Original Lion King Star Praises North West, 10, for Concert Performance Amid 'Nepo Baby' Criticism: 'You're a True Professional'

Original Lion King Star Praises North West, 10, for Concert Performance Amid 'Nepo Baby' Criticism: 'You're a True Professional'

North West received support from original Lion King star Jason Weaver after facing harsh criticism for her role as Young Simba during The Lion King's 30th Anniversary concert. 

Related: North West, 10, Looks Shy on her Exclusive On-Camera Interview Discussing Debut Album 'Elementary School Dropout

Weaver, who provided the singing voice for Young Simba in the 1994 animated classic, expressed his admiration for the 10-year-old daughter of Kim Kardashian on Instagram.

Related: Kim Kardashian's 10-Year-Old Daughter North West's Incredible TikTok Earnings Potential and Future Inheritance Revealed

Original Lion King Star Praises North West, 10, for Concert Performance Amid 'Nepo Baby' Criticism: 'You're a True Professional' pic.twitter.com/Pa0FQ3X3Y4

— Kardashian Jenner News Update (@karjennews) May 28, 2024

"What an honor it is to share the same stage with this young superstar in the making," Weaver wrote alongside a photo of himself with North. "I’m so PROUD of you, North!! You’re doing such a PHENOMENAL job in this show!"

Related: North West, 10, Teases Dad Kanye After Announcing Debut Album, Mocking His Style

North performed "I Just Can’t Wait to Be King" at Disney’s live concert production of The Lion King at the Hollywood Bowl. Weaver added, "You’re a true professional, and I wish you nothing but the best as you continue your journey towards GREATNESS!!" The concert featured a distinguished lineup of original Lion King cast members and performers, including Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, Ernie Sabella, Bradley Gibson, Billy Eichner, Heather Headley, and Grammy winner Lebo M. Jennifer Hudson also delivered stunning performances during the event.

Related: Debate Arises Over North West's Announcement of Debut Album "Elementary School Dropout" at Age 10

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Making her acting debut, North received a standing ovation from the audience at the Hollywood Bowl, where her famous parents proudly watched. Despite her success, social media users on X (formerly known as Twitter) criticized her casting, attributing it to nepotism. Comments ranged from, "Nepotism is literally the best thing to be born with," to "This is classism at its finest!"

Related: North West was seen in Beach with Aunt Kourtney Kardashian and Cousin Penelope Disick

North's casting process remains unclear, as DailyMail.com reached out to a Kardashian spokesperson for comment. Earlier this month, it was announced that North would participate in the live-to-film concert event, which ran for two nights on May 24 and 25. Family members, including Kanye West, Kris Jenner, Kourtney Kardashian, and Travis Barker, attended the concert to support North. Kim Kardashian shared behind-the-scenes moments on Instagram, posting photos from North's dressing room and capturing family moments.

Related: North West, 10 Shares Stage with Father Kanye West who Rocked Halloween Hockey Mask Celebrating Her Billboard Debut Amid Gig Struggles

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North's acting debut follows her announcement of her first album, "Elementary School Dropout," in March. She also featured on "Talking / Once Again" from Kanye's collaborative album "Vultures 1," making her one of the youngest artists to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. North's love for performing was evident in her cover story for i-D last October, where she stated, "Performing is my favorite," attributing her passion to herself and her father.

Related: Kim Kardashian Glows with Pride as 10-Year-Old Daughter North West Makes Billboard History with Controversial Collaboration on Kanye's "Vultures 1"

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