Cocomelon has become a global phenomenon in children’s entertainment, captivating toddlers and preschoolers with its bright animations and, most importantly, its catchy Cocomelon Songs. But who are the voices behind these earworm tunes, and what makes these songs so popular? Kristen Princiotta, a Cal State Fullerton alumna, is one of the key talents contributing to the musical magic of Cocomelon. Her journey to becoming the voice of the mom in this hit show is as engaging as the show itself.
Kristen Princiotta as the mom in Cocomelon
From Craigslist Gig to Cocomelon Fame: The Story of Kristen Princiotta
Nine years ago, Kristen Princiotta, a 2012 music graduate from Cal State Fullerton (CSUF), found her big break in a rather unconventional place: Craigslist. Seeking opportunities as a children’s music singer, she responded to an ad that would change her career trajectory. A simple phone audition, singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” secured her a leading role in what would become the sensation known as “Cocomelon.”
Initially launched in 2006 as a modest YouTube channel, Cocomelon experienced explosive growth starting in 2016. The channel’s repertoire of cocomelon songs, including hits like the “‘No No’ Bedtime Song” and “Bath Song + More Nursery Rhymes and Kids Songs,” resonated deeply with young audiences and their parents.
Cocomelon Family characters
The Unprecedented Rise of Cocomelon and Its Music
Today, Cocomelon boasts impressive numbers: nearly 600 videos, over 103 million subscribers, and more than 90 billion views. It stands as the No. 1 most-viewed YouTube channel in the United States and the second most globally. Further solidifying its mainstream success, Forbes magazine and Reelgood, a streaming tracker, both ranked Cocomelon as the No. 1 show on Netflix in December 2020, surpassing even popular shows like “The Office” and “The Queen’s Gambit.”
Princiotta, who lends her voice to the mom character and records cocomelon songs from her home studio, admitted she was unaware of the phenomenon Cocomelon would become. She dedicates up to three hours to produce each three-minute song, encompassing learning, warming up, recording, and reviewing.
What Makes Cocomelon Songs So Appealing?
When asked about the show’s success, Princiotta highlighted the engaging nature of cocomelon songs and visuals. She believes the show’s appeal lies in its relatable messages, presented through colorful animation and catchy tunes. The familiarity with characters also builds a sense of trust and comfort for children as they learn basic concepts like ABCs and tying shoelaces through song.
Parents’ feedback echoes this sentiment. Many express joy in bonding with their children through singing and dancing along to cocomelon songs. The show also provides parents with valuable time for other tasks or a much-needed break. Heartwarming feedback often comes from parents of children with speech and auditory challenges, who note the positive impact of cocomelon songs on their development. Similarly, parents of children with health issues share stories of how the songs help comfort their little ones during medical visits.
Exploring the Variety of Cocomelon Songs
Cocomelon offers a wide range of cocomelon songs catering to various themes and occasions. Kristen Princiotta mentioned her enjoyment in recording songs for the two “Cocomelon” Christmas albums available on Spotify, revealing her personal fondness for Christmas music. Beyond holiday themes, cocomelon songs cover everyday routines, learning concepts, and playful scenarios, ensuring a diverse musical landscape for young viewers.
The viral #cocomelonchallenge on TikTok, where parents test if their child will react to the Cocomelon theme song, further demonstrates the powerful pull of these cocomelon songs on children.
CSUF’s Role in Kristen’s Musical Journey
Kristen Princiotta credits her alma mater, Cal State Fullerton, for providing the foundational skills essential to her role in Cocomelon. Whether performing classical pieces or singing “Baby Shark”-esque cocomelon songs, the vocal techniques and musical discipline she acquired at CSUF have proven invaluable. She specifically praised Janet Smith, a music lecturer, for helping her explore vocal versatility and technique, and Robert Istad, professor of music and director of choral studies, for instilling sight-reading skills and advanced musicianship. She emphasizes that the entire CSUF music faculty contributed to shaping her into the musician she is today.
For parents who may not consider themselves musically inclined, Kristen offers encouraging advice: a parent’s voice is the most engaging sound for their child and crucial for their development. She encourages all parents to sing to their children, regardless of perceived vocal ability, emphasizing that practice and muscle memory will lead to improvement and increased confidence. Just like the encouraging messages within cocomelon songs, Princiotta’s advice empowers parents to embrace music in their children’s lives.
