Ye storms back with first major U.S. concert after years of controversy

After years of public backlash and industry exile, Kanye West has returned to the American stage, delivering his first full live performance in the United States since 2021.

The rapper, now widely known as Ye, performed on Wednesday at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, drawing a massive crowd to the 70,000-capacity venue for what marked a significant moment in his career comeback.

For nearly two hours, Ye ran through a mix of new material and some of his most recognisable tracks, blending songs from his latest project Bully with older hits like Power, Runaway, and Can’t Tell Me Nothing. The show also featured appearances by his daughter, North West, and fellow rapper Don Toliver.

The performance signals a notable return for an artist who, until recently, had largely been absent from major U.S. stages following a series of controversies that severely impacted his public image and business relationships.

From backlash to comeback

Ye’s absence from the American live music scene dates back to the fallout from his 2022 antisemitic remarks, which sparked widespread condemnation across the entertainment and corporate worlds.

At the time, he made inflammatory statements on social media, including comments that drew sharp criticism for promoting harmful stereotypes and referencing extremist ideology.

The backlash was swift and far-reaching, leading to the collapse of several high-profile partnerships with global brands such as Adidas and Balenciaga, as well as disruptions to his own Yeezy business empire.

The controversy also triggered broader conversations about accountability in the entertainment industry, with many fans and collaborators distancing themselves from the artist.

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Rebuilding image and reconnecting with fans

In early 2025, Ye publicly apologised for his actions, describing his previous behaviour as reckless while attributing it in part to struggles with mental health and past trauma, including injuries sustained in a 2002 car accident.

That apology marked the beginning of a slow re-entry into public life, culminating in this latest performance, which appears to signal an attempt to reconnect with audiences through music rather than controversy.

While reactions to his return remain mixed, the sold-out stadium show suggests that a significant portion of his fan base is still willing to engage with his work.

Whether this performance marks a full rehabilitation of his career or simply a temporary resurgence remains to be seen, but for now, Ye has made one thing clear: he is back on stage and determined to reclaim his place in the spotlight.