Fans Go WILD at The Weeknd’s Secret Santa Monica Show

From “Blinding Lights” to “Wicked Games,” The Weeknd’s intimate Santa Monica concert proves why he’s the king of Spotify’s Billions Club. With a new album, tour, and movie on the horizon, 2025 is set to be a year of unforgettable hits!

A Holiday Surprise: The Weeknd’s Exclusive Santa Monica Show

“It’s a little holiday gift for the OG XO fans supporting me [since] Day 1,” said The Weeknd as he captivated a select crowd at Santa Monica’s Barker Hangar. The Toronto-born pop sensation teamed up with Spotify to celebrate an extraordinary milestone—24 of his tracks have surpassed 1 billion streams each, earning him the most entries in Spotify’s coveted Billions Club.

This intimate concert, held for nearly 2,000 of his most dedicated fans, served as a special thank-you to the top 10% of his listeners. It wasn’t just another performance; it was an unforgettable moment of connection, marking a year full of achievements while hinting at the exciting year ahead.

The Billionaire Playlist: A Night of Chart-Toppers

The Weeknd delivered a 70-minute set brimming with hits, performing 20 of the songs that made him a streaming titan. Tracks like “Blinding Lights” (the most streamed song on Spotify), “The Hills,” and “Can’t Feel My Face” had the crowd singing every word.

To keep things nostalgic, he also performed “Wicked Games” from his debut mixtape, House of Balloons. “I know that song didn’t hit a billion, but I felt like I had to do it,” he confessed, acknowledging the deep connection fans have to his early work.

Fans Flock for an Unmissable Event

Die-hard supporters began lining up as early as 4 a.m., with some fans traveling from as far as Newark, N.J., for a chance to witness this once-in-a-lifetime performance. The night wasn’t just about the music; attendees enjoyed free Weeknd merchandise, food from iconic trucks like L.A.’s Kogi Korean BBQ, and an open bar for those over 21.

For those lucky enough to enter, the experience was magical. “It feels like back in the ‘Kiss Land’ tour,” The Weeknd reminisced. “Maybe after the stadium tour, we’ll go back to smaller venues. I like this.”

Behind the Scenes: A Collaborative Masterpiece

Spotify’s Ashley Graver, head of artist partnerships, revealed that The Weeknd and his team were involved in every aspect of the show, from merchandise design to the intimate stage and sound setups.

“This milestone really shows how massive The Weeknd’s impact is around the world,” Graver said. “His artistry and constant drive to push boundaries have earned him loyal fans and unmatched staying power. Even four years after its release, ‘Blinding Lights’ remains Spotify’s most-streamed song.”

The Future of The Weeknd: A Trilogy Finale and More

Fans received a thrilling sneak peek at what’s to come. The Weeknd teased his upcoming album, “Hurry Up Tomorrow,” the final chapter in his After Hours/Dawn FM trilogy. This new era promises not just music, but a psychological thriller film starring The Weeknd alongside Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan. Fans shared stories of how his music shaped their lives.