Kim Kardashian is no stranger to the spotlight, but when it comes to her children, the reality star is fiercely protective. In a recent episode of The Kardashians, Kim opened up about her daughter North West’s performance in The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl—and the backlash that followed. While proud of her 11-year-old, Kim admitted that North is “not a singer,” sparking a wave of reactions from fans and critics alike.
North’s Big Moment
North West, the eldest child of Kim and ex-husband Kanye West, landed the coveted role of Simba in a live Disney production of The Lion King. The performance, which took place at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, saw North singing I Just Can’t Wait To Be King. However, the young star faced criticism online, with many accusing her of benefiting from nepotism.
In the episode, Kim revealed that North had only four days to rehearse for the role, working with a vocal coach to prepare. Despite her efforts, Kim acknowledged that her daughter’s strengths lie elsewhere. “North is very comfortable performing, but she’s not a singer, you know, she raps,” Kim confessed during a confessional.
A Mother’s Dilemma
Kim’s initial hesitation about letting North take on the role was evident. She discussed the decision with her sister Khloe Kardashian, who advised her to “set North up for success” in a world that can be “mean.” Khloe candidly questioned whether North could handle a Broadway-level performance, to which Kim admitted, “That’s what I’m worried about.”
Ultimately, Kim and Kanye had a “family discussion” about the opportunity, and North was adamant about taking the stage. “Please, mom, I wanna do it,” North pleaded. Kim relented, but not without acknowledging the challenges of putting her child in the public eye.
The Performance and the Backlash
The episode gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at North’s rehearsals and the big night itself. The Kardashian-Jenner clan came out in full force to support North, including Kanye West, who made a rare appearance on the Hulu series. Kim reflected on the surreal moment, noting that North’s first concert was at the Hollywood Bowl watching Kanye perform. “To see, a decade later, the roles reversed in the same dressing room, it’s just so surreal for me. Life is crazy,” she said.
Despite the family’s pride, online critics were quick to point out the role nepotism played in North’s casting. Comments ranged from accusations of “classism at its finest” to calls for more talented, less privileged children to be given such opportunities. One user wrote, “Nepotism is so crazy lol. Someone else’s more talented, probably voice and dance-trained kid didn’t get it because their family isn’t famous enough.”
Kim’s Defense of North
Kim didn’t hold back when addressing the haters. “I already know what’s coming,” she said in a confessional. “That she’s not Whitney Houston, duh. That she got the job because of her parents. North is the moment—they wanna see North West on a TikTok, on a this, on anything, because she’s a personality, a performer.”
She added, “And if anyone wants to hate on a child having the time of their lives, f**k you.”
Kim also emphasized that North was proud of herself and had fun on stage, which was what mattered most. “She’s so proud of herself. She did such a great job, and anyone that’s hating on a kid is just like, eh, I hate her, and she’s not there to be like Mariah Carey,” Kim said.
The Nepotism Debate
The conversation around North’s performance highlights the ongoing debate about nepotism in Hollywood. While some argue that opportunities should be based solely on talent, others believe that fame and connections are an inevitable part of the industry. As one social media user put it, “Nepotism is literally the best thing to be born with.”
For Kim, the focus remains on supporting her children and shielding them from unnecessary criticism. “Kanye and I want the best for the kids,” she said. “So anytime we’re here supporting our child, it’s always good vibes.”
Final Thoughts
North West’s performance may have sparked controversy, but it also showcased her confidence and love for the stage. While the debate about nepotism continues, one thing is clear: Kim Kardashian will always have her children’s backs—no matter what the critics say.
