Kim Wilde - Kids In America (1981) • TopPop

Kim Wilde (born Kim Smith; 18 November 1960) is an English pop singer, author, DJ and television presenter. She first saw success in 1981 with her debut single "Kids in America", which reached number two in the UK. In 1983, she received the Brit Award for Best British Female solo artist. In 1986, she had a UK number two hit with a reworked version of the Supremes' song "You Keep Me Hangin' On", which also topped the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1987. Between 1981 and 1996, she had 25 singles reach the Top 50 of the UK singles chart. Her other hits include "Chequered Love" (1981), "You Came" (1988) and "Never Trust a Stranger" (1988). In 2003, she collaborated with Nena on the song "Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime", which topped the Dutch charts.
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Broadcast date: 1981-04-25
This is to let you know that the video recording of the video clip was originally recorded by AVROTROS Broadcasting. AVROTROS Broadcasting hereby warrants and represents that it is the sole and exclusive owner of the physical film and/or videotape footage in this video clip.
The performance of the artist(s) in the clip was filmed and recorded with the written consent of the artist(s) and their representatives.
AVROTROS is a Dutch radio and television broadcaster, founded in 2014 from a merger of AVRO and TROS. From January 1st, 2014 the name of the merged broadcaster was used in joint programmes. AVRO was founded in 1923 as the Netherlands first public broadcaster. TROS started broadcasting in 1964. Toppop was a weekly AVRO pop program that was aired between 1970 and 1988.
AVROTROS Broadcasting
PO Box 2
1200 JA Hilversum
The Netherlands
TopPop was the first regular dedicated pop music TV show in the Dutch language area. Dutch broadcaster AVRO aired the programme weekly, from 1970 to 1988. Presenter Ad Visser hosted the show for its first fifteen years.
World famous music artists performed on TopPop: ABBA, 10CC, Bee Gees, The Jacksons with Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Earth & Fire, Queen, Golden Earring, Boney M, KC & The Sunshine Band, Chic, Donna Summer and many many more.

[@bertie_magoo]

March 2024 who's listening to this classic.

[@ronnyking4615]

we are

[@marty2682]

Guilty. But not ashamed

[@ronnyking4615]

@@marty2682 you should be !

[@tusharghude15]

:)

[@pothead1978]

@@tusharghude15 👍

[@stacydetwiler1475]

I'm 63 years old but when I hear this song I'm still one of the kids in America.

[@dbapto6994]

I'm sure you look like a kid

[@christianjosuechicahoyos9406]

Masterpiece 80´s

[@trustablerolin]

I'm glad I grow up in the 80's I miss those days so badly!!!

[@wiltchamberlainisthegoat13]

Words cannot properly describe or express just how strongly I miss those days. The 80s were incredible from the early to the middle to the end. What a magical decade it was!! ❤

[@katehamilton7240]

yes, becuase it was my teenage years decade

[@THEDENDIECASTRACING]

Great years

[@DizGuys]

Amen...I was only 7 when this came out, but still loved it. The entire decade was just incredibly fun and creative as far as entertainment goes...plus, no dumb phones ❤

[@KeithSchwerin]

Heck the 80's in general was peak many things. Peak America, peak Japan. Everything was booming. We haven't had a time like that since. It's just been multiple recessions and failed attempts to make Trickle Down Economics work and cutting the taxes on the rich. Both resulted in lower and middle class hurting even more, and all the free money they had for good times is now consolidated at the top. Greed ruined everything.

[@wlewisiii]

Meh, every decade was like that when you were 16,

[@mattpatterson9128]

God, I had a major crush on her, i was a teen the 1980's, best time ever to be a teen, in my mid 50's now. Time flies by.

[@solracer66]

Didn't we all...

[@jnowak9]

Same! Ibwas 13 when this came out and will be 56 next month. Those days live forever in me.

