Kid Stuff
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Remember Sophia Grace? The pint-sized singer and diva-in-training, who is still only 10 years old, first stole our hearts when she sang and rapped Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” almost two years ago. Since then, Ellen DeGeneres has taken Sophia and her cousin Rosie under her wing, featuring them on her show and sending them off to be correspondents on the red carpet. This week, Sophia Grace has taken her talent and spunky personality to the next level with a music video of her original song “Girls Just Gotta Have Fun,” where she can be seen cruising around in a bright pink toy car, getting comfy on her own throne, and showing off her moves complete with backup dancers.
While we’re certainly accustomed to adolescent celebrities and talented artists, the term “child star” has taken on a completely new meaning thanks to Sophia Grace and others like her. Most notably, Disney can be credited for breeding this new type of star. While child stars of the past often rose to fame quickly, only to disappear from the spotlight just as fast, Disney and other platforms have only been a starting point for many young performers. To wit: Miley Cyrus started out as “Hannah Montana”, snagged the lead role in a major motion picture, and is now getting set to release her third solo studio album.
From Miley to Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, these modern child stars have become A-listers with skyrocketing careers spanning multiple facets of the entertainment industry. Some of our favorite Reservoir tracks have even come from this very group of people! Bridget Mendler’s infectious summer track “Ready Or Not,” which was certified Gold by the RIAA and interpolates The Delfonics’ classic “Ready Or Not Here I Came (Can’t Hide From Love),” is a prime example (and we wonder—does Bridgit even know that she has The Delfonics to thank when she’s belting her modern hit?). Still only 20, Bridgit had a reoccurring role on Disney’s Wizards of Waverly Place before landing a starring role on the network’s Good Luck Charlie, and now has her first studio album under her belt. And of course there are older veterans, like Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers. As a pop trio, JB put out chart-topping albums, starred in their own TV show and films, and toured around the world to millions of screaming tween and teen fans. Following the success earned with his brothers, Joe released solo work, including Danja penned tracks like “Love Slayer” and “Make You Mine.”
And so it’s true that while grown folk have long dominated album charts, little ones have had their fair share of good music biz fortune, too. We look forward to all that these young stars have in store for us in the future!