Over a historic weekend at MetLife Stadium, Abel Tesfaye, known worldwide as The Weeknd, made record-breaking history. During three sold-out shows, the superstar drew over 163,000 fans, making him the highest‑grossing Black male artist ever at the venue.
A Milestone Weekend
Across June 6–8, The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour captivated stadium-goers with spectacular style. According to Live Nation, his three concerts outperformed New York City’s Governors Ball Music Festival by more than 40,000 tickets. It’s a staggering triumph for the Canadian singer-songwriter.
As fans filled the venue, Tesfaye doubled down on his commitment to social causes. “I’m donating $1 from every ticket sold” to Global Citizen, he announced, benefiting children in vulnerable communities worldwide.
Star-Studded Performances
The Weeknd didn’t go solo. He brought out acclaimed producer and performer Playboi Carti, who praised him on stage, saying, “I love you so much man… I never thought I’d see myself in this stadium. This s— is crazy,” before embracing Tesfaye.
On fans’ demand, beloved hits came alive, including “Blinding Lights,” “After Hours,” and “Wicked Games.” The two-hour set spanned his musical career and paid homage to his longtime fans, affectionately called “OG XO.”
Looking Beyond Music
The Weeknd’s success at MetLife adds to a long list of achievements. With four Grammy Awards, his hit “Blinding Lights” became Spotify’s most-streamed song, surpassing four billion streams. He also starred in Hurry Up Tomorrow, a film accompanying his 2025 album.
Despite hints at retiring his stage persona, Tesfaye remains clear about his passion for music. As he told Variety in January, “Everything needs to feel like a challenge. And for me right now, the Weeknd… it’s been mastered,” signaling no end to his creative drive.
A Cultural Statement
By becoming MetLife’s most successful Black male headliner, The Weeknd has made more than a box office statement. He has underscored the increasing influence and financial power of artists of color in mainstream venues.
With ticket sales exceeding 163,000 and charitable giving woven into his performance, The Weeknd has emerged not only as a musical juggernaut but also as a conscientious leader. The sold-out concerts proved to be as meaningful as they were monumental.