The Weeknd's sixth album, , might be his final one released under his stage name. After the album's January 25 release, the singer, whose actual name is Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, stated that he is thinking of retiring from the identity that has shaped his acting and music careers. The 34-year-old Weeknd talked candidly about the next phase of his life in a cover story that was released on Friday, January 10. “It’s a headspace I’ve gotta get into that I just don’t have any more desire for. I feel like it comes with so much,” he explained.  “You have a persona, but then you have the competition of it all. It becomes this rat race: more accolades, more success, more shows, more albums, more awards and more No. 1s. It never ends until you end it.” His 2022 tour included an onstage incident at SoFi Stadium that contributed to that way of thinking. At the start of his performance, The Weeknd's voice broke and he was unable to get it back. In the end, he had to promise a new date and give the crowd refunds. “Part of me actually was thinking, ‘You lost your voice because it’s done; you said what you had to say. Don’t overstay at the party — you can end it now and live a happy life,’” he continued. “You know? Put the bow on it: Hurry Up Tomorrow. Now we’re here. When is the right time to leave, if not at your peak? Once you understand who I am too much, then it’s time to pivot.” The Weeknd isn't giving up on music, though. He acknowledged that music will likely always be a part of his life, even if he has also ventured deeper into acting, such as in the movie, which also stars Jenna Ortega. “I don’t think I can stop doing that. But everything needs to feel like a challenge,” he said.  “And for me right now, The Weeknd, whatever that is, it’s been mastered. No one’s gonna do The Weeknd better than me, and I’m not gonna do it better than what it is right now. I think I’ve overcome every challenge as this persona, and that’s why I’m really excited about this film, because I love this challenge.”