The Weeknd

A curious candidate for global superstar, The Weeknd has come along way from anonymous releases on Soundcloud to being one of the most recognisable popstars of his generation and, according to Time magazine, one of the world's most influential people.

From his early R&B output which was unafraid to explore the darker and melancholy aspects of his personality to the modern gloss and glam of his 80s inspired synthpop, The Weeknd – real name Abel Makkonen Tesfaye – has garnered support and adoration from millions of listeners across the globe.

As such, he's taken to some of the biggest stages with headline appearances as the likes of Coachella, Lollapalooza, Wireless, as well as becoming the first Canadian solo artist to play the iconic Superbowl halftime show in over half a century since the competition began.