Religion/ Spirituality

Kanye West's Wyoming Sunday Service appeared to go off without a hitch -- and it was definitely the place to be based on the sheer number of heads ... who came as they were.

The highly-publicized event started bright and early Sunday morning, with massive lines forming outside the Buffalo Bill Center of the West ... which is serving as host for Ye's latest gathering. According to eyes on the crowd, the estimated count was well over 700 people who'd come out -- well over the max capacity of BBCW's Powwow Garden.

Just to give you a sense of how many folks flocked in to catch Ye this weekend, check out this photo ... an absolutely packed house. Might as well have been a music fest.

Looks like Kanye and co. made due though, as early footage of the worship sesh showed everyone standing around the 80-man (and woman) choir, with Ye himself in among the group as well. He's the one with the yellow hoodie on down below.

As far as what was sung ... NIRVANA COVERS!!!! (but the Kanye hymn versions, of course). The choir sang their own renditions of "Smells Like Teen Spirit," "Come As You Are" and other Nirvana hits. There were some traditional prayers in the mix here too.

Eyewitnesses tell us Kanye did not perform this time around -- it's hit or miss with that, he's taken the stage at some stops lately, and other times he lays low and directs from the side.

According to what appears to be a setlist that was passed around, Kanye and the choir ended up running through 14 songs which included Ye's own "Ultralight Beam." There was also some nifty Wyoming Sunday Service gear for sale as well.

As we reported ... this week's Service was no secret. The Buffalo Bill Center made it clear that Kanye would be there and seemed to invite as many people as they could fit for free. As far as we can tell ... the homecoming was a complete success.

Kanye West wants his presence in Wyoming to be known far and wide -- it looks like he's hosting a mega Sunday Service this week, inviting all the townsfolk and their mom.

Ye's forthcoming Service is taking place at the Powwow Garden of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming -- where Kanye now owns a massive waterfront property, aptly named Monster Lake Ranch. Per local reports, the sign now reads "West Lake."

We already know he and Kim have made themselves at home -- getting acquainted with the local wildlife, to the chagrin of the Wyoming Game & Fish Dept. Now, it looks like Kanye wants to properly introduce the Wests to the community, 'cause his Sunday Service is being heavily advertised on a massive digital billboard, as well as on social media.

According to the venue's Facebook post about it, he's bringing out his "80-person choral group" for the performance -- so yeah, Kanye and co. are pulling out all the stops.

Preparations are currently underway for the free and public event, and it looks like they're expecting quite a turnout. Photos obtained by TMZ show a bunch of tents being set up Saturday ahead of Ye's Sunday Service, with catering and special event trucks in tow.

The Powwow Garden has a capacity of about 700 people -- 200 seated or 700 standing according to the Center's website -- but it's unclear how many people will actually show up. FYI, there are less than 10,000 people total living in Cody itself.

It's an interesting move on Kanye's part, as many of his Sunday Services of late have been relatively low-key -- not including the Chicago stop, of course. This appears to be the exact opposite of that -- pretty much a come one, come all approach.

Eddie Money really did have 2 tickets to paradise when he eloped 30 years ago with his wife, but the rock star managed to fulfill a lifelong dream to exchange church vows ... before he passed away.

Eddie and his wife, Laurie, renewed their vows back on February 7 at the California Community Church in the San Fernando Valley. The couple kept it a private ceremony, strictly for immediate family.

Laurie wore a Bob Mackie-designed wedding dress she had intended to wear when they eloped to Mexico in 1989 -- but the dress took 3 months to make. Turned out they didn't need it anyway because they ditched all formal wear for the beach ceremony.

The couple talked about exchanging vows in a church for YEARS but after he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer last fall, they finally formalized plans. The timing was perfect ... because just 3 months later, Eddie would also need to undergo a heart valve procedure.

Sadly, complications associated with his heart valve procedure led to his death last week.

The Money family tells TMZ ... they're thankful to all fans around the world who played Eddie's songs to celebrate his life and music after his passing. The family also set up the Eddie Money Cancer Research Fund at USC's Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Kanye West thinks he's found the next big thing ... because he flew all the way to the middle of nowhere Indiana to show his support for a family band with which he has a special connection.

Kanye surfaced in tiny Batesville, Indiana following his Sunday Service in Atlanta ... attending a free concert and helping raise cash for Infinity's Song and singer Victory Boyd, who are signed to Jay-Z's entertainment agency, Roc Nation.

