Kanye West Performs Sold-Out Comeback Show After Apology

The rapper's first major US concert in nearly 5 years draws 70,000 fans to SoFi Stadium

Apr. 5, 2026 at 1:19pm

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Kanye West, also known as Ye, staged a sold-out performance with an audience of 70,000 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles last week. This was his first major concert in the United States in nearly five years, following an apology from Ye for his years-long string of controversial and antisemitic comments.

Why it matters

Ye's return to the stage marks a comeback attempt after a series of public missteps and mental health struggles that led to him losing major brand partnerships and being shunned by much of the entertainment industry. The sold-out show demonstrates that he still maintains a dedicated fanbase willing to look past his recent controversies.

The details

In January, Ye took out a full-page ad in The Wall Street Journal apologizing 'to those I've hurt' and explaining that his bipolar disorder affected his behavior. During the concert, Ye thanked the crowd for 'sticking by me all these years' through his 'hard times' and 'low times'. Some fans said they were able to separate Ye's art from his personal actions, while others criticized his onstage behavior as bullying.

  • Ye's last major US concert was nearly 5 years ago.
  • Ye released a song paying tribute to Adolf Hitler less than a year ago.
  • Ye published a full-page apology ad in The Wall Street Journal in January 2026.

The players

Kanye West

Also known as Ye, he is an American rapper, record producer, and fashion designer who has faced significant backlash in recent years for a series of controversial and antisemitic comments.

SoFi Stadium

A large sports and entertainment venue located in Los Angeles, California that hosted Ye's sold-out comeback 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.”

— Kanye West

“My words as a leader in my community have global impact and influence. In my mania, I lost complete sight of that.”

— Kanye West

What’s next

Ye's future concert plans and whether he can continue rebuilding his reputation and career after the backlash remain to be seen.

The takeaway

Kanye West's sold-out comeback show at SoFi Stadium demonstrates the enduring loyalty of his fanbase, even after his controversial public missteps. However, the mixed reactions from concertgoers highlight the ongoing challenges he faces in reconciling his art and his personal behavior.