If your kids are anything like mine, they each have their own music playlists saved on your phone. When the radio isn’t cutting it, these playlists keep going on every car ride. We are constantly switching from one child’s favorite to the next, and like the television remote, my phone is fought over for control of the car stereo.
Back in my day, it was New Kids on the Block or the Wilson-Phillips cassettes (that I saved up for by cutting grass!). Today’s kids, however, have much easier access to music through streaming services, YouTube, and social media. Their musical tastes are much more diverse, and popularity isn’t just about who gets played on the radio anymore. Gaming soundtracks, TikTok dances, and YouTube shorts hold the power as to who the kids hear repeatedly.
While many pop artists are making waves in 2025, these are the singers and groups that my four children, ages 8 to 18, are listening to on repeat, and why, according to them, they are among their favorites.
Taylor Swift – Pop
The ‘Shake it Off’ singer is surely no surprise to make this list; Taylor Swift has kids and adults entangled in her web of top 40 hits. The 35-year-old superstar (and billionaire) wrapped up her two-year-long Era tour in December, which iHeart Radio has deemed the Tour of the Century. Her most recent album, Tortured Poet’s Department, did not win at the Grammys but became a quick fan favorite.
Why Kids Love Taylor Swift: Swift writes music that connects to the human psyche. Her songs don’t just have catchy tunes but lyrics that children and teens can relate to. Heartbreak, school days, friendships, and milestones of growing up validate kids’ own life experiences. Swift’s personal stories shared through music create a connection with her young fans that few artists achieve at this deep a level.
Olivia Rodrigo – Pop
This young singer’s breakout song, ‘Driver’s License,’ catapulted her to stardom in 2021. Her album, ‘Sour,’ was recorded when she was just a teenager and was nominated for several Grammys. Rodrigo followed up ‘Sour’ just as successfully with her second solo album, ‘Guts,’ in 2023. She has toured for both albums and is still on tour with Guts ‘spilled’.
Why Kids Love Olivia Rodrigo: Rodrigo is young, fun, and funky. Her upbeat songs and self-deprecating lyrics make her seem like one of the squad to young girls, including my own 10-year-old. Kids were introduced to Rodrigo in the American Girl Doll movie Grace and followed her to the Disney Channel in shows like Bizardvark and High School Musical: The Series, making her fan following young and eager for her musical breakout.
Benson Boone – Pop
This American Idol contestant burst onto the scene in 2024 with the help of his Era’s Tour opening gig with Taylor Swift. His heartfelt song ‘Beautiful Things’ was an instant hit on the radio, and currently he has another chart topper with the song ‘Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else’. Boone is booming and nominated for Best New Artist at this year’s Grammys and launching his first solo tour.
Why Kids Love Benson Boone: His simple, heartwarming lyrics, yet glittery appearance, make children swoon for Boone. He is energetic and charismatic on stage, and his signature back flips during performances makes any kid want to revisit their tumbling routine from gymnastics class.
Sabrina Carpenter – Pop
‘Short ‘n Sweet’ Sabrina Carpenter is everywhere these days. Another artist cashing in huge after being part of the iconic Era’s Tour. But Carpenter has been around for many years despite her young age and relatively recent global stardom. She is another Disney Channel alum with movies such as ‘Tall Girl’ and ‘Adventures in Babysitting’ and the popular television series ‘Girl Meets World’ under her belt.
Why Kids Love Sabrina Carpenter: Although parents may cringe at her suggestive lyrics, kids love Carpenter’s ‘pop gold’ hits. ‘Espresso’ was possibly the most fun song of the year, and that’s what kids love. With three girls in the house, it is Sassy Carpenter day in and day out. My advice is to find those clean versions. Not only is her ‘Short ‘n Sweet’ on repeat everywhere, but her line of perfume, body spray, and lip balm is marketing brilliance, allowing girls to bring some of that sweetness home.
The Weeknd – Pop/R&B/Hip-Hop
Canadian singer-songwriter The Weeknd has sold over 75 million records worldwide. With hits like ‘ Can’t Feel My Face’, ‘The Hills’, ‘I Feel it Coming’, and ‘Blinding Lights’; The Weeknd’s appeal crosses borders, cultures and genres. In 2021, millions saw his spectacular stage presence as he headlined the Super Bowl LV halftime show. His mash of hits at the performance exploded his young fan base (at least by four at my house) and made him a car ride playlist staple.
Why Kids Love The Weeknd: Children love to dance and if you need an uplifting beat, The Weeknd is the G.O.A.T. (as my 8 year old would say). The Weeknd loves his fans and fans of all ages reciprocate this loyalty. Ultimately, The Weeknd is ‘cool’; his music videos, style, innovative sound, and ‘cool’ draw the kids to him. As a parent, I would again search out the clean versions of his music, but you have to appreciate his individuality.