It was a pretty surreal scene ... Kanye introducing a sibling band for a free show in a tiny venue called Walhill Farm, with about 140 people in the crowd. Not exactly Coachella.

Our sources say Kanye is super close with Victory's father, John Boyd, whom he looks to for spiritual support. Ye did his part to help out Sunday, and we're told there was a freewill offering going around the venue, and Infinity's Song raised around $3,500 for their tour.

Kanye didn't perform, but he had a front row seat for Infinity's Song's performance, and he described Victory and her siblings as "the future of music." High praise from Yeezy.

After the concert, which ended with a rendition of "Amazing Grace," we're told Kanye brought Victory and John on his private jet and flew to Belgium.

Jeff Fenholt -- best known for playing the title character in the original Broadway theater production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" -- has died.

Law enforcement sources tell us Jeff died Tuesday, only 5 days before his 69th birthday. We're told Fenholt had recently been battling some health issues and was found dead at his home. Jeff's death is not being investigated under suspicious circumstances.

Jeff famously played Jesus in Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock opera, "Jesus Christ Superstar," which opened on Broadway in October 1971 and played at the Mark Hellinger Theatre for a widely successful run of more than 700 performances.

Right after the play debuted, Jeff was featured on the cover of Time Magazine in full costume, complete with a thorn crown on his head.

Jeff was also embroiled in controversy over his involvement with the English heavy metal band, Black Sabbath. Jeff claimed he was a singer in the band for a few months in 1985, and says the band used several of his melodies for their album, "Seventh Star," though he was not credited.

However, original Sabbath member Tony Iommi never confirmed Jeff was in the band ... and the official line from Black Sabbath is that Jeff merely "tried out" for a spot in the group.

Jeff also gained notoriety as a Christian evangelist, and he says he made the conversion after becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol after the end of 'JCS' on Broadway.

Jeff was 68.

Kanye West resurrected in his hometown -- with Chance the Rapper, no less -- and the people of Chicago did NOT miss the opportunity to come out and bear witness.

Ye held his Sunday Service in Chi-Town this week, hosting a massive crowd at the Huntington Bank Pavilion on Northerly Island ... and it seemed to be a packed house. The venue has a 30,000-person capacity -- and it seems like they filled that and then some.

It appears this was more of a traditional concert than his usual gatherings -- which has been hittin' the road A LOT lately -- but also nontraditional in some respects too.

For example, it looks like the stage that both Kanye and Chance performed on was closer to ground level than your regular concert venue stage, which made this Sunday Service feel much more intimate and interactive. Folks also seemed to respect the closeness -- there are no reports of anyone rushing Ye, so it seems people kept their distance.

That's not to say that security wasn't on hand -- it absolutely was. Funny enough, at one point, Kanye told a guard to stand down as he made his way through the audience to the stage ... telling the guy to "watch this" ... and then parting the human sea, if you will.

Very on-brand, right?

Anyway, ya gotta imagine Kanye fans are eternally grateful for this road trip -- up until recently, Ye had been hosting Sunday Service in secret areas in and around L.A. and to attend, it seems like you needed a special invite.

Kanye West's Sunday Service is on the road again ... this time he took the choir to good ol' Watts, and none other than Brad Pitt showed up to feel the good vibes.

Brad was among the large group of worshipers who surrounded Kanye and his choir Sunday in the parking lot of a church. We're told it was a spur-of-the-moment deal, and Brad's presence was a surprise to almost everyone who showed up.

Maybe it shouldn't be going forward, 'cause our sources tell us this is his second time coming.

You can see Brad rockin' his signature charcoal-colored cap. We're told the actor was mostly unbothered by fans as he blended in with the crowd. Yes, Brad Pitt can blend in in Watts.

Other VIPs for this week's Sunday Service included L.A. Reid, Adrienne Bailon, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and radio personality Big Boy.

Meanwhile, Kanye was doing his usual thing ... jamming out with the choir and the band on hand in the middle of the group. It looks like there was singing, dancing and, of course, a sermon was given at one point ... the whole church experience, which Ye's been taking around the country lately.

Looks like Kanye's recent Sunday Service road trip is becoming the norm. Remember, he was just in Dayton, OH last week with Kim and his kids ... where he helped Dave Chappelle put on a free concert and service for the grief-stricken community.

Kanye West can sum up his feelings about bringing his Sunday Services to traditional churches in just 2 words -- far less than Justin Bieber used, but we think they're saying the same thing.

