Top 10 Best Child Singers of All Time

They hit the notes most adults only dream of and do it before they've even hit their teens. These are the kids who didn't just sing along to the radio but became the ones others sang along to. With voices that stole the spotlight and personalities bigger than their shoes, these young stars made their presence known in a way that made people stop and say, "Wait… how old is this kid?"

From stage-stealing talent show contestants to full-blown chart climbers, some started on YouTube, others on TV, and a few practically grew up on tour buses. Some melted hearts with ballads. Others rocked glitter and attitude like it was part of their DNA. All of them proved that age isn't a requirement for having vocal chops or star quality.

This list is where you help decide who really belongs at the top. Who had the pipes? Who had the presence? Who made you rewind the clip just to hear that one high note again? Cast your votes and help crown the best of the best.

The Top Ten

  1. Jackie Evancho

    Jackie Evancho gained national recognition as a finalist on "America's Got Talent" in 2010. She released her debut EP, "O Holy Night," later that year. By age 12, she had performed at the National Christmas Tree lighting and for President Obama.

    The most breathtakingly beautiful voice I have ever heard from a child. Jackie was a recognized prodigy with an innate understanding of music and natural interpretive skills. These skills enabled her to perform in several genres and in foreign languages: Italian, French, Japanese, and Latin. She has always performed with authentic emotion and skillful finesse.

    Jackie is the youngest Platinum recording artist of all time. She was 10 years old when her first Record Label album went Platinum. She has had seven consecutive album releases go number one on the Billboard Classical Chart.

    Jackie just celebrated her 18th birthday on April 9, 2018.

  2. Stevie Brock

    Stevie Brock released a self-titled pop album in 2003. He opened for Aaron Carter on tour as a young teen singer. Brock appeared on shows like "Maury" as a teen heartthrob.

  3. Aaron Carter

    Aaron Carter released his debut album at age 9 in 1997. He opened for the Backstreet Boys, including his brother Nick's group. Carter was a popular teen performer in the early 2000s.

  4. Grace VanderWaal

    Grace VanderWaal won the eleventh season of "America's Got Talent" at age 12. Her debut EP "Perfectly Imperfect" was released in 2016. She later starred in the Disney+ film "Stargirl."

    Grace is obviously much better than Michael Jackson at the same young age. Though MJ was a good dancer, that is not really a musical talent. Grace writes all of her own songs, and they are great. Plus, she plays an instrument. MJ did not write anything until he was an adult and never played any instruments.

    I think she by far has the most beautiful voice ever. I could never sound like that. She has a huge talent that no one else has. Keep following your dreams.

    I love every song I've heard from her "Just the Beginning" album. If you have not seen her Red Bull ACL Fest concert, look it up. You can see why she is #1.

  5. Charlotte Church

    Charlotte Church gained fame as a classical crossover singer with her debut album "Voice of an Angel" at age 12. She performed for world leaders and at high-profile events. Church later transitioned into pop music.

    Platinum album in both the US and UK at age 13.

  6. LeAnn Rimes

    LeAnn Rimes rose to fame with the release of "Blue" at age 13. She became the youngest person to win a Grammy Award. Rimes was compared to Patsy Cline for her vocal style.

    At age 14, had a #1 single in Canada, "Blue", and at age 15, had a Billboard #2 single, "How Do I Live".

  7. Roc Royal (Mindless Behavior)

    Roy Hamilton III, also known professionally as Roc Royal or Roy Royalty Hamilton, is an American pop and R&B songwriter, record producer, and musician. He is the grandson of legendary R&B singer Roy Hamilton. He has worked with numerous artists across the pop and urban music genres.

    Member of the short-lived but promising group Mindless Behavior, he charted a #6 and #7 album before getting fired for stealing the producer's car.

  8. Princeton (Mindless Behavior)

  9. Michael Jackson

    Michael Jackson began performing with the Jackson 5 at age 6. The group signed with Motown Records in 1968. He released his first solo album, "Got to Be There," in 1972.

    It is a shame he had to suffer such terrible abuse at the hands of his father, all in the name of rehearsing until everything was absolutely perfect. The public did not know about his horrible life until much later, but ironically, the fans of the day are what pushed the abuse.

    Lead singer of the Jackson 5 at 11 years old, although the J5 never had an album go higher than number four, and his solo album back then, "Ben," peaked at number five, but there were some number one singles. He had his first number one album, "Thriller," at age 23.

    Michael was the best child singer ever! His voice as a kid was incredibly good. Listen to "Maybe Tomorrow" to hear that power he had. There's even a live version of it on YouTube!

  10. JoJo Siwa

    JoJo Siwa first gained fame on the reality show "Abby's Ultimate Dance Competition." She later became a social media personality with millions of followers on YouTube. Siwa signed a deal with Nickelodeon and launched her own line of merchandise.

    I like her. I just don't like her singing, that's all!

