A selfie of North West with her mom Kim Kardashian/Photo credit: Kim Kardashian Instagram account/ @kimkardashian
The Lion King always brings out a kind of magic, especially when it’s on the stage. At the Hollywood Bowl Friday night, Kim Kardashian’s daughter, North West, stood poised to portray the production’s character Simba.
West, 10, rocked the crowd as she showcased her vocal abilities and stage presence with her performance of I Can’t Wait to Be King. Instead of the traditional Lion King costume, the pre-teen took the stage in an oversized yellow, matching shorts, and fluffy shoes.
This would mark West’s debut at the Hollywood Bowl, and by all accounts, it was a great one that earned her a standing ovation. North’s parents, mom Kim and dad Kanye West, were undoubtedly proud of her performance. It seems North is developing her skills as a multi-hyphenate entertainer since she not only raps but is now also singing.
North’s performance seems to set another milestone in her budding career, adding to the long list of work done by the Wests and Kardashians. It’s a fairly strong start, and many are curious about what the future holds for her.
Overall, the production blended Disney’s classical—and outright magical—storytelling with the cast’s talent. This should come as no surprise, as it honored the Lion King’s thirty-year anniversary as a live-to-film concert. It’s almost hard to believe this enchanting story has hit that big 30. It is less hard to believe that people are still captivated by the beautiful narrative.
The evening was not just about North’s performance, either, as it featured a talented roster all around: Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Heather Headley, and more. And if you have not had the chance to see this live, then don’t worry. According to Variety, they should appear on Disney+ sometime in the near future.
The Hollywood Bowl is a Los Angeles icon and venue with a longstanding legacy of art and culture. The beautiful open-air amphitheater has seen more than its fair share of special performances. Now, North’s debut is part of that extensive history.
Timeless stories, scenery, and magic. The venue’s unique ambiance, combined with the magic of The Lion King, made an unforgettable evening for the audience, but it also made an unforgettable one for North’s parents.