Top 5 Highlights from The Weeknd’s electrifying opening night at SoFi Stadium

The Weeknd returned to SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 25, 2025. He had last performed there in 2022, when his voice failed mid-show. Fans remember how that ended with a mix of worry and sadness. But Wednesday night felt like a fresh start when he stepped on stage confident, smiling, and ready to give his best. Nearly 70,000 fans watched him say, “It’s been way too long, Los Angeles.”

This opening night was more than a concert. It was a journey. He mixed old hits with new songs from his album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. He even brought surprise guests. The stage lights pulsed, the crowd sang along, and The Weeknd showed that he still owns this stage.

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The top five moments from that The Weeknd’s concert

1. A moment of triumph after a past setback

This night felt like redemption. In September 2022, The Weeknd lost his voice during a show at SoFi Stadium. That night ended early and left him shaken. But on June 25, 2025, he came back wiser. He told the crowd, “I came back with a vengeance, man… And that’s because of you”.

2. A bold mix of new and old songs

The setlist wove together hits and new tracks. The Weeknd opened with “The Abyss” and then played “Wake Me Up” and “After Hours.” Over two hours, he treated the crowd to familiar songs like “Starboy,” “Heartless,” and “Can’t Feel My Face.” He also introduced live versions of new songs like “Opening Night,” “Baptized in Fear,” and “Niagara Falls”. This blend of classics and fresh music showed the range of his work. Fans sang along to every word, whether old or new.

3. Surprise guest appearance

One of the big cheers came when Playboi Carti joined The Weeknd on stage. Together, they performed “Timeless” and “Rather Lie”. Carti added his own style, with auto-tuned runs and his signature “schyeah” ad-libs. Their chemistry was electric.

4. Seamless transitions and dramatic production

The show flowed without breaks. Songs merged smoothly: “Wake Me Up” into “After Hours,” then into a pitched-up remix of “Creepin’,” and finally into the opening chorus of “Niagara Falls.” These shifts felt smooth and intentional. The stage looked like a movie set. A key part was a cross-shaped walkway and a structure inspired by an Ethiopian church, nodding to The Weeknd’s heritage. His black and gold robe added to the moment’s drama. The staging, the music, and the visuals all came together as one.

5. Unmasking and fan moments

As night fell, the show reached its peak. The Weeknd tied up the performance of “Faith” and removed a gold mask to reveal his face. The moment earned loud cheers. It was a simple yet powerful reveal: the man behind the music, standing tall, face shown.

After that, he took a moment to celebrate the four-night run at SoFi. He said, “Four nights, SoFi, back to back to back… We gotta make sure night one is the best night out of four”. He even changed lyrics in “São Paulo” to say, “louder than four sold-out nights at SoFi.” It was a proud moment, and fans responded with cheers.

He also had a sweet moment with a fan. During “Out of Time,” he invited a shy girl on stage. He helped her sing the chorus. Then he handed the mic to another fan. Their voices echoed through the stadium, proof of his connection to his audience.

This opening night felt like a full-circle moment. He came back stronger, showing growth and confidence. He mixed old favorites with new songs. He invited top-tier guests. He used stunning visuals and heartfelt gestures. And he spoke to fans like they were old friends. As per fans, he has moved past past struggles and is ready to make more memories. And for the next three nights, fans will feel that same energy and excitement.

The first night at SoFi was a win. It showed off a voice that came back strong, a smart mix of old and new, a surprise guest that sent the crowd into a cheer, a show full of smooth transitions and big visuals, and Moments of emotion that brought fans close.

The Weeknd has crafted a show that feels personal and epic at once. He used his history at the venue to shape this night into something more than just a concert. As he put it, “We gotta make night one the best of the four.” If this night is any sign, the next three shows will be just as special.