Kanye West's third DONDA event blazes with controversial cameos and Kim Kardashian in a wedding gown

Chicago, Illinois – Another listening party by Kanye West has come and gone, while his upcoming album DONDA remains unreleased. And it's not Kanye's music that's making headlines after his third listening party at Soldier Field, it's the bizareness of the entire event – and that he may have renewed his vows to Kim Kardashian.

Kanye West held his third listening experience for his upcoming album DONDA on Thursday night in Chicago, Illinois.
Kanye West held his third listening experience for his upcoming album DONDA on Thursday night in Chicago, Illinois.

Kanye's long-awaited album DONDA seems to be edging closer to its public release, but longtime fans know to expect the unexpected at any moment.

On Thursday night, the rapper took over Soldier Field in Chicago to host his third listening party, which was centered around a replica of his childhood home.

As per usual, West showed up to his own party fashionably late, according to Fader. The listening experience kicked off with a video on the jumbo screen showing the process of reconstructing West's childhood home. A massive glowing crucifix attached to the replica was incredibly hard to miss.

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West emerged almost thirty minutes after the event began, standing on top of the house with two kids by his side, who are rumored to be his own children. A vocal track repeating the word "Donda," the name of his late mother, played on repeat.

But those who have attended previous DONDA listening parties noticed major differences on the album, and not just the order in which certain songs were played.

DaBaby and Marilyn Manson join Kanye in controversial cameos

Kanye West (l.) replaced Jay-Z's verse with one by DaBaby (r.) in the latest version of a track titled Jail.
Kanye West (l.) replaced Jay-Z's verse with one by DaBaby (r.) in the latest version of a track titled Jail.

Notably missing was Jay-Z's feature on the track titled Jail, which West replaced with a verse by DaBaby. The rapper also appeared on stage at the listening event.

According to Fader, the lyrics on DaBaby's verse indicate that he joined the track following the backlash from his homophobic comments made at a festival last month.

As if DaBaby's cameo at Solder Field wasn't jaw-dropping enough, West brought out another controversial artist during the track: Marilyn Manson.

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While Manson, who is currently facing multiple charges for alleged sexual assault, didn't appear to sing on the album, his mere presence on the front porch of West's childhood home was enough to cause some serious questions – something West seems to enjoy doing.

DaBaby's presence on stage may have made more sense, given that West played a song featuring the recently shunned artist. But as Marilyn Manson didn't appear on any track, fans were left scratching their heads as to why West would even include Manson in the mix.

Perhaps Kanye was trying to prove a point about his distaste for artists receiving backlash for their actions, or maybe West is simply trying to add more drama to the release of DONDA.

Whatever the reason may be, it's likely something no one will ever get an answer to – especially not from 'Ye himself.

Kim Kardashian in a wedding gown adds fuel to the fire

Kim Kardashian (l.) and Kanye West (r.) kept hope alive that their romance could reignite after the couple's showing at the Chicago listening event on Thursday night.
Kim Kardashian (l.) and Kanye West (r.) kept hope alive that their romance could reignite after the couple's showing at the Chicago listening event on Thursday night.  © Kanye West's third DONDA party featured controversial cameos and Kim Kardashian in a wedding gown

Yet the most eye-catching moment of the night came during the final song, when a bride, now revealed to be Kim Kardashian, strutted her way towards West on the arena floor in a wedding dress. A long train and sheer veil covered her face, with fans commenting that the outfit was a creation of designer Balenciaga.

When Kardashian made her way to West, a rare ear-to-ear smile took over his face. Soon after, the replica of his childhood home was set on fire, as Ye later stepped out from inside it. Engulfed in flames, the night closed on a hot note.

Rumors regarding the reunion between the two estranged lovebirds have recently been swirling, especially with Kanye saying Kim is still in love with him at his last listening party. Now, Kardashian's latest involvement in his DONDA event is only adding more fuel to the fire – in this case, quite literally.

Some fans believe the two got remarried or renewed their vows during the event, given the fact Kardashian made her stiletto-clad strut towards West in a gorgeous wedding gown.

Thousands looked on as the listening party came to an end and their "marriage" burned – perhaps a symbolic nod to their current divorce proceedings.

Unlike at Kanye's last two events, the album was not set to be released at the party's conclusion on Thursday. Interestingly enough, the album now has two different release dates.

Apple Music lists an expected release date of September 3, while iTunes has touted its drop two days later on September 5.

Will DONDA be just what West and Kardashian needed to kiss and make up? Will West finally release the album next week?

At this point, it's anybody's guess.

Cover photo: Collage: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire & UPI Photo

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