Kidz Bop, the most popular and most recognized music product in the U.S. for kids ages five to 12, and McDonald’s are joining together for the first time, making the popular music brand available with the purchase of new Kidz Bop-themed Happy Meals.

With each Happy Meal, kids will receive one of eight CDs featuring four Kidz Bop hit songs – sung for kids, by kids – plus the bonus original track, “Kidz Bop World.” The Happy Meal will be available from April 24 through May 21 and will offer kids the opportunity to embrace their inner star through interactive features on HappyMeal.com and KidzBop.com.

Kidz Bop has sold more than 11 million CDs and earned nine Gold certifications since its debut in 2001. Kidz Bop is a complete entertainment platform, featuring music, videos, the popular Web site KidzBop.com and the Kidz Bop Live concert tour. Kidz Bop is also leading the way in the search for tomorrow’s stars through the annual national Be a Kidz Bop Star talent search and a one-of-a-kind virtual space where kids can upload performance videos and Web shows in a safe, secure environment to share with peers. From these groups of talented kids, Kidz Bop hopes to sign three new artists in 2009. With these unique youth connections, Kidz Bop will continue to find and develop new artists.

“Kidz Bop is creating innovative ways for kids and tweens to share and create music and content,” says Liz Nealon, general manager of Kidz Bop. “As our momentum as a multi-faceted entertainment brand grows, we’ll continue to partner with companies like McDonald’s that further our mission to celebrate the unique authentic voices of kids and foster creative interaction with the Kidz Bop brand.”

Cool Music, Interactive Content

The Happy Meal CDs feature hit songs from the Kidz Bop collection including, “All Star,” “Complicated,” “Funkytown,” “SOS,” “So Yesterday,” “Holiday,” “Hey There Delilah,” and “Since You Been Gone.” Each CD also will include a code that kids can use to unlock a special Kidz Bop song on a virtual music player at McDonald’s virtual world for kids, McWorld available at HappyMeal.com. At McWorld kids’ online personas can dance and interact with virtual DJs. Kids can also create original content and upload their own videos on Kidzbop.com.

“We are always looking to bring relevant and engaging experiences, as well as quality food choices, to our customers through the Happy Meal,” says Rebecca Anderson, marketing manager, McDonald’s USA. “We are excited to partner with Kidz Bop on this exciting promotion, which emphasizes kids empowerment and having fun through the latest music hits. Families are sure to enjoy this exclusive KIDZ BOP experience at McDonald’s.”

Starting April 24, McDonald’s will launch a Happy Meal commercial that shows how music can bring kids and moms together. Additional marketing support includes packaging, in-store signage and displays. The Happy Meal will be cross-promoted on KidzBop.com.