Olivia Dean Triumphs in Australia's Premier Music Poll
British pop sensation Olivia Dean has secured the coveted number one position in the 2025 Triple J Hottest 100, Australia's most significant and widely followed music poll. Her winning track, the breezy neo-soul single Man I Need, emerged victorious after more than two million votes were cast in this annual event, which is recognised globally as the largest public music vote.
A Resounding Victory for Dean
Dean's triumph was widely anticipated, as Man I Need had already enjoyed a dominant run, spending over nine consecutive weeks at the summit of the ARIA singles chart. The song's success underscores her growing international appeal and solidifies her status as a breakout star. Finishing in a close second place was Australian artist Keli Holiday with the TikTok-viral hit Dancing2, highlighting the platform's influence on modern music trends.
Australian Artists Stage a Remarkable Comeback
One of the most notable narratives from this year's Hottest 100 is the robust performance of homegrown Australian talent. In a striking reversal from the previous year, where only 29 Australian acts featured—the lowest tally since 1996—the 2025 countdown boasted 53 songs with Australian artists as the primary credited act. This resurgence was evident early, with the halfway point of the countdown already surpassing the total Australian entries from 2024.
Leading the charge for local acts was Fremantle band Spacey Jane, who achieved an impressive six entries, followed closely by Sydney's Ocean Alley with five. Other notable Australian artists with multiple inclusions were Tame Impala, Ninajirachi, and Royel Otis, each securing four spots. This collective success reflects a vibrant and diverse music scene, with indie-rock and indie-pop bands particularly shining in an era often dominated by solo performers.
Diverse Genres and Viral Influences
The countdown showcased a wide array of musical styles, from electronic and dance music to pop and rock. Internationally acclaimed acts like Fred Again... and Kettama featured alongside major Australian club draws such as Fisher and Dom Dolla. However, heavy metal and similar genres were largely absent, with only UK hard rockers Sleep Token making a brief appearance at number 95.
TikTok's impact on the poll was unmistakable, with several high-placing artists, including Olivia Dean, Raye, and Addison Rae, boasting substantial followings on the platform. Australian artist Peach PRC, with 2.2 million TikTok followers, also earned a place at number 82 with Miss Erotica.
Memorable Moments and Charitable Efforts
The broadcast of the Hottest 100 was filled with light-hearted and engaging moments. Tame Impala's Kevin Parker joined from a barbecue while sporting a Ninajirachi t-shirt, and later made a surprise appearance in Spacey Jane's Zoom call. Lily Allen phoned in from a holiday in Mexico to express her delight at her recent career revival, with two of her tracks charting within the top 100.
Beyond the music, Triple J's initiative raised over $500,000 for its charity partner, We Are Mobilise, which supports Australians facing homelessness. This philanthropic effort added a meaningful dimension to the celebratory event.
Looking Ahead
With her newfound adoration in Australia, Olivia Dean is set to celebrate her Hottest 100 win with an arena-sized headline tour in October. Tickets for these shows sold out well before the poll results were announced, testament to her burgeoning popularity down under. This victory not only marks a personal milestone for Dean but also highlights the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of Australian and international music.
