Kanye West made a surprise appearance on the Disney Plus series Kardashians and it was revealed he had a say on his daughter North West’s panned performance.
The reality show was following Kanye, who likes to be known as Ye, and Kim Kardashian as they supported their eldest child North, 11, prepared for a special event at the Hollywood Bowl.
North was invited to make her stage debut as Young Simba in an anniversary concert production of The Lion King back in May and now, viewers get to be privy to the behind-the-scenes leadup to her big moment.
It transpires that while rehearsing the I Just Can’t Wait to Be King song – which was originally written for the 1994 Disney film and later used in the Broadway production – Ye, 47, asked for changes to be made.
Recalling the situation, Kim, 44, said: ‘He’s like “Can we change the graphics to the Lion King?” And I’m like of course, of course. I’m like: “It will be a better production you know.”‘
In footage from the moments before North goes on stage, Kanye is shown asking everyone in the dressing room “Hey, what’s up guys?” The parents then both hold hands with North in a pre-performance prayer circle.
Explaining the dynamic between the former couple – who also share Saint, nine, Chicago, seven, and five-year-old Psalm – Kim said: ‘Kanye and I want the best for the kids and so anytime we’re here supporting our child, it’s always good vibes.’ Kim filed for divorce in 2021 after nearly seven years of marriage.
North seemed comfortable having 17,500 sets of eyes on her. In a loose bright yellow costume with a furry hood and fluffy boots, she sang and danced with the cast Broadway cast.
On the other hand, Kim, who was standing at the sidelines was visibly nervous as she sang along to every word.
She told cameras that she felt as if she was about to have a ‘heart attack’ and that she had mixed feelings about being a momager earlier than expected.
‘It’s such a proud moment as a mom to see your child have so much fun and not be nervous at all,’ she later reflected.
The performance took place in May and at the time, the coveted role being given to North sparked a backlash, with some questioning if somebody else should have been chosen for the slot.
Just some of the countless comments included: North West’s Lion King performance was absolute garbage. One of the most embarrassing and unfortunate forms of nepotism I’ve ever encountered. Horrible choice. It was an insult to have that child up there.
Kim addressed the negative reaction on her family’s show and defended North’s inclusion.
‘She’s so proud of herself, she did such a great job. Anyone that is hating on a kid is just like “I hate her”. She’s not there to be Mariah Carey,’ she stated.
‘Man, she did so good. What did you think?’ Ye asked Kim as they walked back to the dressing room. ‘I was just crying from the side,’ she cordially responded.
Ye’s inclusion on Kardashians may be surprising to some viewers as he’s recently been posting offensive messages on social media, including a string of antisemitic rants. However, Ye’s cameo was recorded long before his latest tirade.
The Kardashians airs on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in the UK. A new episode is available every Thursday.
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