Chappell Roan – Pop
Pal of Olivia Rodrigo, this Best New Artist recipient is more than just ‘Hot to Go’. Roan has been singing and songwriting from a very young age and has dominated the pop charts over the last year. She brought her fan base to Rodrigo’s Guts Tour as the main opener in 2024 and exploded into the mainstream. With songs like ‘Pink Pony Club’, ‘Casual’, and ‘Good Luck Babe!’, Roan is carving out her own space in the music industry.
Why Kids Love Chappell Roan: Roan is quirky, fun, unique and flamboyant with outrageous props and colorful costumes. Kids are reminded they can be anyone they want to be with Roan. She is confident and speaks up for herself and the LGBTQIA2S+ community she represents a reminder to children to be proud to be you. Of course her music is catchy and provides the perfect TikTok dance moves…H-O-T-T-O-G-O.
BoywithUke – Alternative Pop
Korean viral TikTok sensation BoywithUke became internet famous after his song ‘Toxic’ was released in 2022. At the time, his identity was unknown as his songs were uploaded behind his faceless mask…just a boy with his ukulele. Five albums later, the iconic mask came off, revealing his identity: 22-year-old Charley Yang. Mask or no mask, his young male fan base is more loyal than ever. Yang’s most recent album, released in 2024, is ‘Burnout’. We recently took my 8-year-old son to a BoywithUke concert for the ‘Burnout’ world tour. The small venue was full of parents and their children.
Why Kids Love BoywithUke: My son loves this artist’s alternative pop sound. His songs are thoughtful, slightly angsty, and full of energy. The mask although worn for personal reasons (Charley didn’t want friends to tease him when he began recording) turned out to be brilliant marketing. Though you won’t find his songs on Top 40 radio, kids at his concerts knew every word to every song. Yang is a great example of musical success meeting this generation where they are at…YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.
JVKE – Pop
Jacob Lawson, who goes by the stage name JVKE, is another talent who found his fame on TikTok. JVKE began recording and uploading original songs over the COVID lockdown, shortly after his video for an upbeat anthem called ‘Upside Down’ went viral. The mainstream music industry met JVKE a few years later when his song ‘Golden Hour’ broke through on the radio airwaves and late-night television circuit. JVKE has maintained his decision despite his success in remaining an independent artist, releasing his singles via social media.
Why Kids Love JVKE: JVKE is another constant on my son’s playlist; truth be told, his sisters enjoy his music too. His sound is unique, and his voice ranges from dark and moody to light and angelic. Kids love his thoughtful lyrics covering the usual love and loss to simple notions like the seasons, dancing, and daydreaming. JVKE’s lyrics are wholesome and PG-13, a nice change for younger kids that still want cool (and for parents that don’t want to worry about dropping the volume at every curse word).
Billie Eilish – Alternative Pop
Twenty-three-year-old Billie Eilish first gained recognition in 2015 with her debut single, ‘Ocean Eyes.’ Since its release, Eilish and her brother Finneas have been an unstoppable songwriting and hit-making duo. Her sound is totally unique to any artist on the scene: pop bordering on grunge rock. Her most recent album, ‘Hit me Hard and Soft,’ has gained huge applause with songs like ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘Lunch.’
Why Kids Love Billie Eilish: Eilish exudes talent while offering an alternative to the typical pop princess. Wearing baggy jeans, a backwards ball cap, and sports socks, her style is one many kids feel at home with. She teaches girls that they are allowed to be feminine, sporty, and comfortable all at once. A voice for positive body image and mental health, Eilish champions girls’ fundamental rights.
Drake – Rap
Canadian-born rapper Drake has dominated the pop charts for the last ten-plus years. His current song, ‘Nokia,’ is all over the radio and TikTok. Drake started in the early 2000s on the iconic television drama series Degrassi Junior High: the Next Generation. Other notable Drake hits include ‘Hotline Bling’, ‘Started from the Bottom’, and ‘In My Feelings’.
Why Kids Love Drake: Everyone loves a triple threat, and Drake is that a talented singer, actor, dancer and of course rap star. If your child loves to rap then chances are they have Drake on their playlist and are currently downloading his latest single. Finally Drake has the cool factor but coupled with the generous spirit often known to pay of fans’ school debts. Now that’s music to a parent’s ears.
Jessie Murph – Pop
Relatively new to the scene Jessie Murph is undeniably on the rise after her viral TikTok song ‘Blue Strips’s success. Murph has a country twang but her sound is definitely pop gold and currently ‘Blue Strips’ is climbing the Billboard Hot 100. Murph has been recording since the early 2020’s but no songs have had the airtime like her current single.