[@ravchana5633]

What teenage boy didn't and blondie

[@markkeywood4370]

Who didn't have a crush on her, and I bet many women had a crush on her ❤❤

[@DoomNerd67200]

Those hairs though, never been a fan

[@googleN-qn8wi]

Красивые , живые, талантливые Люди ,80-90г.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@rucus247]

I was 4 when this came out, and yes, I remembered everything from 1980 onwards

[@acegibson9533]

This song was absolutely HUGE in the summer of '81. All the radio played it. You couldn't escape it. All the kids were blasting this out of their cars. It was crazy.

[@keenepeck7182]

This song and Shake it Up by The Cars were definitely huge summer of '81. It was the year New Wave broke in the U.S

[@eddiemanuel3946]

A awesome day and song brings back memories.

[@kevinsmith9502]

I had this on a K TELs radioactive hits on cassette a long time ago

[@michaelhegyan7464]

Yeah..I was working in radio ( Detroit ) the station had a format, which was ground breaking, called 'Urban Contemporary'..this tune was played, 24/7

[@theluckyegg3613]

I know!

[@colins1316]

The song is 40 years old, and it hasn't lost any of it's awesomeness !!!

[@robertdawson9114]

It’s a classic it stands the test of time.👍😁😎

[@chriscrawford7372]

And they still use this song in movies and commercials and stuff! Classic!

[@armandocardona4478]

Like most 80's music it doesn't seem to age or go out of style. The 1980's were truly God's decade.

[@pedroruizjr3122]

I agree mucho 😗

[@ralphhicks2712]

I wholeheartedly agree 👍

[@Jon-sn6je]

Only the cool kids of the 80s are still listening to this in 2023.😊

[@raymonddon8875]

if they are not in wheelchairs.

[@rodrigoteixeirasv]

2024🥰

[@romankhomenko3305]

2003 And i'm here 😀

[@sabinescharrenbach5919]

Absolut ich war 10 und sofort verliebt in das Lied ❤

[@animaljustice7774]

Right here Boo

[@Smartass_Jedi]

1981: Inexhaustible Masterpiece 2023: Inexhaustible Masterpiece

[@sylvieledu]

I’m a french girl so excuse me for my bad english. This song of Kim Wilde is masterfull. It’s a wonderful song. Thanks too much Kim Wilde !

[@pascalledu]

Yes it's a beautlful song. Thanks Kim Wilde

[@sylvieledu]

@@pascalledu Thanks so much for your commentaire.

[@skeletorramone9137]

Your English is excellent, don't stress, I couldn't tell the difference. If you don't mind me asking you a question ith the political correctness that seems to be everywhere I'd like to know how Serge Gainsbourg is viewed in his home country?

[@sylvieledu]

@@skeletorramone9137 Thanks you very much for your comment. Serge Gainsbourg died on March 1991. He was really french. Jane Birkin was his companion for 12 years. I wish you an excellent evening. I hope my english is correct.

[@RenegadeZulu]

Search “edge of seventeen” 😊

[@hansreinhardt2342]

Kids in America was he ultimate 80s song and it was perfectly arranged. Kim really was lucky to have that massive talent in her family. The only way for her was up.

[@badkitty4922]

Yes! This and Invincible by Pat Benatar, which also did a good job of capturing the feeling of what it was like to be a teen in the 80s.

[@kimmomunukka.twereone]

Aggree

[@user-lp3yy1ji7u]

На все 100% согласен

[@Theghua1]

Pat Benator and her were de queens

[@josecarton-delcourt8925]

​@@badkitty4922😂

[@firemission4495]

What's cool is my son is 17 and loves the 80s music...Yes he just come along all sudden...I'm 54

[@santiagonicolaspizano19]

Good job.

[@dbapto6994]

You're a mummy

[@oliviermarron]

​​​@@dbapto6994tu es dans le jugement. Il y a des musiques intemporelles. Il y a des bonnes et des mauvaises musiques ches les vieilles. (La Mer Tino Rossi / vs bande son de L'année dernière à Marienbad ou Mistinguett Nuits de Paris) Il y a des bonnes et des mauvaises musiques ches les récentes. (Angèle Oui ou Non / vs Nakamura Djadja)

[@dbapto6994]

@@oliviermarron speak english

[@occitaniapaisnostre]

Why 80’s music is so great?😍

[@ladybirdtravels]

My theory is that for the first time there was a real variety of styles of music over the decade, thus providing something for everyone combined with a massive growth in access to music via television and the ability to self record from the radio.

