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North West, the daughter of Kim Kardashian and Ye (formerly Kanye West), recently made her debut at the Hollywood Bowl in a “Lion King” anniversary concert, but the internet's response has been far from a standing ovation, USAtoday reports. The 10-year-old performed as Simba in “Disney's The Lion King 30th Anniversary – A Live-to-Film Concert Event,” which took place on Friday and Saturday, featuring live renditions of the film’s iconic songs by original cast members from the 1994 animation, the 2019 remake, and the Broadway musical.
West's introduction by Jason Weaver, who voiced Simba in the original 1994 film, set the stage for her spirited performance of “I Just Can't Wait to Be King.” Clad in a Simba-inspired hoodie and a fuzzy headpiece designed by ERL, North energetically sang and danced amidst a troupe of animal dancers. The concert's star-studded lineup also included performances by Billy Eichner, Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Heather Headley, and Jennifer Hudson.
Social Media Backlash and Nepotism Claims
Despite the high-profile event, North's performance drew significant criticism online, with many accusing her of benefiting from nepotism. Social media users were quick to point out that her casting might have been influenced more by her famous parents than by her talent.
🎥👀| A mother took to TikTok to accuse Kim Kardashian of paying for North West to be cast as Simba in Lion King 30th anniversary concert over her daughter.
“Never cast a nepo baby over talent, ever again.” pic.twitter.com/EBzcCE81kl
— KenBarbie™ (@itsKenBarbie) May 27, 2024
“The whole North West/Lion King situation just reminds me of the real world (and) how interviews for a job/opportunity can go,” commented one user on X, formerly known as Twitter. “It’s never WHAT you can do or how perfect you think you’re qualified but rather WHO you know. We’ve all seen it. This is no different.”
Not everyone shared this critical view. Author Marc Lamont Hill defended North, arguing that nepotism has long been a fixture in Hollywood. He pointed out that the industry often prioritizes fame and ticket sales over raw talent, citing examples of celebrities cast in movies primarily for their drawing power rather than their acting prowess.
“In every movie, every play, every domain of pop culture, somebody casts somebody who’s not that good…We’ve put rappers in movies for the last 30 years … and the reason we do it is because people are famous and famous people bring in tickets,” Hill told TMZ.
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Hill’s comments highlighted a broader trend in Hollywood, where many well-known figures have leveraged their fame to secure roles. He mentioned several “nepo babies” who have proven their worth, including Zoë Kravitz, John David Washington, Rashida Jones, Maya Rudolph, and Tracee Ellis Ross.
Support from Jason Weaver and Industry Figures
Amidst the criticism, North West received support from Jason Weaver, who expressed pride in her performance. In an Instagram post on Saturday, Weaver called it an “honor” to perform alongside West, whom he described as a “young superstar in the making.”
“I’m so PROUD of you, North!! You’re doing a such PHENOMENAL job in this show!” Weaver wrote, sharing a photo of himself with North. “I can’t wait for people to see your performance of ‘I Just Can’t Wait To Be King’ when ‘The Lion King 30th Anniversary Celebration’ eventually starts streaming on @disneyplus!!”
Weaver's encouragement highlighted the positive side of North’s debut, praising her professionalism and potential. “You’re a true professional, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey towards GREATNESS!!” he added.
While North West's performance sparked a heated debate over nepotism and talent in Hollywood, it also showcased her ability to take on significant roles at a young age, backed by the support of industry veterans and her high-profile family. As the conversation continues, it remains clear that North’s journey in the entertainment industry will be closely watched by supporters and critics alike.
