What is the Triple J Hottest 100?
The Triple J Hottest 100 is an annual countdown of the most popular songs of the year, voted by listeners of Triple J, the ABC's youth radio station. It is often described as the world's largest music democracy.
Triple J began in Sydney in 1975 as Double J and became a national network in the 1990s. It plays alternative, indie, hip hop and electronic music and supports new Australian artists through its Unearthed program.
The first Hottest 100 was held in 1989 as an all-time poll. Since 1991, the countdown has focused on songs from the previous year.
A summer tradition
For many years, the countdown was broadcast on Australia Day, and people held Hottest 100 parties with barbecues. In 2018, it was moved to the following weekend after debate about the meaning of 26 January.
Millions of votes are cast. Winners have included international artists such as Kendrick Lamar and Billie Eilish, as well as Australian acts such as Flume, Vance Joy and Ocean Alley.
Triple J also runs special countdowns, such as the Hottest 100 of Australian Songs. The countdown helps launch the careers of many Australian musicians.