The Australian rock band INXS has claimed the top spot in Triple J’s special edition of the Hottest 100, celebrating Australian artists, with their classic power ballad Never Tear Us Apart. The announcement was made on Saturday night, following months of voting by listeners to determine the nation’s favorite song. This annual countdown highlights the best of Australia’s musical talent and marks a significant event in the local music scene.
Joining the radio station to celebrate was founding member and drummer Jon Farriss, who expressed the band’s gratitude for the recognition. “We feel so blessed and we’re very grateful,” he stated during the broadcast. The win underscores the enduring popularity of INXS, whose music continues to resonate with fans decades after its release.
Securing the second position was renowned Australian hip hop group The Hilltop Hoods with their 2003 hit The Nosebleed Section. Following closely were pop duo The Veronicas, whose 2007 single Untouched took the third spot. Founding members Jess and Lisa Origliasso expressed their emotional reaction to their ranking, stating, “We’re on top of the world right now… this is such a huge honour for us.”
The countdown also featured notable tracks from Missy Higgins and Crowded House, with Higgins’ Scar in fourth place and Don’t Dream It’s Over by Crowded House rounding out the top five. Higgins reflected on her song’s lasting impact, commenting, “I can’t quite believe it – I feel like the luckiest person ever,” highlighting the enduring connection her music has with audiences.
The special edition of the Hottest 100 was part of Triple J’s celebration of its 50th anniversary, deviating from the usual global countdown to focus solely on Australian music. The response was overwhelming, with over 2.65 million votes cast, making it the station’s fourth-largest poll to date. This year, the countdown began at 10:00 AM AEST and concluded at 8:00 PM.
In addition to the top five, the countdown included a range of iconic Australian artists. Gotye made a notable appearance at number ten with his 2011 hit Somebody That I Used To Know. Other significant entries included John Farnham, who placed fifteenth with You’re the Voice and Daryl Braithwaite with his classic The Horses at number thirty.
The results highlighted the competitive nature of the countdown, with only a narrow margin separating several tracks. Eight songs were separated by fewer than ten votes, while just thirty votes distinguished songs ranked 100 and 101. This year’s Hottest 100 once again affirmed the rich tapestry of Australian music and its impact on both local and global audiences.
The full top ten results of the Hottest 100 are as follows:
1. INXS – Never Tear Us Apart (1987)
2. The Nosebleed Section – Hilltop Hoods (2003)
3. The Veronicas – Untouched (2007)
4. Missy Higgins – Scar (2004)
5. Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over (1986)
6. Powderfinger – My Happiness (2000)
7. Cold Chisel – Flame Trees (1984)
8. Cold Chisel – Khe Sanh (1978)
9. Paul Kelly – How to Make Gravy (1996)
10. Gotye (featuring Kimbra) – Somebody That I Used to Know (2011)
The Hottest 100 continues to be a cherished event in the Australian music calendar, celebrating the country’s rich musical heritage and the talent that has emerged from its shores.