    11. The Newcomers
  11. ?

    Emma Roberts

    Emma Roberts began acting in the Nickelodeon series "Unfabulous." She is the niece of actress Julia Roberts. Roberts later pursued both acting and music as a teen performer.

  12. ?

    Jamie Lynn Spears

    Jamie Lynn Spears appeared on "All That" and later starred in "Zoey 101." She is the younger sister of Britney Spears. Spears temporarily stepped away from acting after announcing her pregnancy at 16.

    13. The Contenders

  13. Judy Garland

    Judy Garland signed a contract with MGM at age 13. Her performance as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz" became iconic. She was one of the youngest performers to receive an Academy Juvenile Award.

    One of the saddest, most cautionary tales in Hollywood history.

  14. MattyBRaps

    MattyBRaps began posting rap videos on YouTube at age 7. His online popularity led to appearances on shows like "The Wendy Williams Show." He has released several original songs and covers.

  15. Selena Gomez

    Selena Gomez first appeared on "Barney & Friends" as a child. She later starred in the Disney Channel series "Wizards of Waverly Place." Gomez began her music career with the band Selena Gomez & the Scene.

  16. Frankie Lymon

    Frankie Lymon was the lead singer of The Teenagers, known for the 1956 hit "Why Do Fools Fall in Love." He was 13 when the song became a success. Lymon was among the earliest teen pop stars in American music.

    A very sad, cautionary tale. Nationwide stardom and several top 20 hits at age 15. Dead of a heroin overdose at age 25.

    One of the top 5 greatest singers in history!

  17. Helen Shapiro

    Helen Shapiro topped the UK charts at age 14 with "You Don't Know." She was voted Britain's Top Female Singer in 1961 and 1962. Shapiro toured with The Beatles early in their career.

    Never really heard by US audiences, but as a UK star in the early 60s, she once had the Beatles opening for her. They possibly wrote "Misery" for her to sing, but her management rejected it.

  18. Ariana Grande

    Ariana Grande started on Broadway in the musical "13" at age 15. She gained further fame on the Nickelodeon show "Victorious." Grande transitioned to a successful music career with her debut album "Yours Truly."

  19. Hayden Panettiere

    Hayden Panettiere began acting in commercials at 11 months old. She gained recognition as a child actor in "Remember the Titans." Panettiere voiced Dot in "A Bug's Life" and starred in "Heroes" and "Nashville."

  20. Britney Spears

    Britney Spears joined "The Mickey Mouse Club" at age 11. Her debut single "...Baby One More Time" became a global hit in 1998. Spears was one of the best-selling teen artists of all time.

  21. Mackenzie Ziegler

    Mackenzie Ziegler rose to fame on the reality show "Dance Moms" alongside her sister Maddie. She later pursued a music career under the name Kenzie. Ziegler has also acted in TV shows and performed on tour.

    I love both Johnny and Mackenzie's songs, especially Day and Night and Teamwork.

    Mackenzie and Johnny are both very talented!

    Love her so much. I used to watch her on Dance Moms, but I think she's so good at dancing and singing!

    Kenzie is such a talented singer, and I look up to her. She is so pretty! She is my favorite singer. Vote for Kenzie if you ship Senzie.

  22. Brie Larson

    Brie Larson released a pop album, "Finally Out of P.E.," in 2005 as a teenager. She had earlier appeared in several television roles as a child actress. Larson later transitioned into major film roles and won an Academy Award.

  23. Victoria Justice

    Victoria Justice began her acting career on Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101." She later starred in the series "Victorious," where she also performed songs. Justice pursued music alongside her acting career.

    She seems like such a sweetheart. I hope her music career has started and ends with success.

  24. Stevie Wonder

    Stevie Wonder signed with Motown's Tamla label at age 11. He had his first major hit with "Fingertips" at age 13. Wonder went on to become one of the most influential musicians in popular music.

    Now this is a singer everyone should listen to and respect. His voice is one that can make you feel happy and confident.

    He still holds the record for being the youngest artist in US chart history to have a #1 album, at age 13.

  25. Mandy Moore

    Mandy Moore began her career as a pop singer with the single "Candy" in 1999. She signed a recording deal with Epic Records at age 15. Moore transitioned to acting with roles in films and TV shows.

    She is stunning, and she seems special. I hope her career turns out amazing. God bless.

  26. Mary-Kate Olsen

    Mary-Kate Olsen and her twin sister Ashley shared the role of Michelle Tanner on "Full House." They were among the youngest actors to build a media empire under Dualstar Entertainment. Mary-Kate later pursued careers in fashion and acting.

    I love Mary-Kate! She is such a sweetheart, and I want her to have a great life. God bless you, Mary! I love you!

  27. Ashley Olsen

    Ashley Olsen starred alongside her sister Mary-Kate in various television and video productions. She co-founded the fashion brand The Row. Ashley eventually stepped away from acting to focus on business ventures.

    I love the Olsen twins and have always been a fan, especially since Full House. I really hope they have a great life. They are so beautiful and sweet. Love you, Ashley!

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