[@wadenate9901]

drugs lots of drugs

[@TheJamie6666]

Talent.

[@neilpotts]

@@wadenate9901 Class answer,and very probably true.

[@briseboy]

EVERYTHING sounded good after disco.

[@retrogamer82]

Will never be another decade quite like the 80’s

[@digitalsaint2040]

the kodak reel film was amazing; they used in all the movies and everything else. this is why all 80's movies have this great analog depth. super high metal content means less artifacts and better color exposure, and super dark blacks. when digital first started it was much worse then reel, it has gotten better but it will never have the organic fidelity of reel.

[@jamiejones9335]

Yes I graduated in 1983 and did alot of partying in Manhattan and this was one of the songs I would listen to while tripping my brains out

[@nadiaromain336]

Yessssssss trop belle Kim Wilde 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@ps2138]

そうだった。 それは1980年代の前半でした。 時間枠を考えると無垢な時間と言えます。 ああ、80年代。 モダンで洗練されていると思いました。 しかし、期間はもっと単純で、少し素朴で、少し幸せで、楽観的な本当の気持ちがその素朴さによって生まれました。

[@Maidenfan83]

As a Metalhead I hated this song but now that I am older I can learn to respect it now. Metal is still my main choice for music

[@eugeneleroux1842]

I like it when she says: 'I'm not leaving honey, not a chance'. The close-up shots of her face are beyond magic.

[@mancampovestiminvatam1281]

Way more constructive than today's "music" :)

[@spbryant]

Closer you see her face the more sexy and beautiful she is vs the opposite with today’s female strip tease singers.

[@antonioippolito8505]

She's riveting!

[@andrewhardage6561]

I don't care how hot my memories are, at this age now if any woman said: 'I'm not leaving honey, not a chance'. I would gnaw my arms and legs off and pray I bleed out before she gets her barbed fangs and talons and resuscitates my corpse, and pray my money has been spent and wasted on drugs, hookers, liquor and fishing. Further more she ain't Debbie Harry!

[@user-wd6nk7uy1x]

Being a teenager in the 80's was so awesome. 🎸We grew up with the real MTV. Going to arcade Pac man, Donkey Kong, Tempest, so many great games. Awesome music! 📢 80's teenager forever

[@rickjennings7884]

I'm 53 and I'm still the kids in America!!

[@TheBetsyBoop]

I didn’t want the 80’s to end!!

[@sylvieledu]

Excuse me for my bad english but I’m a french girl. I love so much this wonderful song. Thanks very much Kim Wilde !

[@HappyBear376]

Your English is very good.

[@mattyfrommacc1554]

Your English is Good, and far better than my French! (I know about 10 words) Kim is fantastic

[@sylvieledu]

@@HappyBear376 Thanks you very much.

[@sylvieledu]

@@mattyfrommacc1554 Thanks you very much.

[@K7classicrockfan]

Bonjour Sylvie, votre anglais est excellent 👌

[@Silligk]

Video from 1981 has better quality than many 2017 youtube videos..

[@g34a4d]

This is the normal VHS quality, many of actual youtube videos are copied and recompressed over and over again what causes this huge profusion of videos of poor quality

[@Fred_M]

Not really. Toppop was a Dutch television program, They have a huge library of live performances. These videos are all remastered by the broadcaster, because they sell this videos. Read the full description of the video ;-)

[@awesomewelles9174]

Hahaa, true!

[@awesomewelles9174]

Gerardo Pinto I suspect the original was Betamax. It was the studio industry standard back then, in fact up till the early 90s. Way better quality than VHS. VHS surpassed Beta as a consumer format though and simply because of better and bigger promo than Sony by companies like Panasonic etc.

