Kim Kardashian and North West
Credit: Disney
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Here’s the understandable reason Kim Kardashian almost turned down North West’s Lion King role

Kim knew what was coming

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ByCeline Byford

21st February 2025, 02:00

Everyone’s calling North West a nepo baby after she scored the Lion King role of Samba in a Hollywood stage performance. Lots of other kids auditioned for the role, but North snapped up the star character pretty quickly. Her mom Kim Kardashian is now trying to back up her eldest daughter, but even she has said North “is not a singer.”

North West has been branded a ‘nepo baby’

Kardashian family’s close relationship with Gabe Turner, a partner at Fulwell 73 and creative showrunner for The Lion King concert, reportedly facilitated North’s casting due to connections. As a result of many parents whose children auditioned for the role and got turned down, many are now calling North a “nepo baby” simply because her parents are famous.

North has released raps, sang at her Dad’s choir performances, and often dances on TikTok, yet some people cannot see the talent she has. Critics noted that North’s performance didn’t match up to her fellow singers and dancers, and questioned her appearance on stage, and even Kim has said her daughter is “not a singer” while trying to defend her.

Kim said how North is “not there to be Mariah Carey,” and even admitted she got the role because of her and Kanye. “I already know what’s coming, that she’s not Whitney Houston. Duh! I know that she got the job because of her parents. North is the moment and she’s the one who people pay to see. They want to see North West on a TikTok, on a this, on anything, because she’s a personality, a performer.”

Was North paid for her Lion King role?

 

No, but her parents reportedly paid for her to fill the role. It is also alleged that Kardashian paid the production company $1 million to have North perform as the lead, even though the recent episode on The Kardashians saw Kim’s uncertainties around even letting North take the role of Simba – because she knew the criticism would hit her.

However, it was confirmed that Disney approached the family about North’s participation, according to the episode. I’m really torn on if we should let her do this or not. “She’s not a singer. She raps. She’s been on a stage with her dad for sure. As a mom, especially putting her child on a platform with a lot of opinions — it’s something to really, really think about,” Kim revealed.

“If anyone wants to hate on a child that is having the time of their lives, then f**k you,” she said. Kim said she’s “proud” of North and added: “It’s such a proud moment as a mom to see your child have so much fun and not be nervous at all. She’s so proud of herself. She did such a great job. And anyone that is hating on a kid is just a hater.”

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