British vocalist Olivia Dean has been officially declared the champion of this year's prestigious Triple J Hottest 100 countdown, a highly anticipated annual music ranking in Australia. Her acclaimed single, Man I Need, secured the top position during the chart's reveal on Saturday, marking a significant achievement for the UK artist on the Australian airwaves.
Chart-Topping Success for Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean's victory in the 2026 Triple J Hottest 100 underscores her growing international appeal and the widespread popularity of her soulful track, Man I Need. The countdown, which compiles votes from listeners across Australia, saw Dean's song emerge as the clear favourite, highlighting her crossover success in the competitive music landscape.
Keli Holiday's Emotional Second Place
Coming in at a close second place was Keli Holiday, one half of the Australian duo Peking Duk, with his infectious hit Dancing2. Inside the Triple J headquarters, Holiday, whose real name is Adam Hyde and who is in a relationship with media personality Abbie Chatfield, expressed overwhelming joy upon learning of his high ranking.
"I want to weep, I feel so so happy right now, it's beautiful," Holiday said. He added that the song taught him "that love will always reign supreme and that loving is the most beautiful thing we can do," reflecting the emotional resonance of his track with voters.
Tame Impala's Enduring Chart Presence
The third spot on the chart was claimed by the renowned psychedelic music project Tame Impala, with their track Dracula, while the band Playlunch took number four with their viral song Keith. Tame Impala's placement sparked lively reactions from fans and critics alike, noting the group's remarkable consistency in the Hottest 100 over the years.
One observer commented on social media, "Death. Taxes. Hottest 100 having an entire Tame Impala album could only be guaranteed," while another remarked, "One can only admire them for now having 29 entries in total by essentially reworking the same song for a decade now." These comments highlight Tame Impala's sustained influence and frequent appearances in the countdown, cementing their status as a staple of the Australian music scene.
The 2026 Triple J Hottest 100 countdown not only celebrates Olivia Dean's triumph but also showcases the diverse talent and enduring appeal of artists like Keli Holiday and Tame Impala, making it a memorable edition for music enthusiasts across the globe.
