The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow Debuts at No. 1 with Record-Breaking Sales

The Weeknd has achieved a career milestone with his latest album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with an impressive 491,000 equivalent album units sold in its first week. This marks the largest debut of The Weeknd’s career, surpassing the 444,000 units sold by his 2020 album After Hours. It also represents the biggest album debut since Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department shattered records in May 2024.

A Rare Combination of Sales and Streaming

The success of Hurry Up Tomorrow is especially notable in an era where physical and digital sales have largely been eclipsed by streaming. The album sold 359,000 physical and digital copies, while its streaming equivalent (SEA) units accounted for 130,500, translating to roughly 171.5 million on-demand streams. This blend of significant physical sales and robust streaming numbers underscores The Weeknd’s ability to captivate audiences across all formats, making him a rarity in today’s music industry.

A Grand Finale for “The Weeknd”

Hurry Up Tomorrow holds special significance as The Weeknd’s final album under his iconic moniker. For over a decade, The Weeknd has delivered groundbreaking projects blending R&B, pop, and alternative influences. From House of Balloons to Starboy and After Hours, he has crafted a sound and persona that have resonated worldwide.

In a 2023 interview with W Magazine, The Weeknd—born Abel Tesfaye—shared his plans to conclude his chapter as “The Weeknd” and explore future endeavors under his real name. While fans are bittersweet about the conclusion of this era, Tesfaye has hinted at continuing his musical journey, leaving open the possibility of releasing projects as Abel Tesfaye.

A Career-Defining Moment

The Weeknd’s latest achievement cements his place as one of the most commercially successful and influential artists of his generation. His previous album, Dawn FM (2022), debuted with 148,000 units, making the leap to Hurry Up Tomorrow’s massive numbers even more remarkable.

This success is a testament to The Weeknd’s enduring appeal and his ability to evolve while staying true to his artistic vision. Despite fierce competition in the music industry, he continues to set himself apart as a global icon who thrives both critically and commercially.

What’s Next for Abel Tesfaye?

While Hurry Up Tomorrow marks the end of an era, it is far from the end of Tesfaye’s story. As he transitions away from The Weeknd persona, fans eagerly await what’s next for the artist under his real name. With his track record of pushing boundaries and redefining genres, the future holds limitless possibilities for Abel Tesfaye.

For now, Hurry Up Tomorrow stands as a triumphant conclusion to a decade-long journey that solidified The Weeknd as one of the most significant artists of modern music. Fans around the world celebrate this milestone while anticipating the next chapter of his career.