North West, the 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, stepped into the spotlight in a big way on May 24 and 25. She made her highly anticipated stage debut during The Lion King 30th Anniversary – A Live-to-Film Concert Event at the iconic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Fans and concertgoers were thrilled to see North take on the role of Young Simba in the two-day event that celebrated three decades of the beloved Disney classic.
North’s performance was part of Disney’s special tribute to The Lion King, an animated film that first hit theaters in 1994 and has since become one of the most iconic movies in Disney history. North’s role as Young Simba placed her front and center, where she sang the energetic and well-loved song “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King.” It was a magical moment for both North and the audience, as she confidently delivered her performance with grace and charisma.
Dressed in a pale yellow furry hoodie, matching shorts, fuzzy boots, and a buttoned sweater, North truly looked the part of Simba, the young lion prince destined for greatness. Her adorable costume, paired with her bright smile and commanding stage presence, made it clear she was born for the stage. She joined the dancers, who held up large green leaves as props, and strutted across the stage with confidence as she sang. A video posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) showed her emerging from behind those leaves and leading the performance with enthusiasm.
Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning singer and actress, was also part of the star-studded lineup and shared the stage with North during the show. Hudson’s powerful presence complemented the energy North brought to her role, creating a truly memorable scene that fans won’t forget anytime soon.
Kim Kardashian, 43, showed just how proud she was of her daughter’s big moment. She took to Instagram Stories on May 24 to post behind-the-scenes glimpses and sweet tributes to North. One of her posts featured a tray of custom cookies decorated with The Lion King theme, including an adorable icing design of North standing next to Young Simba. Kim also shared photos of beautiful flower arrangements gifted to North by her grandmother Kris Jenner and great-grandmother Mary Jo “MJ” Shannon. Clearly, it was a family affair, with everyone showing their support for North’s big day.
The Lion King 30th Anniversary Concert was no ordinary event. It was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, bringing together members of the original cast along with new stars. North shared the stage with theater legends like Heather Headley and Lebo M., as well as beloved actors Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons, and Nathan Lane. The special event was filmed and is set to stream on Disney+, giving fans who couldn’t make it to Los Angeles a chance to witness the magic from home.
Jennifer Hudson’s appearance was another highlight. At 42, she brought her powerhouse vocals to the Hollywood Bowl, reminding everyone why she’s a Grammy and Academy Award winner. Her performance added a rich depth to the concert and was a fitting tribute to The Lion King’s musical legacy.
For North West, this wasn’t her first brush with performing in front of an audience, but it was certainly her biggest role to date. Just a few months earlier, in March, she performed at the Rolling Loud festival. During that event, she sang “Talking,” a track from her father Kanye West’s latest album, Vultures. That performance came shortly after she announced she was working on her own debut album, signaling that North is seriously stepping into her own musical career.
North’s role as Young Simba at the Hollywood Bowl marks a significant milestone. At just 10 years old, she’s already carving out her path in entertainment, following in the footsteps of her famous parents while adding her own unique flair. Whether it’s through music or acting, North is proving that talent runs deep in the Kardashian-West family.
The Lion King 30th Anniversary – A Live-to-Film Concert Event not only celebrated the legacy of a Disney classic but also marked the beginning of what looks to be a promising future for North West in show business. Fans and critics alike are eager to see what’s next for this rising star.
With her charismatic performance as Young Simba, North West demonstrated that she’s ready for the spotlight. Whether on stage or in the recording studio, one thing is clear—North West is a name we’ll be hearing a lot more in the years to come.
