Kim Kardashian knew to be prepared.
Ahead of her daughter North West’s performance as Simba in The Lion King concertat the Hollywood Bowl last year, the reality star revealed she knew criticism that was likely to emerge.
“I already know what’s coming,” Kim told cameras during the Feb. 20 episode of The Kardashians. “That she’s not Whitney Houston. Duh!”
And in response to those who would argue that 11-year-old North—who Kim shares with ex-husband Kanye West—”got the job because of her parents,” the mom of four offered up another suggestion.
“North is the moment,” Kim said simply. “They want to see North West on a TikTok, on a this, on a anything. Because she’s a personality, a performer. And if anyone wants to hate on a child that having is having the time of their lives, ‘F–k you.’”
While North’s performance of “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” did garner some pushback on social media—with some users arguing the performance wasn’t up to the same caliber as those of the Broadway stars North was singing alongside—Kim felt nothing but pride for her oldest, especially after the performance earned a standing ovation.
“It’s such a proud moment as a mom to see your child have so much fun and not be nervous at all,” the SKIMS founder—who also shares kids Saint, 9, Chicago, 7, and Psalm, 5, with Kanye—gushed. “She’s so proud of herself. She did such a great job. And anyone that is hating on a kid is just a hater—she’s not there to be Mariah Carey.”
The performance also marked a rare occasion in which Kim and Kanye reunited, with the “Gold Digger” rapper attending the show in support of North. But despite the pair divorcing in 2022 after nearly seven of marriage, Kim assured cameras that his involvement with the show wasn’t creating any tension.
“Kanye and I want the best for the kids,” the 44-year-old explained. “So any time we’re here supporting our child, it’s always good vibes.”
And following North’s big moment onstage, the two parents couldn’t help but express their shared pride.
Man, she did so good,” Ye gushed to Kim backstage during the episode. “What did you think?”
To which she replied, “I was just crying from the side.”
For more of North West’s best moments, keep reading.
Birthday Party Shenanigans
Kim and North play around with the character Kuromi from the series Fantasy Magic Melody at North’s anime-themed ninth birthday party.
Birthday Makeover
North and her friend show off their matching hairstyles in a TikTok of her June 12 birthday party.
New Braces
North just got new braces and showed them to her TikTok followers on Dec. 23.
Goth Gals
Kim’s longtime friend Tracy Romulus shared Halloween snapshots of her own daughter Ryan Romulus, along with North and the girls’ friend Haidyn, rocking all-black attire and colorful wigs. Their costumes? “Cereal killers.” Genius!
Kim’s Girls
“Me and my girls,” Kim captioned a sweet snapshot of North and Chicago on vacation in May 2021.
Beach Bliss
Big sister North plays with mom Kim and sister Chicago in the sand in May 2021.
All Grown Up
North is all smiles beside mom Kim K in an adorable photoshoot.
Happy Birthday Psalm!
North looked especially adorable in a construction vest at Psalm’s themed 2nd birthday bash in May 2021.
Vacay Vibes
Aunt Kourtney Kardashian shared this laidback pic of North poolside during a Palm Springs getaway.
Bedtime Selfie
Kim shared an adorable selfie with North on Instgaram. “Good Night!” the proud mama captioned side-by-side with North, who was all smiles.
Happy Birthday, Kiyan!
Kim took to Instagram on Sunday, March 7 to wish her BFF La La Anthony‘s son Kiyan a happy birthday, sharing numerous photos of the 14-year-old with all of her kiddos.
Paling Around
Best family friends!
Playing Dress Up With Mom
Kim declared that she loves “playing dress up with” North in this Feb. 2021 photo.
Getting Glam
The Skims founder went on to call her daughter her “beautiful sweet smart baby girl!”
Looking Like Mom
North looked like mom Kim in this pic from Instagram.
Quarantine Activities
Kim told her Instagram followers that one of the things she’s doing to get through quarantine is practicing hair styles on her daughters! That, and frog watching. “There are so many in our backyard at night!” she wrote.
Sibling Love
Good news! “They get along now,” Kim captioned this photo of North and her brother, Saint.
School Selfie
Kim and North snap a quick selfie before school starts.
Paris Presents
Can you guess where the Kardashian-West family is?
Stylish Sis
“That time North dressed Chi in matching outfits,” Kim wrote on Instagram.
Silly Selfie
North and Kim flaunt funny faces in this sweet-and-silly selfie.
Trick or Treat?
North and Penelope celebrate Halloween 2019!
Happy Halloweek!
Playing dress-up with the eldest West kid is a next-level experience. “Styled by North * fake cast included,” Kim wrote, captioning a photo of her daughter and two friends decked out in designer garb while posing against a pink backdrop.
BFFs
“Pinky swear we’re besties for life!!!”
Lollipops & Lord Disick
Airplane mode! North poses with her uncle in full Candy Land attire and a sweet treat to match. “We fly,” Scott wrote on Instagram.
Time Flies!
“I still can’t believe my first born baby is 6,” Kim captioned this cuddly selfie with North one week after her daughter’s birthday.
Birthday Girls
North and Penelope are a neon dream during their joint Candy Land-themed birthday party.
Family Fittings
Nori helps out during mommy’s Dolce & Gabbana fitting. “Thank you Domenico! I hope North was a good assistant (swipe),” Kim posted.
Glam Squad
Just like mommy! Kim shared this precious pic of North in the glam chair on Instagram.
Hand-Me-Downs
North West looked ready for the runway after putting on her mom’s clothes. Everything was going great, until…
