Pop Music Artists Popular with Elementary School Students: Ranking [2025]

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson64rank/position

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Some people might not recognize it just by hearing the song title or artist name.

But if you hear the song, you’ll probably know it.

Since it’s used in the Honda Fit commercial, many of you have likely come across it.

Its lively funk rhythm makes you move your body without even thinking.

ThrillerMichael Jackson65rank/position

Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)

One of the signature songs by Michael Jackson, who reigned as a global pop star, is “Thriller.” It’s the title track from Thriller, released in 1983 and known as the best-selling album of all time.

The horror movie-style music video, which runs for about 13 minutes, also became a hot topic, and the dance featured in it is popular among elementary school students as choreography to perform on Halloween.

Michael’s vocal style is distinctive and not necessarily easy to understand in English, but there’s spoken dialogue included as well, so give it a try and listen carefully!

FlowersMiley Cyrus66rank/position

Miley Cyrus – Flowers (Official Video)

Miley Cyrus is a female singer-songwriter with a husky, bass-rich voice who enjoys worldwide popularity.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend for elementary school students is Flowers.

This track was a global hit in 2023 and gained huge popularity on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

While the overall pitch range is on the lower side, it stays within a low register that elementary school students can handle without strain.

It also has few long sustained notes, so even with basic vocal skills, as long as the rhythm is solid, it’s a song that tends to sound good.

To Be With YouMr. BIG67rank/position

Mr. Big – To Be With You 4K Video

It’s a song that was popular in Japan, a straightforward love song.

The message of “I just want you” grabs listeners’ hearts and won’t let go.

Although the band usually plays hard rock and the usual style is fundamentally different, this ballad is calming.

HysteriaMuse68rank/position

Muse – Hysteria [Official Music Video]

The bassline in this song is incredibly cool.

When you think of the bass, you usually picture the unsung hero in the background, not standing out much—but in this track, the bass is all over the place and it’s awesome! I have a feeling this one’s going to inspire a lot of new bass kids.

Smell Like Teen SpiritNirvana69rank/position

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (Official Music Video)

This one song dropped like a bomb on America back when L.

A.

metal was all the rage.

It’s the signature track from the band that catapulted grunge—a genre that wasn’t very familiar to the general public and wasn’t mainstream—into a full-blown boom.

A must-listen, especially for its explosive chorus.

If You’re Happy And You Know ItNusery Rhymes70rank/position

If You Are Happy | Family Sing Along – Muffin Songs

A familiar song that feels like a Japanese children’s tune.

In Japan, it’s famous under the title “If You’re Happy and You Know It,” so you’ve probably heard it.

Just singing this song can lift your spirits.

It’s also perfect for studying English.

Recommended for lower elementary school boys.