Prefaced with a tweet that reads “big day, big news,” Saturday Night Live announced the host and the performer for its 44th season on Monday afternoon (Sept. 17). Actor Adam Driver will steer the comedic program for the evening while Kanye West will mark his seventh time performing.
In 2016, West took center stage before he enthusiastically debuted his The Life of Pablo album. Alongside Kelly Price, The-Dream, Fonzworth Bentley, Kirk Franklin, and Chance the Rapper, the “Jesus Walks” artist performed the lead track off the soundscape, “Ultralight Beam.” He also performed “Highlights” with Young Thug and shared stage space with El DeBarge as well.
Big day, big news. #SNLPremiere pic.twitter.com/r7o6nO5nyv
— Saturday Night Live – SNL (@nbcsnl) September 17, 2018
The father-of-three’s most recent SNL appearance was preceded by controversy. The 41-year-old artist was bothered by the show’s production staff’s decision to rearrange his set design. The gesture inspired West to air out his thoughts, which was recorded and leaked in an audio that quickly spread across the internet. Since then, West has continued to remain in the news for his comments about Donald Trump, possibly running for president in 2024, and slavery which he recently apologized for in late August.
Check out a few visuals from West’s most recent SNL performances ahead of his Sept. 29 appearance.
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