Ye Stages Sold-Out Comeback Concert in LA with Lauryn Hill

The artist formerly known as Kanye West draws support from musical icon Lauryn Hill during his first major US performance in nearly 5 years.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 2:37pm

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Eleven months after releasing a song titled 'Heil Hitler' and just over two months after publishing an apology letter for his antisemitism, Ye let two decades of hits - and 70,000 screaming loyal fans - speak the loudest on Friday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Ye was joined on stage by musical icon Lauryn Hill, who performed several of her hits with him, marking the first time the two have shared a stage. The sold-out concert was meant to mark a comeback for Ye after years of controversy.

Why it matters

Ye's return to the stage after a series of high-profile controversies, including antisemitic remarks and social media posts that led to the loss of many of his major business partnerships, is seen as a test of whether his loyal fanbase is willing to forgive and move past his recent actions. The support from an artist as revered as Lauryn Hill also signals a potential path for Ye to rehabilitate his image and restart his music career.

The details

The two-hour-plus concert featured Ye performing over 40 of his biggest hits, with support from special guests including Travis Scott, CeeLo Green, and Ye's daughter North West. The show was livestreamed and marked Ye's first major US performance in nearly 5 years. While Ye was tentative in his rapping at the first SoFi show on Wednesday, Friday's performance saw him energized, with the crowd singing along loudly to hits like 'Heartless'. The highlight was Ye being joined on stage by Lauryn Hill, who performed her songs 'Lost Ones' and 'Doo Wop (That Thing)' before the two collaborated on Ye's 2004 hit 'All Falls Down'.

  • Ye released a song titled 'Heil Hitler' 11 months ago.
  • Ye published an apology letter for his antisemitism just over 2 months ago.
  • Ye's first major US performance in nearly 5 years was on Wednesday, April 3, 2026 at SoFi Stadium.
  • Ye's sold-out comeback concert took place on Friday, April 5, 2026 at SoFi Stadium.

The players

Ye

The artist formerly known as Kanye West, a dominant force in hip-hop and pop music in the 2000s and early 2010s who has faced a series of controversies in recent years, including antisemitic remarks and social media posts that led to the loss of many of his major business partnerships.

Lauryn Hill

A Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and rapper who is considered one of the most influential artists in hip-hop and R&B. She joined Ye on stage for the first time ever, performing several of her hit songs and collaborating with him on his 2004 track 'All Falls Down'.

Travis Scott

A popular rapper who joined Ye on stage during the concert, performing alongside Ye's daughter North West.

CeeLo Green

A singer, rapper, and record producer who also joined Ye on stage during the concert.

North West

Ye's tween daughter, who performed alongside her father and other guests during the concert.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank y'all for sticking by me all these years. Through the hard times, through the low times. I love you for that.”

— Ye

“You gotta back your family no matter what. He's a part of our fam since we were little kids.”

— Vince Da Prince, Rapper from Downey, California

“I don't really bring into politics or the way someone's personal opinion are. I'm into the music artistry ... Like, I just, to me, Ye is always gonna be Ye. Kanye is always gonna be Kanye.”

— Yovani Contreras, Fan

“Yeah he did apologize. He's taking the medication I think is what he mentioned. ... For me as a fan that's, like, respect, right? Like I think that's cool enough to bridge that gap.”

— Luis Velasquez, Fan

What’s next

Ye is expected to continue his comeback tour with additional sold-out shows in the coming months, as he looks to rebuild his music career and public image following years of controversy.

The takeaway

Ye's ability to draw a massive, enthusiastic crowd for his first major US concert in nearly 5 years, coupled with the support of an iconic artist like Lauryn Hill, suggests his loyal fanbase may be willing to forgive his past actions and controversies. However, the long-term sustainability of his comeback will depend on whether he can avoid further missteps and continue producing the music that made him a global superstar.