With "Timeless" featuring Playboi Carti trending across platforms, The Weeknd continues to solidify his reign as a global music icon in 2025, maintaining top spots on streaming charts.
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In 2025, The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, continues to cement his status as one of the most influential artists of his generation. His latest single, "Timeless," featuring Playboi Carti, has become a global sensation, trending across streaming platforms and earning critical acclaim. Released on September 27, 2024, as part of his upcoming album Hurry Up Tomorrow, the track has solidified The Weeknd’s ability to evolve while maintaining his signature sound. Beyond "Timeless," The Weeknd’s dominance on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music is undeniable, with songs from his trilogy—After Hours, Dawn FM, and now Hurry Up Tomorrow—continuing to resonate with fans worldwide. This article delves into the success of "Timeless," The Weeknd’s streaming achievements, his live performances, and what lies ahead for the artist as he concludes his celebrated trilogy.
"Timeless": A Chart-Topping Collaboration with Playboi Carti
"Timeless," a collaboration between The Weeknd and Playboi Carti, has taken the music world by storm since its release on September 27, 2024. As the lead single from The Weeknd’s sixth studio album, Hurry Up Tomorrow, the track debuted at No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Global Spotify Chart with over 10 million streams on its first day. It also reached the top 10 in 15 countries, showcasing its international appeal.web:0web:1post:1 Produced by Pharrell Williams, Mike Dean, Ojivolta, and Twisco, "Timeless" blends The Weeknd’s signature falsetto and synth-heavy sound with Carti’s trap-inspired energy, creating a seamless fusion of R&B and hip-hop.web:4
The song’s lyrics explore themes of self-identity, fame, and the transient nature of relationships in the glamorous yet hollow world of celebrity culture. Lines like “Ever since I was a jit, knew I was the shit” highlight The Weeknd’s braggadocio, a return to his “King of the Fall” aura, while Carti’s verse complements the beat with his signature baby voice and regular tone, rapping about his come-up and riches.web:2web:18 Critics have largely praised the track, with Pitchfork calling it “cosmic lounge music” with a “tasteful” and “seamless” sound, though some noted its production felt overly manicured and strategic, reflecting the artists’ awareness that their fame may not last forever.web:0web:14
The music video for "Timeless," directed by Gunner Stahl and LouieKnows, further amplifies its impact. Set in a dark warehouse with all-black aesthetics, the video features The Weeknd and Carti performing alongside dancers, with Carti sporting an Allen Iverson jersey and his iconic Opium chains. The video also includes visuals referencing The Weeknd’s previous album, After Hours, depicted as "Hell," tying into the thematic elements of his trilogy.web:0web:12 Fans have lauded the duo’s chemistry, with some on YouTube calling for more collaborations, noting that the pair is “2/2” in delivering hits following their previous work on “Popular” with Madonna in 2023.web:24
Streaming Dominance: The Weeknd’s 2025 Success
The Weeknd’s dominance on streaming platforms in 2025 is a testament to his enduring popularity and ability to connect with a global audience. "Timeless" has been a major driver of this success, earning 3.5 million streams in the US on its opening day, securing the No. 1 spot on the US Spotify Chart and No. 2 on the Global Spotify Chart.web:15 By early 2025, the track had surpassed 72 million streams on Spotify, and it re-entered the top 15 of the Global Apple Music Chart at No. 13 in April 2025, as reported by posts on X.web:7post:2 This streaming success extends to other tracks from Hurry Up Tomorrow, such as "Cry For Me," which returned to the top 50 on the Global Apple Music Chart at No. 43.post:2
"Timeless" also debuted at No. 1 across multiple Billboard charts, including R&B Digital Song Sales, R&B Streaming Songs, and Hot R&B Songs, marking The Weeknd’s 15th, 13th, and 12th chart-toppers on these lists, respectively. For Playboi Carti, it was his second No. 1 on R&B Digital Song Sales and his first on Hot R&B Songs.web:7 The Weeknd’s broader streaming achievements in the 2020s include 10 top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, with “Timeless” being his 19th overall, a remarkable feat that underscores his consistency in delivering chart-topping music.web:7web:22
The Weeknd’s streaming success is not limited to "Timeless." His earlier works, such as “Blinding Lights” and “Save Your Tears,” continue to perform well, with the former being one of the most-streamed songs of all time. His partnership with streaming platforms like Spotify, where he has a combined monthly listener count with Carti that’s 257 times the population of Luxembourg, reflects his massive digital footprint.web:14 This streaming prowess, coupled with strategic releases like "Timeless," positions The Weeknd as a leader in the music industry in 2025, captivating both longtime fans and new listeners.
Live Performances and Cultural Impact
The Weeknd’s live performances in 2025 have further amplified his cultural impact, with "Timeless" taking center stage at major events. One of the most notable performances was at the 2025 Grammy Awards on February 2, where The Weeknd made a surprise return after a boycott stemming from his 2021 snub for After Hours. He performed "Cry For Me" and "Timeless" with Playboi Carti, delivering an electric set that featured laser beams and flailing dancers in bodysuits. The performance was a highlight of the night, marking his reconciliation with the Recording Academy and showcasing his ability to command a global stage.web:16
"Timeless" was first debuted live at The Weeknd’s one-night-only concert in São Paulo, Brazil, on September 7, 2024, where Carti made a surprise appearance. The sold-out show at Estádio Morumbi also featured other new tracks like “Dancing in the Flames” and “São Paulo” with Anitta, building excitement for Hurry Up Tomorrow.web:5web:6 The Weeknd’s Australian leg of the After Hours Til Dawn Tour in October 2024 further demonstrated his global reach, with concerts in Melbourne and Sydney supporting the XO Humanitarian Fund through ticket sales, reflecting his commitment to social causes.web:7
The cultural impact of "Timeless" extends beyond performances. The song was chosen as the official theme for WWE’s WrestleMania 41, marking The Weeknd’s sixth consecutive year providing a theme for the event, a testament to his influence in entertainment beyond music.web:0 Additionally, the track’s music video, with its dark, cinematic visuals, has sparked discussions among fans about the thematic connections to The Weeknd’s trilogy, further deepening his artistic narrative. The Weeknd’s ability to blend music, visuals, and live experiences has solidified his status as a cultural icon in 2025.
What’s Next for The Weeknd: The Future of Hurry Up Tomorrow
As The Weeknd continues to dominate 2025, the anticipation for Hurry Up Tomorrow grows. The album, set to be the final installment of his trilogy following After Hours (2020) and Dawn FM (2022), promises to weave together existential and self-referential themes, as noted in press materials.web:7 While a release date has not been announced as of April 2025, the album is available for pre-sale on The Weeknd’s official website, and singles like "Timeless" and "Dancing in the Flames" have already set high expectations.web:7
The Weeknd’s future performances are also highly anticipated, with a massive summer 2025 stadium tour announced, covering Europe and the UK, including stops in Paris and Barcelona in June.web:21 These shows are expected to feature tracks from Hurry Up Tomorrow, further showcasing the album’s impact. Additionally, The Weeknd’s collaboration with Playboi Carti on "Timeless" has sparked interest in potential future projects, with fans on YouTube calling for more joint work given the duo’s successful track record.web:24
Beyond music, The Weeknd’s influence as a humanitarian continues to grow. His partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme, where he donates $1 from each ticket sale to the XO Humanitarian Fund, highlights his commitment to addressing global hunger, a cause he championed during his São Paulo and Australian shows.web:7web:21 As The Weeknd navigates the conclusion of his trilogy, his ability to balance artistic innovation with social impact positions him as a defining figure in music, with "Timeless" and his streaming success paving the way for an even brighter future.
