Olivia Dean’s ‘Man I Need’ has claimed the top spot in Triple J’s 2025 Hottest 100, the largest annual music poll in Australia. The British neo-soul artist’s breezy hit, which spent nine weeks atop the ARIA singles chart, secured the win with 2.1 million votes cast. Australian artist Keli Holiday placed second with her TikTok-fueled track Dancing2, while Tame Impala’s Dracula and Playlunch’s Keith rounded out the top five.
Strong Showing for Australian Artists
The 2025 countdown marked a resurgence for Australian acts, with 53 songs featuring local artists—up from just 29 in 2024. Fremantle band Spacey Jane led with five entries, followed by Ocean Alley, Tame Impala, and Ninajirachi. Triple J reported that 55% of its 2025 airplay was dedicated to Australian artists, exceeding its 40% quota.
Dean’s Connection to Australia
Dean, who tested new material at Australia’s Laneway Festival in 2025, credited the country’s audience for inspiring her second album, The Art of Loving. Another of her tracks, Nice To Each Other, placed at No. 7 in the countdown. The win marks the third consecutive year a solo female artist has topped the Hottest 100.
Diverse Genres and Debuts
The top 10 featured a mix of genres, including RAYE’s Where Is My Husband! at No. 5 and Playlunch’s Keith, described as a ‘bogan funk’ anthem. The countdown also introduced new artists like Keli Holiday and Playlunch, alongside established acts like Tame Impala.
Voting and Representation
For the first time, Triple J’s voting page included an option to filter by Australian artists, potentially boosting local representation. The station’s 2025 airplay data showed 19 of its top 30 most-played artists were Australian, reflecting a growing emphasis on homegrown talent.