Hottest 100 Voting Has Officially Closed, So Let’s Take a Look at the Top Contenders

May the biggest banger win.

2021 was a lot. But, when the news got a bit too heavy, we were lucky to have extensive new music releases and fresh talent to comfort us.

Now, in just a matter of days, we get to relive the epic tunes last year dished up, thanks to our fav countdown, the Triple j Hottest 100.

To get us keen for all the hits on Saturday 22 January, we’ve turned to the trusty 100 Warm Tunas to help break down the predictions.

In case you missed it, they analyse and tally up H100 vote socials posts to construct a list of what the countdown could look like. It’s great fun, and historically it does pretty well with its predictions (their #1's have been correct in 2020, 2018, and 2017.)

You’re probably dying to know if your fav is gonna make it, so let’s dive into what we know so far:

The Wiggles could literally win the whole damn thing.

If you’d told us a couple of years ago The Wiggles would be the top contenders for the Hottest 100, we would’ve laughed in your face. But alas, it is 2021 after all and anything is possible.

Everyone absolutely frothed The Wiggles' Like a Version cover of Tame Impala’s ‘Elephant’. So much so, it’s extremely well-placed to break some records this year in the countdown.

If it takes the top spot, it’ll be the highest-placed cover to date. Plus, it’ll mean it’s ranked higher than the original (Tame's 'Elephant' was #7 in 2012).

In all seriousness, it would be sort of iconic if they end up taking the title.

Here’s what the top ten might look like.

Put simply; the top ten is looking pop-heavy and fairly local.

Sitting at a predicted second is ‘the angel of 8th ave.’ by Gang Of Youths.

Meanwhile, other huge acts like Spacey Jane, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Amyl and The Sniffers, and Ball Park Music are all predicted to make Australia proud in the countdown.

Viral pop hits are also set to show their faces with ‘Stay’ by The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber predicted for the third spot, followed by Oliva Rodrigo’s ‘Good 4 U’.

Doja Cat and SZA’s ‘Kiss Me More’ lives in my head rent-free and looks like it’ll do so in the countdown too. Billie Eilish’s ‘Happier Than Ever' has also been dancing around in the #5-10 area.

Honourable mentions.

Lots of groundbreaking acts are set to debut in the countdown this year. If you haven't heard of these folks yet, you must check 'em out!

King Stingray, an incredible North-East Arnhem land surf-rock outfit, currently has two predicted places within the top 30 with their singles ‘Milkumana’ and ‘Get Me Out.’

Another notable prediction is the British indie duo Wet Leg, who popped up out of nowhere in 2021. Their debut single 'Chaise Longue' was an addictive, instant success so it’s no surprise they’re predicted to appear in the top 20.

TikTok sensation Peach PRC’s debut single ‘Josh’ is projected to be her Hottest 100 debut, predicted at a strong #34.

Meanwhile, exciting stuff for young Adelaide duo and Triple J Unearthed High 2020 alum Teenage Joans—their track ‘Wine' is predicted for #40. We love to see talented young girl bosses winning!

The stats are ever-changing.

We can’t really take the state of the 100 Warm Tunas list as facts just yet. After all, they are still predictions.

Take last year for example; Tame Impala swooped in last minute with 'Lost In Yesterday'. Cardi B's 'WAP' also jumped to number six after being predicted as #14 (Warm Tunas’ Nick Whyte reckons this is ‘cos people who voted for 'WAP' didn’t want to share it).

Instead, let’s look at it as an exciting guide of an amazing year in music, and what’s set to be an epic countdown.

Triple j is tallying the votes as we speak, so buckle up for the big day on Saturday 22 January from midday AEDT (so 11 am if you're in QLD, or 9 am if you're in WA!). You can also get warmed up with the Hottest 200-101 the day before from 10 am local time.

Header image: Peach PRC, triple j, Spacey Jane and Olivia Rodrigo via Instagram