North West has earned a standing ovation after portraying a young Simba during a live production of The Lion King.
The 10-year-old daughter of Ye (formerly known as Kanye West) and Kim Kardashian took the stage at the famed Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles this weekend to sing I Just Can't Wait to Be King in celebration of the animated film's upcoming 30th anniversary.
The two-night Lion King concert event also featured Broadway star Heather Headley and Grammy-winning Lebo M, along with franchise originals Billy Eichner, Bradley Gibson, Ernie Sabella, Jason Weaver, Jeremy Irons and Nathan Lane, as well as special guest Jennifer Hudson.
The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl is being filmed for a Disney+ original special set to debut at a later date, reports Billboard.
Audience members cheering on North included her famous parents; siblings Saint, Chicago and Psalm; grandmother Kris Jenner; aunt Kourtney Kardashian and uncle Travis Barker.
There's always gonna be some haters who are gonna hate, especially at any chance to bring up 'nepotism'.
One person wrote: "imagine the talented kids that were supposed to have that role. Nepotism at its best."
"If Kanye and Kim weren’t her parents the part would have gone to someone who deserved it," wrote another.
A third added: "STUNNING, really?? I have no doubt there were other very talented kids that should have had that part!!!!"
Others had North's back and cheered her along in the comments.
"She did soo good," one fan wrote.
Another said: "Aww this is actually so cute! North's got the confidence. Love it!"
"This girl has confidence and that's all that matters. Her voice sounds so cute to me, like a child's should ❤️❤️ Go Northie," added a third.
North opened up about her love of singing to i-D magazine in October 2023, explaining that "performing is my favourite".
When asked what she wants to be when she grows up, North said "a rapper, a basketball player, and I'm going to make artwork that I sell."
North made her music debut in 2015 with a cameo in father Kanye's Only One video.
In March, she teased her upcoming debut album, Elementary School Dropout. A release date is yet to be announced.