[@Fred_M]

No, the original recordings from the seventies were on film. In the eighties it was Umatic type C and Betacam ;-)

[@alburch]

You know when songs get more and more applicable by the decade: artists were ahead of their time and sages of culture to come. What a banger in 2023.

[@ryanniv1851]

This song was so ahead of its time

[@highheelrecords1584]

Ahhhh Ahhhhh Ahh Ah AH! Must hear MORE

[@punkywozza4330]

Little bit of punk and a lot of electronica and you get a timeless classic, God the 80's we're that good

[@paolo80s4ever]

not that good. the BEST

[@erikt1713]

The song that started it all. "Life is cruel, life is never kind" - harsh words delivered without a smile, but with such beauty.

[@denisesatx]

Kim Wilde was so beautiful! This is an 80s treasure❤

[@hithere2697]

Being alive and liking it when this came out brought me here

[@samikokkonen7218]

Let's be honest - we all did love Kim (teenager boys during 80's)

[@Daisypetal100]

Kim Wilde is a beautiful woman. She looks like a model. She looks relaxed in this video. She didn't do drugs. I love this song.

[@rocketsland9539]

Да, была милой.. 300 лет тому назад.

[@micwilliams7743]

She is very natural, no fakeness to her she was one of my dream girls back then for I was a few months younger .

[@mooknick242]

thanks for letting us know she didn't do drugs..did she drive fast?

[@corumeach]

She is...although I always found her expression very distant and uncaring.

[@julierobinson5174]

Distant and uncaring, not into drugs, Wilde and crazy, free spirit, anti-factious. Hmm 🤔let’s see… 300yrs-2022.. how many years ago was that. 🤫

[@Jos-dd1hs]

I wasn’t born in the 80s , but somehow this song and and lot other songs from the 80s make me feel nostalgic for some unknown reason , can’t explain it .

[@Jangocat]

This was definitely the best time to be a teen or low 20's, I'd give anything to go back to the new wave era. This was good dance music.

[@wlewisiii]

That's what everyone says about their childhood, child. Why would you grow up when none from your world ever did?

[@misterwhipple2870]

Let ME go back to 1970 ! !

[@dopo8333]

The energy of the 80s. Awsome! Later generations were tired, blasé, or outright depressive.

[@noahlamens7877]

r/lewronggeneration

[@tommyhansen2116]

1981: Kim Wilde is stunning! 2022: Kim Wilde is stunning!

[@wombleofwimbledon5442]

Pretty much. Lordy.

[@lauraruth6358]

I graduated High school in 1980. So I was in high school in the 70’s and college in the early 80’s. How lucky I was!!!!

[@cashcore]

beautiful woman of the 80's

[@BotsWeekendCovers]

The 80's! Nothing more needs said. I was watching Miami Vice, Dressed in a suit with the sleeves of my coat rolled up and the narrow black tie blasting the music as I was headed to the club. Then grunge came and changed everything...... Ah I miss those days!!!!!

[@randygonzalez7439]

Great Song. Best time to be a Teenager in the 80's. 🎸👍My Generation is the 90's so growing up in the 80's was a Blur but still remember the Great Music. 😃

[@TheBetsyBoop]

Gosh!!! I TOTALLY miss the 80’s!! I turned 13 in 1980!! Awesome time to be a teen in America!! 😁

[@user-km8hv4xm8d]

Was 16 years old in 1981.Gavin my name. South Africa. Loved her ❤️

[@danjf1]

A UK pop singer with a hit Kids In America - brilliant

[@johnkauppi7078]

Long live the 80's ,been there done that.

[@guillermomaguire5394]

1981.....great year.... Kim was popular....and so were Flock of Seagulls. Recently my youngest had a musical revelation. The 80s were the best decade for music. Yes, yes indeed.

[@lasharncampbell8698]

Yes, I miss the 80s. I love this song and video. 😊😊😊😊😊😊❤😅.those were the days.

