Not long to go now folks…

2019 was an incredible year for music, with international and local acts releasing quality tracks encompassing hip hop, pop, EDM and everything in between. It’s also a special year for the countdown, with voters smashing records and placing over 3.2 million votes, 16.4% up from last year. Clearly, the Hot 100 holds a special place in the hearts of music lovers across the country, and they’ve turned out in full force.

It was an especially amazing year for female artists as well, with the most female acts in the predicted top ten than ever before. And let’s be real, there’s a very high chance that a female act will take out the top spot for the first time, which would be absolutely amazing. Fingers crossed it’s an Aussie act that brings it home.

If you’re like us, odds are you put real sweat and tears into your top ten, spending quality time deciding what were your top songs for the year, and hating yourself for having to cut out some of your favourites. Regardless, voting has closed, and everyone’s wondering who’s gonna take out the top spot on triple j’s annual popularity contest.

But look no further, speculate no more, we’ve put together the list of winners that is 100% correct. No arguments. Check it out below, and special shout out to ‘100 Warm Tunas’ for their predictions, which have helped inform this list.

1. Denzel Curry – ‘Bulls On Parade’ (Triple J Like A Version)

The Like A Version that could win it all. Backed by local Aussie musos, Denzel absolutely murdered the Rage classic, bringing the intense ferocity and ‘super Saiyan rage’ that has defined his live shows over the past couple of years. Including an annihilating verse from his hit ‘SIRENS’, Denzel went a step beyond the usual Like A Version, using the opportunity to show how the social issues talked about in ‘Bulls On Parade’ are still relevant today. The clip has received mad love in Australia and across the world, racking up over seven million views online, and we’d be very surprised if it doesn’t crack at least the top five in the Hottest 100.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4ywyFXdik

2. Mallrat – ‘Charlie ‘

One of the most wholesome releases of 2019, Brisbane born Mallrat really transcended the game this year with her ballad ‘Charlie’. Singing about loving so much, and sometimes not getting that love back in return, Mallrat demonstrates an emotional maturity way beyond her years. A real heart clencher, it’s impossible not to feel moved by the intimate vocals and heartfelt lyrics. She even performed it live on the Late Late Show with James Corden for her US television debut. A real stripped back beaut, there’s no way this won’t crack the top five in the countdown.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9C1flskssaQ

3. G-Flip – ‘Drink Too Much’

Who doesn’t love G-Flip? Being a badass on the drums, guitar and bass guitar, as well as a mad vocalist and songwriter, the Melbourne native can really do it all. ‘Drink Too Much’ is a clear example of her never-ending talents, singing about partying and ‘drinking too much’ to deal with breakups and the inevitable heartache that comes along with it. Something that we can all relate to, G-Flip really tapped into something special with the track, and you can see the intense love that punters all across Australia have for the superstar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HOPwoMa3JJo

4. Billie Eilish – ‘Bad Guy’

The 18 year old California native keeps going from strength to strength, with her album of hits When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? being one of the hottest releases of 2019. Her pop bop ‘Bad Guy’ embodies everything we love about Billie: Gorgeous vocals, sick lyrics and uniquely textured production (special shout out to musical genius FINNEAS). The track has definitely resonated with Aussies as well, being a constant presence on Hot 100 top ten lists across the nation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyDfgMOUjCI

5. Thelma Plum – ‘Better in Blak’

Coming off a rough couple years, ‘Better In Blak’ is everything you could want from a Thelma Plum track and more. A truly beautiful bop, the 25 year-old Brisbane native proved that music sometimes really is the best medicine, with honest lyrics that reflect Thelma’s coming to terms with the last couple years, and her setting her eyes on the future. A real moving track, it’s hard not to feel inspired and ready to seize the day after listening to it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExMjEwymQ3A

