Bella Hadid’s Unwavering Support: A Deeper Look into Her Pride for The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Halftime Performance
The announcement that The Weeknd, born Abel Tesfaye, would headline the coveted Super Bowl LV Halftime Show in 2021 sent ripples of excitement across the music world and beyond. Among those celebrating this monumental achievement is his former romantic partner, supermodel Bella Hadid. Despite their past on-again, off-again relationship, Hadid, 24, has expressed profound joy and admiration for the 30-year-old singer’s success, highlighting her deep respect for his dedication and artistry.
Sources close to the fashion icon exclusively revealed to HollywoodLife that Bella was “truly happy” upon hearing the news of The Weeknd’s prestigious Super Bowl gig. “Bella has known Abel for so long and she’s seen how hard he’s worked over the years to get to where he’s at, at this point in his career,” an insider shared. This sentiment underscores a mutual understanding and appreciation that transcends their romantic history, painting a picture of genuine support and professional admiration between the two prominent figures.
Acknowledging a Journey of Dedication: Bella’s Perspective on The Weeknd’s Hard Work
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is more than just a performance; it’s a career-defining moment, an culmination of years of relentless effort, artistic evolution, and unwavering commitment. Bella Hadid, having witnessed Tesfaye’s journey firsthand, is uniquely positioned to understand the weight and significance of this opportunity. Her acknowledgment of his “hard work” resonates with the narrative of an artist who meticulously crafted his sound and image, rising from independent mixtapes to global superstardom.
From his early days with the dark, atmospheric R&B of “House of Balloons” to the polished, chart-topping pop anthems of “Blinding Lights” and “Starboy,” The Weeknd has consistently pushed boundaries and reinvented himself. His distinctive falsetto, introspective lyrics, and captivating stage presence have garnered critical acclaim and a massive, dedicated fanbase. This trajectory, marked by continuous growth and a refusal to compromise his artistic vision, is precisely what Bella seems to be celebrating. Her pride stems from a deep appreciation of his dedication to his craft, a dedication that has now earned him one of the most visible stages in the world.
“Despite them not being together, they have a history and she’s always proud of whatever accomplishments he achieves,” another source emphasized. This enduring sense of pride speaks volumes about the nature of their bond and the maturity with which they’ve navigated their post-relationship dynamics. It’s not merely a casual acknowledgement but a genuine emotional investment in his success, cultivated over years of shared experiences and mutual respect. Bella reportedly “can only imagine how excited he must be and how much work he’ll put into every last detail of this performance.” This insight highlights her understanding of Abel’s perfectionism and commitment to delivering a show-stopping spectacle.
The Super Bowl Stage: A Global Phenomenon and Career Milestone
The Super Bowl Halftime Show is arguably the biggest musical event on the planet, boasting an audience of over 100 million viewers annually. It’s a platform that transcends sports, becoming a cultural touchstone where artists can showcase their talent to an unprecedented global demographic. For an artist like The Weeknd, known for his cinematic music videos and meticulously crafted live performances, this stage offers the ultimate canvas.
Past performers like Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Coldplay, Prince, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson have all delivered iconic moments that are forever etched in pop culture history. Joining this esteemed list is a testament to The Weeknd’s current standing as one of the most influential and innovative artists of his generation. Bella’s awareness of this immense opportunity underscores her understanding of the industry and Abel’s place within it. “He definitely deserves this opportunity and she knows he’s going to crush it,” the source confidently stated, reflecting her absolute faith in his abilities.
Maintaining Connection: Bella and Abel’s Enduring Friendship
More than a year after their most recent split, Bella and The Weeknd have managed to maintain a respectful and supportive relationship. A previous report confirmed that the ex-couple are on “good terms,” a rare feat in the often tumultuous world of celebrity relationships. This amicable status allows for genuine well wishes and encouragement, rather than lingering animosity.
“Bella and [The Weeknd] are totally cool, she’s rooting for him,” a second insider shared, further confirming the positive dynamic between them. “This is a massive accomplishment and she’s very, very proud. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s there the day of the game supporting him, they’re friends again.” The prospect of Bella attending the Super Bowl to cheer on Abel speaks volumes about the depth of their friendship and the maturity with which they handle their past. It exemplifies a modern approach to celebrity breakups, prioritizing mutual respect and support over tabloid drama.
The Next Phase: Proving Naysayers Wrong and Cementing a Legacy
For Bella, The Weeknd’s Super Bowl performance isn’t just a highlight; it’s a pivotal moment that could mark “the start of the next phase of his career.” A third source elaborated, “She knows he will kill it and is excited to see what happens because she knows that he will prove lots of naysayers wrong.” This intriguing detail hints at an underlying narrative or perhaps unspoken challenges that Abel has faced in his career, which this performance could definitively overcome. It suggests a strong belief in his ability to not only meet but exceed expectations, silencing any lingering doubts about his artistic capabilities or mainstream appeal.
The Weeknd has always maintained an air of mystery and an artistic integrity that sometimes defies commercial norms, yet he has consistently delivered commercially successful and critically acclaimed work. Bella’s confidence in him thriving as an “underdog” speaks to his unique position in the music industry—an artist who operates on his own terms but consistently delivers on the biggest stages. “She expects it to be an amazing showcase of his talents that people will be talking about forever,” the source concluded, underscoring the anticipation for a performance that will not only entertain but also leave a lasting legacy.
This Super Bowl Halftime Show is more than just a 12-15 minute set; it’s an opportunity for The Weeknd to redefine his artistry, captivate a global audience, and cement his status as a legendary performer. The support from Bella Hadid, an individual who has witnessed his journey up close, adds a poignant layer to this narrative, highlighting a bond of mutual respect and enduring admiration that transcends the headlines.
Anticipation Builds for Super Bowl LV
As the date for Super Bowl LV approaches, the excitement surrounding The Weeknd’s performance continues to mount. His unique blend of R&B, pop, and synth-wave, coupled with his dramatic visual storytelling, promises a halftime show unlike any other. Fans and industry observers alike are eager to see how he will translate his distinctive artistic vision to such a massive and diverse audience.
Bella Hadid’s public and private support for Abel Tesfaye serves as a powerful reminder that even in the high-stakes world of celebrity, genuine appreciation and respect can flourish long after a romantic chapter closes. Her belief in his talent, work ethic, and ability to deliver a truly unforgettable performance speaks volumes, adding an emotional depth to an already highly anticipated event. The world will be watching, and Bella will undoubtedly be among his proudest cheerleaders, celebrating a monumental achievement born from years of dedication and an undeniable artistic spirit.