[@foremerino2811]

I'm 17 years old again. Awesome sound and times. 😎

[@wojtoboro2999]

Kim Wilde's debut 1981 (She is 21, like me in this 2021 Year). Great song. I first heard this song in GTA VC and radio. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱

[@robertliskey420]

I still have all her singles/albums! Am I dating myself? Thank you Kim! ❤❤❤❤🐯🐯🐯🐯

[@hoibsh21]

THis was our anthem and when we sang it the world took notice. We were a dangerous force to be reckoned with.

[@janicerebura2610]

Great song.💙💚💖

[@diablo4166]

☆LONG LIVE THE 80'S☆

[@bjiggles8145]

I consider this song to be the perfect kick-off for a great decade of awesome music we now remember as the 80s. Still love it.

[@datcampg9297]

Thank You 🙂

[@hanika8827]

Kim is not only a beautiful, but also a gifted singer with an amazing voice! She was also a small fashion/style icon of the 80s, but her powerful voice and her naturalness make her a very special woman to this day! Even if "Kids in America" ​​was their prelude >it's only the later songs like "Cambodia" that show their true potential....😎😎👌👌👍👍

[@ALL_OUT_OF_BUBBLEGUM]

Did we just both watch the same video???

[@PauloBorges9]

Kim is a Goddess

[@clancy76]

she makes a strong case for "most beautiful pop star of all time"

[@mathewbarrie2164]

A VERY strong case.

[@tayl9rbarr191]

With out doubt. GORGEOUS.

[@fuiplu]

Her song "you came" any of the performances she is absolutely stunning

[@danhoppy5517]

@@fuiplu Which could be a description of any of her videos...!

[@romanopaso]

@@tayl9rbarr191 are you guys like really ugly with low self esteem

[@garydouglass9577]

My love 46 year ago and still have the posters and records. Class woman. ✊🏼

[@nikkienightingaleeilish5997]

My favourite 80s song Kim Wilde's eyes man 😍😍😍

[@HappyBear376]

I have only just realised how sophisticated this song is. The meter of the lyrics is astonishing. The music is superb with a wonderful counter harmony.

[@bobstirling6885]

The understated brilliance of Ricky Wilde.

[@MissNolver]

Whoa...childhood memories from the 80's! 🥰

[@kimdavison8083]

l was 15 years old when this song came out my god I really feel so old 😱

[@kimmomunukka.twereone]

Wanna go back to the 80's

[@Pidabred1]

as an 80s boy this was an anthem of my youth

[@jamatrix]

I love the build up to this song. I'm only 38 years old, and I didn't grow up in this era or generation. I wish I did, because it was by far the best generation. Just by the feel, of the music l. The attitude, style, the sound. Back before Internet. When music was everything.

[@petegarza2025]

One of my favorite 80's songs of all time and I am "WILDE"about "KIM"...👏👏👏

[@jamesalex5051]

great 80's record & fabulous attitude

[@philthomas8351]

Kim - Beautiful woman, beautiful voice.

[@aveywilliams7761]

Looking at the band then and now, you'd think this song was new. Even to the clothes they have on. It looks fresh... That's what makes this song a classic. We don't have music like this now. Sad. I remember watching this on American Pops, I think, I was 5 years old. Even then, I knew this song was an instant classic. This song hits the same way it did back then ❤

[@didier.gerost.07]

with this she reached perfection !! Swiss kiss from Gstaad

[@grahamfigg5817]

Kim Wilde's dentist was next to the accountancy practice I used to work in. We used to see her coming and going in the late 1980's.

[@barthelemyferreri9043]

Kim Wilde ❤

[@johnwilkerson2195]

She's still beautiful as ever

[@jyejye1077]

She's just such a dream i can't handle it

[@raymondpoissonneau465]

SUPER!!!!!!!!!!!

[@notjustawhitelabel]

Fell in love the moment i saw her on tv The beauty of my 80's decade

[@davidgeissler8620]

Hey Peter listening too I totally agree with you God bless you and your family

[@samsingh3753]

Same here

[@Eliezerzucker]

2017 and we are the grandfathers in America..

[@rowlffffff]

And still badass!

[@nothingbuttthis]

Hahahaha

[@melissadavis225]

@@rowlffffff yes we're the grandparents of America now lol !!!!