We got Ye Saturday night as he and his wifey, Kim Kardashian, were leaving Cafe Habana in Malibu ... and asked him if he felt any more pressure when performing in churches with his Sunday Service choir.

As you know, Kanye's had 2 special services in the last month -- leaving his usual outdoor location in Calabasas to perform for a North Hollywood congregation ... and the other in Dayton, OH for survivors of the mass shooting there.

Kanye's answer was short, sweet and a clear sign of his faith. As for feeling pressure ... he was getting plenty last night from one of his outspoken fans in the 'Bu.

We'd put that same question, about pressure, to Justin last week -- on the heels of him singing for the first time in front of the congregation at Churchome in Bev Hills. Biebs told us it was more nerve-racking than his stadium concerts.

The takeaway, though, is both of 'em are feeling the Spirit.

Justin and Hailey Bieber want their formal wedding celebration to be a religious affair because they feel bringing God into their marriage will make their union stronger ... this according to Stephen Baldwin.

Stephen was on his way to the New York State Fair -- where he's launching a new initiative for veterans called Ready Vets Go -- when he filled us in on the motives behind his daughter and the Biebs' formal wedding party.

Justin's father-in-law says the happy couple understands weddings and marriages are supposed to be a holy commitment, and they feel a religious ceremony will go a long way towards finding peace and happiness together.

Stephen says he's proud of Justin for taking some time away from music to be a family man ... and he feels JB has made leaps and bounds in the past year as far as making sure he's spending time with Hailey and having a blast.

Justin and Hailey enjoyed a fancy lunch together Thursday at E Baldi ... so ya can't argue with Stephen, they're definitely having fun!

As we first reported ... Justin and Hailey are going to say their "I dos" again in a place they've fallen for ... South Carolina ... and they recently sent out their save the dates. Hailey's dad tells us they're still deciding between a couple venues.

Miguel heard Justin Bieber's powerful message and he couldn't agree more ... telling us some of his best work comes in his most vulnerable moments.

We got Miguel leaving Delilah Thursday night and our guy asked about Justin telling his church there's power in weakness when you fight through adversity ... and the R&B great told us he's a big believer in what JB's preaching.

It's pretty interesting ... Miguel tells us the best songs he's written were actually spawned from periods of weakness.

As we first reported ... Justin took the mic and sang in front of his congregation at Churchome in Beverly Hills Wednesday night, telling us his breakout moment was part of a much bigger message he's trying to spread.

Justin Bieber's played hundreds of concerts for millions of people, but it took him years to work up the courage to lead worship at his church ... and he made it count.

Bieber hopped onstage with the worship band at Churchome in Beverly Hills Wednesday night, and poured his heart and soul into leading the congregation in song.

The pastor, JB's buddy Judah Smith, gave some backstory on what led to the big moment ... saying Bieber's always been a worshiper, but the time had come for him to use his immense talent to guide everyone in praising God.

Justin tells the church it's taken him a long time to do so because he doesn't want the expression of his faith to look like a show. Of course, once he started singing ... it wasn't hard to see why he's a star.

At one point, Biebs was feeling it so much he went off the lyrical script. No one seemed to mind.

As you know, Justin's immersed himself in religion in recent years, attending both Churchome and Hillsong services, and now it looks like he's taking on a bigger role.

Kim Kardashian has now joined Kanye West's in Ohio ... and they're doing cheesecake for dinner.

Kim and Kanye were spotted leaving a Cheesecake Factory restaurant Saturday evening in Beavercreek, OH -- a city about 15 minutes outside of Dayton -- where they were ushered into a waiting SUV with security nearby.

We're told their son Saint, and daughter North, were with them for the hour-long dinner, which got started 6 PM. No word on what they chowed down on, but it's Cheesecake ... they got a lot of options (no specials though, apparently).

Anyway, Kim and Kanye definitely weren't trying to stay on the down low -- check out our video. You see them interacting with the crowd outside ... from a safe distance, of course. Kim said hi to some fans, and Ye flashed a peace sign.

Kim's appearance here comes a day after Kanye was seen roaming the streets of Dayton with other family members, including what looked like some of his kids.

Kanye West is in Dayton, Ohio ... and all signs are pointing to him hosting his Sunday Service in the same city where 9 people were killed in a recent mass shooting.

Kanye and his family were spotted Friday afternoon in Dayton ... which is pretty interesting, considering that's where his longtime friend Dave Chappelle is hosting a free show Sunday to honor the lives that were lost in this month's tragedy.

Our sources tell us Kanye appeared to be scouting a location for a Special Sunday Service ... and there are rumblings he will be bringing in his choir as well.

