North West headlined her first solo concert over the weekend, performing to a sold-out crowd at Chicago's The Vic Theatre on 5 September, with both her parents, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West, in attendance despite their divorce.
A big year for North
The concert caps off a significant year for the 13-year-old, who released her debut EP N0rth4evr in May and has continued building a public music career, including performing alongside her father, appearing at major festivals, and taking on theatrical roles such as young Simba at the Hollywood Bowl's Lion King anniversary concert.
Fans' plea to her parents
Despite the milestone, some fans have voiced concern about North's packed schedule at such a young age, calling for her to be given space to experience an ordinary childhood alongside her music career. One fan wrote online that she should be allowed to perform at school plays or at home and be given room to simply be a child, adding that public promotion could come later. Another pointed to comments North made in a recent Dazed interview, where she said she wants to work at Starbucks once she turns 14 to experience having a normal job, arguing this reflected a genuine desire for an ordinary life. A third fan said they felt for North, suggesting the environment she was born into makes a conventional childhood unlikely.
North's own perspective
North has been clear that music is something she genuinely wants to pursue, telling Dazed it's her hobby and something she wants to build her life around, describing performing as fun, relieving, and exciting.
Her family's support
Kim Kardashian has spoken publicly about backing her daughter's choices, telling Complex earlier this year that North loves producing music and isn't afraid of how it will be received, adding that she's proud of her for doing things her own way regardless of outside opinion.
