Razor & Tie's Kidz Bop series of singalong collections debuted in 2001. Known for their "kid-friendly" versions of hit singles re-recorded by session musicians and singers and the
Kidz Bop Kids, a chorus of child singers, the compilations became popular with families who wanted cleaned-up versions of contemporary songs. Beginning with 2005's
Kidz Bop, Vol. 7, they have routinely debuted within the Billboard Top Ten, and have collectively sold more than ten million copies.
Along with the expected teen pop fare from
Britney Spears,
Christina Aguilera,
Hilary Duff, and
Kelly Clarkson, the early-2000s Kidz Bop installments included more left-of-center picks like
Franz Ferdinand's "Do You Want To?" and
Modest Mouse's "Float On" as the series evolved. Along with the regular Kidz Bop collections, which were released roughly twice a year, the franchise expanded to include DVDs and collections of oldies, Christmas songs, and Latin pop hits. Kidz Bop also developed ringtones, toys, and a clothing line over the next few years. The
Kidz Bop, Vol. 11 album, which featured a cover of
Gnarls Barkley's "Crazy" as well as renditions of songs by
Justin Timberlake and
JoJo, arrived in 2007. Other releases that year included
Kidz Bop, Vol. 12 and Coolest Kidz Bop Christmas Ever.
The series continued releasing albums every few months for the rest of the decade. By the time of 2011's
Kidz Bop, Vol. 20, the series emphasized the personalities of the
Kidz Bop Kids, who included Steffan, Eva, Elijah, Hanna, and Charisma. The success of subsequent volumes like
Kidz Bop, Vol. 31 and
Kidz Bop, Vol. 32 -- both released in 2016 -- continued the project's winning streak, which included over 20 albums that debuted in the Billboard Top Ten, regular number ones on the Billboard Kid Albums chart, and many gold certifications. The 2010s also saw a Kidz Bop satellite radio station and a regular live touring company led by Ashlynn, Bredia, Grant, and Matt.
In 2017, the
Kidz Bop Kids continued their successful live schedule with the "Best Time Ever" tour. They also delivered three collections that year, with
Kidz Bop 34 featuring selections like
Bruno Mars' "24K Magic" and
Justin Bieber's "Let Me Love You," and
Kidz Bop 36 showcasing uptempo hits originally by acts like
the Chainsmokers,
Miley Cyrus, and
Calvin Harris.
Kidz Bop 38, the second volume to arrive in 2018, featured electronic-pop crossover hits "The Middle" by
Zedd and "FRIENDS" by
Marshmello, as well as
Drake's "God's Plan." The group returned the following year with their 39th volume of covers, featuring versions of songs like
Cardi B,
Bad Bunny, and
J Balvin's "I Like It,"
5 Seconds of Summer's "Youngblood," and
Drake's meme-worthy "In My Feelings."
Kidz Bop 39 debuted at number one on Billboard's Kid Albums chart. Later that year, the group issued the concert LP
Kidz Bop World Tour, among other releases.
The
Kidz Bop Kids kicked off the 2020s with
Kidz Bop Party Playlist, which combined a handful of previously unreleased covers with danceable favorites and an original song "2020 Vision." They returned later that year with the seasonal effort Kidz Bop Christmas Party! In early 2021, the group released the compilation albums
Kidz Bop All-Time Greatest Hits and
Kidz Bop Megapop. The aptly named
Kidz Bop 2022 arrived early the following year, with
Kidz Bop Ultimate Playlist appearing later that June. ~ Heather Phares