West's Shanghai Concert Sparks Outrage
Fans Complain of "Lateness and Lip-Syncing... Waste of Money"
Organizer Responds: "Severe Weather Caused Issues... We Apologize for the Inconvenience"
American hip-hop artist Kanye West (stage name Ye) is facing controversy over being late and suspected lip-syncing during his concert in Shanghai, with local audience members demanding refunds.
American hip-hop artist YeGa is facing criticism for being late and lip-syncing during his performance in Shanghai. X
According to Chinese state media Global Times and Vietnamese outlet Thanh Nien on July 15 (local time), West faced strong protests from the audience at his concert held at Shanghai Stadium on July 12 due to his lateness and allegations of lip-syncing.
Reports state that the concert was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., but West did not appear on stage even after 8:10 p.m. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that West was over 45 minutes late, saying, "I struggled to get a ticket for the Shanghai concert and was so excited. I couldn't even sleep the night before," and added, "But this was the worst concert I have ever seen. Kanye West, you could have done better."
This fan also claimed that West lip-synced, including during his hit song "Gold Digger." The fan said, "(West) mostly lip-synced throughout the concert," and added, "It seemed like the microphone wasn't even turned on 20% of the time."
There was also criticism regarding West's attitude at the venue. The fan said, "West disappeared from the stage for more than 20 minutes," and added, "During that time, hit songs like 'Wolves' played, but West was not on stage." The fan further criticized, "If it's going to be like this, I could have just listened to the music at home. I came here to see him in person."
It was reported that ticket prices for the concert ranged from 980 yuan (about 189,000 won) to 2,680 yuan (about 516,000 won). Another fan, who said they paid about 360,000 won for a ticket, complained, "Even as a VIP, it was impossible to see West up close," and added, "West kept wearing a mask before and after the performance."
Another fan said, "Kanye West, don't go on tour," and added, "Just stay in the studio and release albums. I have passionately supported most of your albums, but now you are wasting the audience's time, money, and expectations."
After West's Shanghai concert, videos of local audience members chanting for refunds in their native language spread on social media.
As the controversy grew, the event organizer, Stella Amber Group, expressed regret. The organizer released a statement on Chinese social media Weibo, saying, "Due to severe weather, key elements of the performance could not be properly delivered," and explained, "For this concert, which returned after 17 years, Ye's team prioritized artistic perfection. The concert was delayed to minimize audience disappointment." The statement continued, "We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your interest and support."
However, West has not made any particular statement regarding the controversy, but posted on social media, "Thank you to my Chinese fans and the government. The energy was incredible. I will love you forever."
Meanwhile, West will continue his performances in Slovakia from July 18 to 20. On July 26, he will hold 'YE LIVE IN KOREA' at Incheon Munhak Stadium.
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