Kanye West was greeted with enthusiastic support Wednesday night at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, marking his first performance in the city in five years. The rapper projected an image of triumph throughout the show, performing atop a dome displaying a rotating Earth.

Return to the Stage Amid Controversy

This comeback follows a period of intense scrutiny for West, including the release of a song containing antisemitic lyrics and other controversial statements. Despite this, the sold-out crowd of tens of thousands responded with cheers as he began his performance.

Gamma, a music company representing artists like Usher and Snoop Dogg, partnered with West for the event. His new album is projected to debut in the Top 5 on Billboard’s 200 Albums chart next week, signaling continued commercial viability.

Fan Reactions and Separating Art from Artist

Attendees expressed a desire to focus on the music, with some acknowledging West’s past controversies but choosing to prioritize the artistic experience. “We know his medical history and why he has his rants, he talks about being bipolar,” said 32-year-old Chris Gutierrez. “We’re coming here more to appreciate the music.”

Another concertgoer, Ingrid Sandoval, a behaviorist specializing in autism, shared that West’s self-diagnosis resonated with her, leading to increased sympathy. She noted a shift in public perception, stating, “I feel like now it’s ok, but I would say that if I did this like a year ago, I’d probably be more judged.”

Performance Details and Setlist

West did not address his past controversies during the show, offering minimal interaction with the audience. The performance began two hours late, at 9 p.m., with the reveal of the Earth-projection dome.

The show wasn’t without its hiccups, as West frequently requested changes to the visuals and restarted songs multiple times, including “Good Life.” His live vocals were occasionally unclear, blending with backing tracks. However, the crowd remained highly engaged, particularly during performances of his classic rap songs.

The setlist included tracks like “Can’t Tell Me Nothing,” “Moon,” “E85,” “N**as in Paris,” “Mercy,” “Black Skinhead,” “Bound 2,” and “Carnival.” West’s daughter, North West, 12, made a surprise appearance to perform with him on two songs.

West concluded the night with a run of his older hits, including “All Falls Down,” “Jesus Walks,” and “Through the Wire,” finishing with the introspective “Runaway.”