his public persona. With a legacy that is etched in history and a dedication to his craft that knows no bounds, The Weeknd undoubtedly stands as a shining example of excellence in the music industry.
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