6. Tones and I – ‘Dance Monkey’

Arguably the biggest song to come out of Australia in the past year, Tones and I’s ‘Dance Monkey’ lit the world on fire in 2019. Shattering records, displacing international artists and being an absolute tune and a half, the song is the dream breakout hit for any emerging artist. Racking up over 800 million streams on Spotify alone, the track is the literal definition of a smash hit. It absolutely goes off live too, with crowds at Splendour In The Grass and Spilt Milk absolutely eating it up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0hyYWKXF0Q

7. Fidlar – ‘By Myself’

Probably the only dudes that could make being alone sound cool as hell, the California Punk rock outfit captured Australia with the instant hit, prompting beautiful drunk singalongs whenever it’s played. You’d almost think its an Aussie tune with the sleezy guitar riffs and lyrics, perfect for a Skegss or Dune Rats set. A killer tune, we wouldn’t mind this getting in the top ten at all, with it being the perfect opportunity for listeners to crack one open with the boys (but hopefully not by themselves).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=My_FCRu8mnM

8. DMA’s – ‘Silver’

The Sydney three-piece are an absolute staple in the Aussie rock scene, coming through with instant classics like ‘Delete’, ‘In The Air’ and their Like A Version of Cher’s ‘Believe’. ‘Silver’ is a beautiful reminder of why we love the boys, with Tommy O’Dell’s stellar voice singing right to us, letting us know everything’s gonna be alright. It will definitely be alright, but it’ll be a whole lot better when you’re chilling with a beer in hand and this beauty comes on in the top ten. Get ready for drunk singalongs and crying sesh’s with your mates this Saturday, DMA’s are coming for the top ten, and there’s nothing anyone can do to stop them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcBrDDjoGfw

9. Flume – ‘Rushing Back feat. Vera Blue’

The Northern Beaches very own Flume really reaffirmed his place in the Aussie music scene with his 2019 smash with Vera Blue. A collab years in the making, the track features some killer vocals from Vera and transcendental production from Flume. So, you know, what we’ve come to expect from the pair. Already winning the countdown in 2017 for his smash ‘Never Be Like You’ Ft. Kai, Flume’s no stranger to placing high in the countdown. The track has lit up festivals across the world, ever since it was performed live at Flumes Lollapalooza set in Chicago last year. Fingers crossed he comes back down under for a good festival tour or sideshow or two soon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hwg7hJrDiRg

10. Benee – ‘Find An Island’

The 20-year-old Kiwi favourite has stolen Australia’s hearts over the past year. She has hits for every day of the week, with tracks like ‘Find an Island’, ‘Soaked’, and ‘Glitter’ being some of the funnest and catchiest bops to burst into the stratosphere. ‘Find an Island’ has a super cute steady loop with some finger-licking guitar lies. Not to mention some soulful vocals from Benee herself, serenading us into the next realm. She’s a real favourite amongst Aussie listeners, having one of the rowdiest crowds at 2019’s Spilt Milk. Fingers crossed she can ‘Find An Island’ in the top ten (I’m gonna leave now).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkAWyeoiYEk

Safe to say our top ten is overflowing with talent, featuring some of the biggest and catchiest songs of 2019. All the tracks we’ve listed deserve to win and then some, as they’ve all managed to resonate with people across the nation. No surprise that there’s only a few hundred votes separating the top couple of spots in Saturday’s countdown, with it being one of the closest Hot 100’s in recent memory.

But that being said, it would be awesome to see a female act take out the top spot, just cause a solo female artist has never won the Hottest 100, and female artists really ruled music in 2019. If it’s an Aussie female artist that wins too, all the better, it’s about damn time.

Also, if it’s not too much to ask, Greening Australia is partnering up with the Hottest 100 to raise money for tree-planting projects across the country to restore natural environments, cool our cities, save endangered animals and pull carbon out of the atmosphere. We know it’s an expensive time of year, but even a small donation could go a really long way in helping the country get back on its feet, especially after the intense couple of months we’ve had.

Every little bit count folks. Every bit.