Kanye West pays tribute to Michael Jackson during Netherlands concert
Ye performed at Arnhem’s GelreDome stadium and acknowledged the late pop icon during his set
Kanye Wes, who goes by the stage name Ye, paid tribute to Michael Jackson during a concert in the Netherlands on June 6, delivering one of the standout moments from a performance that took place amid ongoing debate surrounding his international tour schedule.
Ye performed at Arnhem’s GelreDome stadium and acknowledged the late pop icon during his set. While playing Michael Jackson’s “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)”, the rapper told the crowd, “Put your hands in the air for Michael Jackson right quick.”
The song is notably sampled in West’s 2007 hit “Good Life”, featuring T-Pain, from his album Graduation. Following the tribute, West transitioned into the track by slowing down the sample before launching into the performance.
The concert featured several fan-favourite moments, including performances of “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” and West’s guest verse from “American Boy”.
Footage from the event circulated online, with fans highlighting the Michael Jackson tribute as one of the evening’s memorable moments.
West’s admiration for Jackson has been evident throughout his career, both through musical references and public comments. The tribute also comes amid renewed interest in Jackson’s catalogue, which continues to attract significant attention from music fans worldwide.
The Arnhem concert took place despite opposition from some members of the Jewish community in the Netherlands, who had raised concerns over West’s previous antisemitic remarks and other controversies.
Dutch authorities reportedly allowed the scheduled performances to proceed, unlike some planned appearances in other countries that have reportedly faced cancellation or opposition.
A second concert remains scheduled in the Netherlands, although questions continue to surround several of West’s upcoming international performances.
Despite the controversy, fans attending the Arnhem show appeared enthusiastic, with many praising the setlist and performance highlights shared across social media.
