Among the prestigious list of luminaries, world leaders, scientists, artists, and icons featured in TIME magazine’s recently ‘100 Most Influential People of the Year’ list is Abel Tesfaye – better known to his fans as The Weeknd.

While a number of other artists have seen their commercial relevance wane in light of the global health crisis, Tesfaye – a multi-GRAMMY award winning music superstar nearly a decade into his career – may be experiencing his best year yet thanks to the megahit, ‘Blinding Lights,’ and its blockbuster parent album, ‘After Hours.’

In addition to earning his own cover of TIME for his domination of the music realm, the 30-year-old also showcased tunes from the top-selling LP by rendering live renditions of ‘Lights’ and ‘In Your Eyes’ for the mag’s accompanying ABC TV special.

Did you miss the action when it aired Tuesday (September 22)? See it inside:

See more from his feature photo shoot for TIME below.

Click here to read the feature’s accompanying write-up penned by Pop icon Elton John.

[photo source:  Nabil Elderkin for TIME]

Your thoughts?