[@melissadavis225]

@@rowlffffff yes for sure we are !!!

[@smokemeakipper8372]

Or in northern england but i get your point. Ha

[@stevemanuell8610]

Lovely lady ❣️

[@cmcg3738]

The best songs have an element of the culture of the time in them. This is that.

[@kolithavije6090]

Kim Wilde one of my favourite 👍

[@williamgenaromezahuaycoche9407]

Kim Wilde, is a true queen of rock, her unforgettable music, reminds me of my youth. I am a fan who loves you silently. Born in Peru...❤️❤️❤️

[@gabrielgarcia579]

Born in Peru

[@gabrielgarcia579]

00:01 earth bellow us. Drifting, falling. Floating weightless. Calling, calling home

[@MiguelAngel-ed6gq]

SUPERB Kim Wilde. 😍🤩

[@DenMore1]

I was young. I liked the song, I liked her

[@broncofun5636]

Her debut album defined the sound of the new wave! Always will be synonymous with kicking New Wave off across the world.

[@wombleofwimbledon5442]

The synth runs at the end are gold.

[@realmichaud]

those synths didn't come cheap either.

[@jeffpricefamily3905]

So grateful for video ❣❣❣❣❣❣❣

[@christopherradford58]

I'm 65 now ,like myself & others , we had the privilege of growing up with suzi and other great music stars ,

[@photoshoott2022]

Love this song. As soon as I heard it first time, i was hooked. We used to dance, go nuts to it and just have a great time. Driving to this song or just listening and enjoying it. What an incredible upbeat song and if you saw the movie "Reckless", the dance scene in the school halls, that was us pretty much every time we heard it. Amazing song and 80s music was and still is, the best.

[@vikinghallholidayinn-yg2nz]

I liked it too, but I'm biased bc my first name is Kimberly, so I wasn't Kim Wilde ya know? But she was cool to me. For sure, ya know.

[@photoshoott2022]

@@vikinghallholidayinn-yg2nz :) :) :) It is difficult to be biased and feel any different about the song, but it is a pretty amazing song for sure.

[@skippybartalozzi]

I loved Kim Wilde when I was 17-18, i had posters all over my wall, I was given a huge life size cardboard cut out from the record store of her from the first album, she had the best hair..she's beautiful !

[@markjones464]

I was 20 years old , loved her then And now , Kim went of and had A life outside music or Should I say the Industry

[@JustRobin2009]

She has gotten prettier as she got older.

[@brianallsopp69]

Me too I think it was her pout ,,,

[@desastermaster2010]

A souped up Ford Capri, Kim Wilde on full blast, speeding the Autobahn, 0300 AM with 230km/h..... The good old times....

[@lilsdon]

I used to drink at "The Pit" in Loughton Essex, this was always being played, so brings back lovely jubley memories

[@gaskan666]

WANTED TIME MACHINE to take me back to the 1980s

[@paulquick8806]

@gaskan666 still working on that darn flux coppassitor..80s FUCKIN ruled

[@lynnglidewell7367]

One of the songs that helped kill disco. Thank God!

[@Pravuss]

I was 17 when this song came out, at 59 it means even more to me now as it takes me back to the greatest times of my life, the decade of my glory years, the 80's.

[@AngelinaCruz357]

Behind a great woman, there is a great band!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Oandad]

1981 was the pinnacle of US culture.

[@RabiesTheBeagle]

1986 yo, nice try....

[@paulvon2378]

Never get tired of this song!

[@sweetgherkinz]

dude holy frick, just came across Kim Wilde the other day and BOY THIS IS FUNKY STUFF

[@tsugaru_solos]

Time Traveler here. Just stopped by to grab this right quick before I jump time lines. Need this track to avoid a cataclysmic paradox. ❤

[@borisdicamillo8113]

Such an amazing woman!

[@ergsamowzbudnik4364]

Amazing, and most of all natural !

[@gregstorms1328]

she’s the bomb straight out of MTV the 80s rocked were the kids