The Weeknd And Selena Gomez: 7 Shocking Ways Their 10-Month Romance Changed Their Music Forever

The relationship between Selena Gomez and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) may have lasted only ten months in 2017, but its shadow is long, continuing to influence their careers and public narratives even today in late 2025. Few celebrity pairings have generated such intense scrutiny and speculation, particularly regarding the raw, emotional music that followed their amicable split. While both artists have since moved on—Selena is now married to music producer Benny Blanco, and The Weeknd continues his global dominance—their brief but impactful romance remains a key chapter in pop culture history, proving that even a short-lived connection can inspire career-defining art.

The latest point of public discussion arrived as recently as 2023, when Selena Gomez herself was forced to address persistent rumors that her hit track "Single Soon" was a direct reference to The Weeknd. This recurring speculation highlights the enduring curiosity fans have about the former couple and the profound ways their relationship shaped their respective discographies, leading to some of the most analyzed breakup songs of the last decade.

Detailed Profiles: Selena Gomez and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye)

To fully appreciate the narrative surrounding their relationship, it is essential to understand the individual trajectories of these global superstars.

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Selena Gomez

• Full Name: Selena Marie Gomez
• Born: July 22, 1992 (age 33 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Producer, Businesswoman (Rare Beauty)
• Key Career Milestones: Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, albums Stars Dance, Revival, Rare, Hulu's Only Murders in the Building (as Mabel Mora).
• Current Relationship Status: Married to music producer Benny Blanco (as of September 2025).
• Relationship with The Weeknd: January 2017 to October 2017.

The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye)

• Full Name: Abel Makkonen Tesfaye
• Born: February 16, 1990 (age 35 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Actor
• Key Career Milestones: Albums Beauty Behind the Madness, Starboy, After Hours, Dawn FM, Super Bowl LV Halftime Show, HBO's The Idol.
• Current Relationship Status: Reportedly dating DJ Simi Khadra since 2022.
• Relationship with Selena Gomez: January 2017 to October 2017.

The 10-Month Whirlwind: Selena and Abel’s Relationship Timeline

The romance between Selena and Abel, often dubbed "Abelena" by fans, was a high-profile, jet-setting affair that captured the public's imagination. It began shortly after The Weeknd's split from model Bella Hadid and occurred during a period of personal transformation for Selena Gomez.

• January 2017: The couple is first spotted kissing outside a restaurant in Santa Monica, officially sparking dating rumors.
• March 2017: They take a highly publicized trip to Italy, sharing photos from Florence and Venice, making their relationship "Instagram official" before the posts were later deleted.
• May 2017: Selena and The Weeknd make their red carpet debut as a couple at the Met Gala, solidifying their status as a major Hollywood power couple.
• Summer 2017: Selena travels with The Weeknd during his Starboy: Legend of the Fall Tour, with the pair spotted together in Paris, Brazil, and other international locations.
• October 2017: Reports surface that the couple has split due to distance and scheduling conflicts. Both parties confirmed the breakup was amicable, with Selena later stating they were "best friends" in a Billboard interview.

The timing of the breakup coincided with Selena Gomez being spotted spending time with her former long-term boyfriend, Justin Bieber, which added another layer of complexity to the public narrative.

7 Major Ways Their Romance Continues to Shape Their Careers

The most enduring legacy of the Selena Gomez and The Weeknd relationship is its profound impact on their creative output. Both artists used the experience to craft some of their most introspective and commercially successful music.

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1. The Scrapped Album and The Weeknd’s Creative Reset

In a 2020 interview, The Weeknd revealed a shocking detail: he scrapped an entire album he had been working on while dating Selena Gomez. He explained that the material was too upbeat and did not reflect the emotional turmoil he experienced after the breakup. This decision led to a complete creative reset, paving the way for his next major release.

2. The Birth of the Breakup EP: My Dear Melancholy,

Following the scrapped album, The Weeknd released the six-track EP *My Dear Melancholy,* in March 2018. This project is universally regarded by fans and critics as his rawest, most direct response to the split. The EP’s title and emotional tone perfectly capture the sorrow and regret he felt.

3. The Definitive Breakup Anthem: ‘Call Out My Name’

The opening track on the EP, "Call Out My Name," contains the most direct lyrical references to the relationship with Selena Gomez. Key lines that fueled fan speculation include: "I helped you out of a broken place / Put you on six feet of pavement," which is widely interpreted as a reference to Selena's 2017 kidney transplant and her recovery journey. Another line, "I almost cut a piece of myself for your life," further cemented the belief that the song detailed his willingness to donate a kidney to her.

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4. The Lyrical Regret in ‘Wasted Times’

Another track from *My Dear Melancholy,*, "Wasted Times," is also believed to be a reflection on the relationship. The lyrics express a sense of regret and longing, pondering whether the time spent was ultimately a mistake. This song, along with "I Was Never There" and "Hurt You," forms the core emotional narrative of the EP, creating a powerful topical authority around the theme of celebrity heartbreak.

5. Selena’s Public Stance of Amicability

In contrast to the mournful tone of The Weeknd’s music, Selena Gomez publicly maintained a stance of genuine friendship and respect. In a late 2017 interview, she described the relationship as something "beautiful" and confirmed that she and Abel were still "best friends," emphasizing the positive nature of their ten months together and the amicable split.

6. The ‘Single Soon’ Rumor Debunked (The Latest Update)

The most recent point of connection came in August 2023 with the release of Selena Gomez’s song "Single Soon." Fans immediately began speculating that the track, which details a woman planning her breakup and anticipating her single life, was a subtle jab at The Weeknd. However, Selena quickly shut down the rumors, commenting directly on an Instagram post to confirm the song was not about her ex. This public denial underscored the fact that even years later, any new music from either artist is immediately analyzed through the lens of their 2017 relationship.

7. The Enduring Influence on Current Partners

The relationship continues to be a point of reference for their current partners. Selena Gomez’s marriage to Benny Blanco in 2025 marks a new, stable chapter, but the intense public comparison to her past high-profile relationships, including both The Weeknd and Justin Bieber, is inevitable. Similarly, The Weeknd's relationship with Simi Khadra is often viewed against the backdrop of his emotionally charged periods with Selena Gomez and Bella Hadid, proving that the 10-month romance remains a crucial entity in their collective biography.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Mutual Respect

While the relationship between Selena Gomez and The Weeknd was fleeting, its legacy is undeniable. It was a period of intense creative output, resulting in the critically acclaimed *My Dear Melancholy,*, and provided a powerful, albeit brief, moment of unity between two of the music industry's biggest stars. Both Selena and Abel have moved forward, finding success in new albums, acting roles, and personal relationships, yet the curiosity surrounding their time together—and the music it inspired—will likely continue for years to come.