In Conversation With Kidz Bop

Any parents out there will already be well aware of Kidz Bop. As a dad to an 8-year-old and a 4-year-old, I can confirm that barely any journey is undertaken without a blast of one of their impressive covers. Founded back in 2001 by Razor & Tie's Cliff Chenfeld and Craig Balsam (who left the firm in 2018), the ever-changing line-up has previously featured Zendaya, Becky G, Olivia Holt and Ross Lynch. With over 4.5 billion streams, the group has released 50 studio albums and has regional variations to its line-up, covering songs in an array of languages. On a UK tour at the end of the year, we met up with members Aleah Crew, Cliff Donadio, Matty Googs and Shila Sable to learn a little more.

We are very excited for the UK tour; what can we expect?

Cliff: So am I! You can expect an amazing show full of NEW choreography, songs, and fun moments!

Aleah: You can also expect the Daddy Dance Off, which is personally my favourite part of the show!

You have so many songs in your back catalogue; how do you decide what makes the live show?

Cliff: Us kids do not select what songs make the live show, but it is up to the fans and how popular or enjoyed a song is, old or new!

You have a huge following at a young age. Did you ever anticipate the fame side of Kidz?

Matty: Not really, because I just love performing. It was never about being famous. But now with KIDZ BOP, I love all the fans.

Do you feel any pressure from the fame?

Cliff: No, not at all. We have a very supportive fanbase, and that helps me be able to just be myself. I enjoy what I do so much, and that speaks louder than the fame for me.

You cover the biggest pop hits. What's the secret to a successful cover?

Aleah: The secret is all about keeping the energy high and the message positive! It's essential for us to keep it age-appropriate while still staying true to the original vibe. Oh, and having a blast while recording also helps- it shows through in the final song!

How do you decide how to divide up vocal parts?

Cliff: It is an interesting process dividing up vocal parts. It often depends on all our personal vocal ranges and ability to execute the line at our best.



We want to get to know a little more about your musical taste. Tell us a song (and a reason) that makes you:

Smile - Aleah: Espresso because the lyrics and beats are so fun!

Laugh - Shila: Lil Boo Thang is a song that makes me laugh because it is such an upbeat song that we perform on tour, and I often find us having a tonne of funny moments during it.

Feel nostalgic - Cliff: Party Rock Anthem is a song that makes me feel nostalgic because this was MY SONG when I was little! It brings back great memories, such as baby Cliff dancing in front of the TV to it.

Dance in the kitchen - Matty: Our original song, We're Taking Over, makes you want to grab friends and dance and jump around.

Message a friend immediately - Aleah: Die with a Smile. When this song came out, I actually did message a friend because it was so good!

What was the best gig you have ever been to?

Cliff: The best gig I have ever been to was a New Kids on the Block concert that I got to catch on tour in 2024!

What is the best show you have ever done?

Cliff: The best show I have ever done has to be the Beacon Theatre show in New York City. Being close to home brings out a different energy in me, especially when I get to perform for my family and friends that I love so dearly.

What stage have you not performed on that you dream of?

Shila: I haven’t performed at the Hollywood Bowl, so I would love to do that.

If you could work on a duet with one artist, who would you choose?

Cliff: I would definitely choose Benson Boone! In the last year, I have developed a huge love for Benson as an artist and performer. To be able to meet him and possibly work with him would be a dream come true.

Lastly, you can achieve one thing by the end of the year; what is it?

Shila: By the end of the year, I want to feel proud of how far I’ve come, whether that’s in school, creatively, or just in how I’ve grown as a person. Even if everything’s not perfect, I want to know I gave it my all.

UK Tour Dates:
October 25 - Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham
October 26 - New Wimbledon Theatre, London
October 27 - Bristol Beacon, Bristol
October 28 - Symphony Hall, Birmingham
October 29 - o2 Apollo, Manchester
October 31 - Pavillion Theatre, Glasgow
November 1 - Usher Hall, Edinburgh
November 2 - TBC, Bradford