Trevor Noah and The Weeknd: What People Actually Get Wrong About the Twin Theory

It happens more than you’d think. You're walking down a street in New York, minding your own business, when someone screams your name. Except, they aren't screaming your name. They are screaming for a global R&B superstar who sells out stadiums. This is the recurring life of Trevor Noah, the man who has spent years being the unofficial "Thursday" to The Weeknd.

The internet loves a good celebrity doppelgänger story, but the Trevor Noah and The Weeknd connection isn't just a fan-made meme. It's a running gag that both stars have leaned into for nearly a decade. Honestly, it’s one of those rare Hollywood "bromances" built entirely on the fact that they share a specific jawline and a penchant for sharp suits.

The Night Trevor Noah Became The Weeknd (For Real)

Most people remember the Halloween of 2020. Trevor Noah decided to go full After Hours. He donned the iconic red blazer, the bandages, and the sunglasses. He looked like he walked straight off the set of the "Blinding Lights" video.

The result? Absolute chaos.

Noah later told Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show about a woman who cornered him in Manhattan. She was convinced he was Abel Tesfaye. He tried to explain he was just wearing a costume. She didn't buy it. She actually got angry, accusing him of being a "rude" celebrity for denying his identity.

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"I'm the Weekday," Noah joked. But the fan didn't find it funny. She walked away telling her friends that The Weeknd is a jerk. It’s a bizarre peak into the surreal life of a lookalike. When you’re that famous, even your "twin" gets in trouble for things you didn’t do.

"Real Life Twins": The 2018 Moment

This isn't just Trevor Noah talking to himself. Back in 2018, the two finally met backstage at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The Weeknd himself posted a photo of the two together with the caption "Real life twin."

It was a meta-moment for the fans.

Seeing them side-by-side actually makes the resemblance weirder. They have the same smile. They have the same energy. When The Weeknd posted throwback photos of their younger selves, the internet basically broke. It’s not just the hair or the beard; it’s a structural thing.

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1. The Bone Structure: Both have very prominent, angular jawlines.
2. The Styling: Both have transitioned through similar "eras" of grooming and fashion.
3. The Toronto Factor: Trevor Noah has joked that Toronto is his favorite city specifically because people there give him free things, assuming he's their hometown hero.

Why 2026 is a Big Year for Both

Fast forward to right now. It's 2026, and both stars are at interesting crossroads. Trevor Noah is stepping onto the Grammy stage to host for his sixth—and reportedly final—time. Meanwhile, The Weeknd has finally ended his years-long boycott of the Recording Academy.

The drama between Abel and the Grammys was legendary. After being snubbed for After Hours in 2021, he called the Grammys "corrupt" and refused to submit music. But with his massive 2026 stadium tour extension and a "renewed sense of purpose" in the industry, the boycott has thawed.

We are finally seeing these two in the same room again at the highest level of the industry.

There's something poetic about Noah hosting the very ceremony where his "twin" is making a triumphant return. It's the ultimate full-circle moment for a joke that started on Twitter years ago.

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The "Weekday" vs. The Weeknd

The nuance here is that they don't actually look identical if you stare for more than five seconds. Trevor is taller. His voice is deep and South African. Abel has that signature soft-spoken, melodic tone.

But in the world of high-speed celebrity culture, the "vibe" is what people register.

Noah has leaned into this for his comedy sets. He’s talked about how he uses the resemblance to get better tables at restaurants. Honestly, who wouldn't? If the maître d' thinks you're the guy who sang "Save Your Tears," you're getting the booth in the back.

What This Means for You

If you’re a fan of either, the lesson is basically that celebrity branding is a weird, fluid thing. You can be one of the most famous comedians on the planet and still be "the other guy" to a confused fan on the subway.

Next Steps for Fans:

• Watch the 2026 Grammys: Keep an eye out for a scripted bit between the two. The rumors of a "Face/Off" style comedy sketch have been circulating since Noah announced his final hosting gig.
• Check the Tour Dates: The Weeknd’s After Hours Til Dawn tour is hitting Mexico and Europe throughout 2026. If you see "Abel" at a local café, check the height—it might just be Trevor Noah on vacation.
• Listen to "What Now?": Trevor’s podcast often touches on these surreal brushes with fame. It gives a lot of context to how he handles the identity confusion.

The "twin" theory isn't dying anytime soon. As long as they both keep showing up to the same awards shows, we're going to keep getting these "glitch in the matrix" photos. Just don't be the person who yells at Trevor Noah for not singing a song in the middle of a New York crosswalk. It’s awkward for everyone.