Why Kids Love Jessie Murph: Two words: TikTok dances. You may not recognize her name (yet), but if your kids are making TikToks, you’ve heard ‘Blue Strips’. Be warned: This is one of those songs you hope the lyrics go over the kids’ heads. (I am right there with you.) Right now, this song just seems to be #trending. Time will tell if Murph can keep the kids listening once # Bluestrips is forgotten.
Eminem – Rap
‘Guess who’s back, back again’…love him or hate him, Eminem is back for a new generation of little rappers to devour. Slim Shady returned to the charts with his single ‘Houdini’ in 2024, opening the floodgates for new young fans to uncover his past hits. Our current Eminem playlist favs include ‘Lose Yourself’, ‘Godzilla’, ‘Rap God’, and ‘The Real Slim Shady’. I’m definitely suggesting the clean versions for Eminem’s tracks.
Why Kids Love Eminem: Why does anyone like Eminem? My 8-year-old loves his songs, and to be honest, I quite like them too, despite not being a rap fan at all. There is something to be said for the success story of an underdog. Most of us were fascinated with his movie ‘8 Mile’ when it was released. Of course, I have not let my son watch 8 Mile, but he does know Eminem’s rags-to-riches story. The very popular YouTube channel ‘Dhar Mann’ did a (based on reality) episode of Eminem’s life, which could be another reason kids are currently busting rhymes only fit for a ‘rap god.’
Katy Perry – Pop
Katy Perry is another artist whose older songs are being rediscovered by the younger generation. Despite the fact that Perry has recently released a new album, it is her early 2000s hits that seem to be making the rounds with our kiddos. California Girls, I Kissed a Girl, and Hot ‘n Cold haven’t played this much in my car since 2010. Perry is currently on her ‘Lifetimes’ Tour, her fifth tour since launching her career in 2001.
Why Kids Love Katy Perry: You can’t not sing to a Katy Perry song when they come on the radio. They are fun and boppy, and kids love fun and boppy! Perry’s songs are classic pop designed to get every lyric stuck in our heads, easy for kids to learn and sing along to. Perry’s early catalog is feel-good music, making kids ‘Roar’ and ‘let their colors burst’ at the top of their lungs (even in a crowded hotel lobby like my daughter has done).
Gracie Abrams – Pop
Gracie Abrams is another opener for the Era’s Tour, and one of our family favs. She could be described as soft pop, even folky, with her acoustic guitar and breathy sound. Abrams’ album The Secret of Us, released in 2024, has had major success with chart-topping hits like ‘That’s So True’, ‘I Love You, I’m Sorry’, and ‘Close to You’. Her collab with Taylor Swift called ‘Us’ was nominated for a Grammy this year. Abrams’ first headlining tour, ‘The Secret of Us,’ is a hot ticket this spring and summer.
Why Kids Love Gracie Abrams: Abrams writes emotional, relatable songs that evoke all the feels, especially for the teen/tween demographic. She is a pal of Taylor Swift, which doesn’t hurt her popularity with the kids, who have shot her music into their favorites list. My girls and I were lucky enough to see Abrams open at the Eras Tour. Her graciousness towards her fans and quirkiness on stage make her an endearing celeb.
Imagine Dragons – Pop Rock
The band Imagine Dragons has been on the scene for over 15 years. They have been referenced as the soundtrack to the gaming industry with songs used in ‘Assassin’s Creed 111’, ‘FIFA 13’, and ‘ Pro Evolution Soccer’, to name just a few. Imagine Dragons are one of the most successful streamed bands; their hit ‘Believer’ reached 6.3 billion streams on YouTube this year. If they aren’t found in the background of a popular video game, they can be heard on movie soundtracks such as Disney’s ‘Ralph Breaks the Internet’, ‘Hunger Games’, ‘Frankenweenie’, ‘Kung Fu Panda’ and ‘The Croods’ (again just to name a few).
Why the Kids Love Imagine Dragons: This band has the electropop sound the kids love—partly pop, partly rock, and lots of synthesizing beats. Kids love video games and movies, and Imagine Dragons can be found consistently in the background of these digital art forms. Songs like ‘Thunder’, ‘Radioactive’, and ‘Believer’ have found success not only online but also on the radio, lending them even more street cred with our children.
I am a huge music and live music fan, and this passion has been passed on to my four kiddos. This list was compiled with their input and based on their individual playlists. I’m sure many parents, seeing this list, can relate and perhaps tune into some of these artists even when their children aren’t in the backseat.
If you want to see what other activities kids are enjoying, check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch games for kids and some of the best 90s kids movies, according to kids, and the valuable lessons they teach.