For 25 years, one iconic brand has been the soundtrack to childhood, translating the world’s biggest pop hits into family-friendly jams. This week, CBS Mornings went behind the scenes to profile KIDZ BOP as it officially kicks off its milestone 25th birthday celebration.

Over the last 25 years, KIDZ BOP has racked up 45 No. 1 albums on the Billboard Kid Albums chart and secured 24 top 10 debuts on the Billboard 200 chart—a feat only surpassed by musical royalty: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Barbra Streisand.

CBS Mornings hosts perfectly summed up the phenomenon:

“It’s always great when kids can sing along the songs that you like and it’s appropriate for them. Genius! This seems very genius” – Gayle King

The profile featured an exclusive look inside the creative process with Mike Anderson, KIDZ BOP’s SVP of Music, who recalled the brand’s origins when company founders realized at the time, there was “really nothing in between Barney and Britney Spears.”

Anderson shared some of his favorite lyric adjustments that keep modern hits appropriate without losing their infectious energy:

• Bruno Mars’ “That’s What I Like”: From “strawberry champagne on ice” to “strawberry milkshakes… so nice.”
• Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”: Reimagined with the artist’s team as “A Bop Song,” swapping out a song about the bar for a family-friendly anthem.

From KIDZ BOP to the Broadway Stage

Beyond the music, KIDZ BOP has proven to be an elite launchpad for massive entertainment talent, counting superstars like Zendaya among its early alumni.

The segment also highlighted former KIDZ BOP Kid Matte Martinez, who has traded in his pop-star gear to step into the dancing shoes of his childhood hero, starring as Michael Jackson in Broadway’s MJ the Musical. Reflecting on how the brand shaped his career, Martinez noted:

“I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for that. Truly, KIDZ BOP got me out of my shell.” — Matte Martinez

In a heartwarming, full-circle moment, Martinez also met with the current generation of KIDZ BOP Kids, who grew up watching him in older music videos like “Uptown Funk.”

“Being able to see how young I was truly through them is wild,” Martinez said. “I’m just really, really full circle and I’m just really excited for them.”

Join the 25th Birthday Celebration!

The current generation of KIDZ BOP Kids are keeping the momentum going strong, hitting the road this summer for the massive KIDZ BOP LIVE Birthday Concert Tour to celebrate 25 years with families across the country.

Catch the Full Segment:

Missed the live broadcast? You can watch the full behind-the-scenes profile piece directly on the CBS Mornings Video Page.

To grab tickets to the nearest birthday concert tour stop, check out new music, or browse the latest merch, head over to the official KIDZ BOP Website.