The Triple J Hottest 100 for 2021 is countdown this Saturday, and if the markets and warmtunas are anything to go by – it could be a two-horse race between Justin Bieber and The Wiggles.
Who’d of ever thought to be considering that when it comes to a Hottest 100 winner?!?
While there isn’t a clear favourite for the Hottest 100, there’s always three things we can offer odds of $1.01/an early payout for, someone demanding that said song “Shoulda been higher”, one person aged 35+ not knowing any of the songs and someone who reckons Triple J was better in the 1990s.
In what is the world’s biggest music democracy and an institution, the Triple J Hottest 100 is always something to look forward to each year and for the humble punter, plenty of value to be found, especially for those of you who don’t know the songs but want to come across as an expert.
We’ve looked at the top 10 contenders according to our market and assessed their chances of taking out the coveted top spot.
Stay -The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber @ $1.95
It’s worth noting that this is not an outright Justin Bieber song that is the favorite to win the Hottest 100.
The Kid Laroi, aged 18, produced one of the biggest albums of 2021 and his success via platforms such as TikTok allowed him to collaborate with the likes of the Bieb.
It’s clear he’s not a novelty hit nor fad.
His other hit, Without You, was also one of the smash hits of the past year and is likely to poll highly.
However, it’s his collab with Justin Bieber that’s every chance to get top-gong in this Saturday’s countdown.
Elephant [Like a Version] – The Wiggles @ $3.75
Back in March, Triple J brought in The Wiggles past/present to do a cover of Tame Impala’s “Elephant” and it was brilliant.
Make no mistake, The Wiggles are a serious threat to bring home the fruit salad this Saturday.
This cover easily appeals to multiple generations of Australian music lovers, has nostalgia with originals Murray and Jeff playing in the cover, and a massive campaign on social media for people to vote for it.
It is also the most-streamed Like a Version of all time.
The Wiggles are one of the greatest musical exports Australia has ever produced. Why shouldn’t they be Hottest 100 winners as well?
good 4 u – Olivia Rodrigo @ $4
With high rotation on Triple J along with commercial radio and Spotify, this song has soared up the charts in 2021.
Olivia Rodrigo’s track has been used on TV shows and commercials and will be one of those tunes that those who don’t know any of the songs will recognize.
Likely to poll very high and a good value price for an upset.
the angel of 8th ave. – Gang of Youths @ $5
Gang of Youths have built a John Wood gold Logie/Tom Melbourne reputation for being a bit of Hottest 100 bridesmaid.
The boys always seem to be up there but can never jag a number one finish.
Is The Angel of 8th Avenue the one that brings it home for Gang of Youths?
Justin Bieber and The Wiggles dare to suggest otherwise.
Lots of Nothing – Spacey Jane @ $7
A real Aussie 1990’s indie-inspired group, Spacey Jane has developed a solid following and gives proper Triple J vibes.
Good fun and happy track and a band that’s worth seeing live should you get the chance.
Likely to get into the top 10, but it would be a major upset if they took out the number one spot.
Happier Than Ever – Billie Eilish @ $10
The winner of the Hottest 100 before the world was introduced to COVID back in 2020, can Billie Eilish make it two from three creating a Triple J dynasty?
From Bad Guy to now Happier Than Ever, the American sensation is quite the act.
Not bad value at $10 to win outright, but more likely to poll highly.
One for your Top 10 / Top 5 dead certs.
Alive – RUFUS DU SOL @ $17
Thankfully, RUFUS DU SOL’s track “Alive” is not a cover version of the P.O.D. 2001 classic.
It’s a very different song and style.
RUFUS DU SOL is another Hottest 100 regular and every chance to poll in the Top 10.
The kids love this stuff.
Kiss Me More Doja Cat ft. SZA @ $17
This banger of a track has managed to rack up more than 8.7 listens on Spotify and just a lazy 250 million views on YouTube.
It’s also popular on TikTok, having been used in just under 3 million videos.
Doja Cat has smashed the charts in 2021, got plenty of airplay, and will be considered a dead cert to get into the countdown.
On My Knees RUFUS DU SOL @ $17
RUFUS DU SOL has two contenders for a top-10 finish in this countdown, but it might just be eating up each other’s votes.
Unlikely to be top song, but one to consider for a top-10 finish.
Who Farted? – The Vaughans @ $1000*
Ok, it’s not a contender but any excuse to share this classic from The Vaughans which came in at number 54 back in 1995.
Is it the greatest track to ever be included in the Hottest 100?
No.
But we’re including it anyway to do some sort of Steven Bradbury-like finish.
Or probably not.
