Abel Tesfaye, known to fans worldwide as The Weeknd, has reignited conversations about Lana Del Rey’s place in pop music history. Taking to social media earlier this week, The Weeknd called out Billboard’s controversial “Greatest Pop Stars of All Time” list, asking a question many fans have wondered for years: “Where is Lana on that Billboard’s greatest pop star list?”
The statement has resonated deeply with fans of both artists and sparked renewed debate about the recognition—or lack thereof—that Lana Del Rey has received for her genre-defining contributions to modern music.
The Weeknd’s advocacy isn’t surprising. The two artists share a history of mutual admiration and collaboration, from their haunting duet on Lust for Life to Lana’s influence on The Weeknd’s melancholic, atmospheric style. Tesfaye’s public defence has only amplified the ongoing discourse about how Lana Del Rey’s art, described by many as a blueprint for modern dream-pop and alternative aesthetics, has shaped today’s musical landscape.
Lana Del Rey’s music has long been a paradox in the pop world. Her signature cinematic soundscapes and deeply poetic lyrics have set her apart from the mainstream formula, and while she has garnered critical acclaim, she’s often overlooked in broader conversations about pop supremacy. Many fans see The Weeknd’s statement as a long-overdue call to action, urging industry gatekeepers to reassess the weight of her contributions.
Online, fans have rallied around The Weeknd’s comment. The hashtag #LanaDeservesBetter has been trending on Twitter, with fans citing her influence on a generation of artists, from Billie Eilish to Olivia Rodrigo. Others have pointed out that Lana’s albums, such as Born to Die and Norman F*ing Rockwell!, have received praise from critics worldwide yet failed to translate into the type of mainstream accolades that often define pop royalty.
Beyond her music, Lana’s carefully curated aesthetic—vintage Americana with a tinge of Hollywood noir—has left an indelible mark on modern pop culture. From Instagram filters to fashion, her influence is everywhere, even if it’s not always acknowledged.
The Weeknd’s statement also arrives at a pivotal time for both artists. With The Weeknd dominating headlines for his After Hours til Dawn tour and rumoured final album under his current moniker, and Lana preparing for the next chapter in her career after her critically acclaimed Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, the moment feels charged with significance. Tesfaye’s willingness to lend his platform to celebrate another artist reflects his understanding of legacy—and his desire to see Lana’s recognised alongside his own.
The conversation sparked by The Weeknd’s comments isn’t just about a single list; it’s about redefining how we evaluate artistry and impact in an industry that often favours trends over timelessness. Lana Del Rey’s work has stood the test of time, and thanks to voices like The Weeknd’s, more people are beginning to notice.
As fans continue to flood social media with support for Lana Del Rey, one thing is clear: the narrative is shifting. And with artists like The Weeknd championing her legacy, it might not be long before Lana finally gets the universal recognition she deserves.
