Michael Jackson

You’re not a real R&B singer if you haven’t been influenced by the King of Pop in any way, but the Weeknd’s inflections, lyrics and initial inspiration was ALL MJ. Michael Jackson's music made him want to be a singer, “Dirty Diana” made him want to write songs. (Speaking of, “The Hills” could’ve totally been a song from Bad). “I Can’t Feel My Face” is full of Michael Jackson imagery — but it didn’t come without a lot of work.

After the Weeknd’s first festival gig, in 2012 at Coachella, "I hated my performance," he says. To improve, he took dance lessons, practiced performing and played lots of shows. "I was performing my ass off," he says. "I feel like I went after it and nailed it."