It’s no secret that Kris Jenner has shown exceptional skill as a “momager” over the years, guiding her daughters Kim Kardashian, Khloé Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner to great success.
Now, as Kim, 44, starts to do this for her 11-year-old daughter North West, the SKIMS mogul plans to change a few things. “Guess what?” the SKKN founder says to her sister Khloé, 40, in the February 20th episode of The Kardashians.
Kim Kardashian Says She’s Not Following Kris Jenner’s 10% Rule As North West’s Momager
"This momager is not taking 10 percent." The comment refers to Kris' well-known practice of taking a 10 percent share of her children's earnings. Kim joked as she pondered letting North join The Lion King’s anniversary concert at the Hollywood Bowl last year.
Although fans saw North (whom Kim shares with ex Kanye West) eventually perform as Simba in May 2024, singing "I Just Can’t Wait To Be King" and stirring nepotism debates due to her off-key singing, the episode showed the reality star's initial concerns about giving her eldest this chance.
Kim (who also shares kids Saint, 9, Chicago, 8, and Psalm, 5, with West, 47) went on, telling Khloé, "I just can’t decide." She concurred with Khloé that North isn't accustomed to singing Broadway tunes and that the world can be harsh. "That’s what I’m worried about," she explained.
In the most recent episode of The Kardashians, Kim also responded sharply to critics who disapproved of her daughter’s performance. Videos of North’s enthusiastic singing at the event quickly spread online.
Many internet users suggested that Disney should have chosen a performer with more traditional training for the coveted role of Simba.
After outlets like Entertainment Tonight and TMZ shared snippets of North singing off-key at times, fans and critics headed to Instagram to share their thoughts. “They need to stop lying to her,” one wrote as another added: “I hope they’ve made her take lessons now.”
Kim Kardashian Criticized as North West’s ‘Lion King’ Role Reignites Nepotism Debate
An additional user noted: “No one’s hating on the kid. They’re frustrated with your money privilege to get her a part she didn’t deserve, which resulted in someone’s kid who did deserve it-not getting the part.” One other shared: “When money is more powerful than talent and this girl doesn’t have it.”
Someone else concurred: “Took the spot from a child with talent. End of story.” Another commenter noted: “No one wants to hate on her but people just don’t want to waste their time. Other kids deserved it. She’s not a vibe or a moment. You’re raising her to think that will always matter and it won’t.”
In a confessional moment, Kim recounted watching North's show last summer in the newest installment of her family's reality show. "I already know what's coming, that she's not Whitney Houston. Duh! I know that she got the job because of her parents." The SKIMS mogul went on, adding that "North is the moment" and audiences still paid to see her perform.
"They want to see North West on a TikTok, on a this, on anything, because she's a personality, a performer," the mom of four added. "If anyone wants to hate on a child that is having the time of their lives, then f--k you." Kim also said: "It's such a proud moment as a mom to see your child have so much fun and not be nervous at all."
Regarding her eldest child, Kim noted: "She's so proud of herself. She did such a great job. And anyone that is hating on a kid is just a hater, and she's not there to be Mariah Carey." The beginning of the episode explores how North was given the chance and why her mother was initially reluctant to allow it.
According to the episode, Disney contacted the family regarding North's involvement. "I just can't decide," Kim expressed during a phone conversation with her sister Khloé Kardashian. She mentioned she was concerned about viewers being unkind to her daughter. "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," she said.
Kim was also seen saying: "As a mom, especially putting her child on a platform with a lot of opinions — it's something to really, really think about." Nevertheless, North showed her interest. "Right away, she was like, 'Please, Mom, I want to do it,'" Kim remembered. Kim eventually allowed North to go ahead, expressing her confidence in her. The episode then transitions to the practice sessions and showcases North in her outfit backstage. "I'm so happy I'm doing this," North said.
When thinking about North's future career, Kim further discussed being a "mom-ager" to her daughter, much like her own mother Kris, 69, has always been for her. Kim explained: "I'm not really ready to be a mom-ager. But if there's one thing she wants to do here or there, that makes sense, I'll consider it. I loved this for her."