We reached out to Kanye's camp for confirmation ... but we haven't heard back.

As you know ... Kanye's Sunday Service has become super popular this year, with tons of celebs attending. He had a huge service at Coachella and has held the rest mostly around Los Angeles.

Stay tuned ...

Kanye West is coming down from the mountain top and taking church goers back to school -- literally he was on a campus this weekend doing his Sunday Service.

That's right ... Ye switched things up Sunday for his weekly spiritual concert -- opting to bring his talents to the people in North Hollywood, where he put on one hell heck of a show for a local congregation that meets up at a middle school in the San Fernando Valley.

We're told Kanye joined forces with the California Worship Center this week, walking in around 11 AM PT and hosting a musical church service 'til about 2 PM. It was quite a spectacle -- but perhaps a bit less so than what his usual services turn out like.

Remember his Coachella gig? This wasn't quite that -- a heavily advertised set at a major music fest with thousands of people -- but the excitement here was just as palpable.

Regardless of the hype, lots o' famous folks stopped by. Eyewitnesses tell us stars like Blac Chyna, Tori Kelly, Gwen Stefani and even manager-to-the-stars Scooter Braun showed up -- not to mention everyone Kanye brought along with him ... which was a ton of heads.

As for how the service itself went, just take a looksy for yourself. Seems it came close to matching what we've come to expect from Sunday Services, only in a bit of a tighter space ... but with just as much energy. That'll happen when you get two churches together.

Music-wise, we're told KW weaved in a number of samples into the live production -- which was supplemented by a choir and a marching band on hand. Some of the songs he used ... Fred Hammond's "This Is the Day," Jay-Z's "Lift Off," Snoop's "Drop It Like It's Hot," and Tye Tribbett's rendition of "Lift Him Up." Clearly, those in attendance were moved by the spirit -- it was lit.

Now, when it comes to how or why this came together the way it did, we're not entirely sure. But, like the good book says ... ask and Ye shall come through!!!

Leah Remini's show has come to an end -- and nobody's more ecstatic than the Church of Scientology -- who just went in on the actress.

Remini -- who used to be a member of the Church of Scientology -- just announced the show's 3rd season about the Church will be its last. A rep for the Church tells us Remini's show, 'Scientology and the Aftermath,' was purely a "hate machine" and they couldn't be happier to see the show wrap up.

The rep says, "Leah Remini has blood on her hands. Her show’s lies, distortions and exhortations to hate and bigotry generated assassination threats against the leader of the Scientology religion, physical attacks on Churches, and the murder of a Scientology religious worker whose throat was slashed by a madman egged on by Remini’s horrendous distortions."

Remini's cohost, Mike Rinder, released a statement shortly after the murder of the religious worker, saying, "They basically seek to shift the blame to our show for their abuses. Their statement that this is all caused by A&E and our show because someone apparently looked at a website that mentioned our show -- that's absurd."

Danny Masterson is being sued by 4 women who accused him of rape ... who claim they've been mercilessly stalked by the Church of Scientology in an effort to silence them.

In a lawsuit, the women claim the "That 70's Show" star is involved in an unrelenting Church conspiracy to cover up their allegations. The stalking claims are pretty brutal. For instance, Chrissie Bixler says in the suit ... her dog mysteriously died after she came forward with the rape claims -- and she says an autopsy revealed it died from unexplained traumatic injuries to its trachea and esophagus.

According to the docs, Bixler adds she's been run off the road by a vehicle that had been following her back in June -- and that same month a friend of Masterson's allegedly threatened to release nude photos of her when she was underage.

Bobette Riales publicly accused Danny of sexual assault back in 2017, claiming he drugged and sexually assaulted her while they dated from 2002 to 2004. She says she's since been surveilled and followed. In one instance, she says neighbors observed a man snapping pictures from her driveway, and then later that night someone broke a window at her home.

The 2 other alleged victims, who are suing as Jane Does, make very similar claims about being mysteriously menaced.

For her part, Bixler says the attempts to silence her started even before she went public with the allegations. In the suit, she says she first disclosed the alleged rape to a Scientology employee ... who told her, "You can't be raped by someone you are in a consensual relationship with." She claims the employee also told her the Church considers it a "High Crime" to report Masterson to cops -- and she would be labeled an SP (suppressive person).

The women are suing Masterson, the Church of Scientology and its leader, David Miscavige.

We've reached out reps for Danny and the Church of Scientology for their response to the lawsuit.