Hilltop Hoods' 'The Nosebleed Section' Favored in Triple J Hottest 100

As the anticipation builds for the announcement of Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian songs, bookmakers are tipping Hilltop Hoods' 'The Nosebleed Section' and Powderfinger's 'My Happiness' as frontrunners for the coveted top spots. This year marks a significant milestone for the youth radio station, celebrating its 50th anniversary with a countdown dedicated exclusively to the greatest Australian tracks of all time.

The Hottest 100, traditionally an annual countdown of the year's best songs from across the globe, has pivoted this year to honor home-grown talent. Audiences have engaged in the voting process over the past months, and according to Triple J, over 2.65 million votes were cast, with the highest participation from the 18 to 29-year-old demographic.

The Hilltop Hoods, consisting of members Daniel Smith, Matthew Lambert, and Barry Francis, are currently the favorites to claim the number one position. Their song ‘The Nosebleed Section’ has resonated with listeners, reflecting the evolving landscape of Australian music. Powderfinger’s 'My Happiness', another strong contender, exemplifies the rich history of Australian rock music.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also participated in the voting, nominating The Angels’ 'Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again' and Cold Chisel’s 'Flame Trees', further highlighting the cultural significance of this countdown.

However, the countdown has not been without its controversies. Renowned Australian artist Ben Lee commented earlier this month that while the initiative to promote local music is commendable, there should be a consideration to transform the annual Hottest 100 into a celebration exclusively of Australian music. In his view, the current format risks overshadowing emerging artists in favor of established names. He suggested that Triple J should consider delegating the Hottest 100 to commercial radio to broaden its appeal as a mainstream phenomenon.

Among the other potential favorites are 'Untouched' by The Veronicas, 'Never Tear Us Apart' by INXS, and Missy Higgins’ 'Scar'. Interestingly, this year's favorites reflect the preferences of Triple J's younger audience, with classic anthems such as John Farnham’s 'You’re The Voice' and ACDC’s 'Thunderstruck' notably absent from the top 20 predictions.

Triple J recently revealed that one song within the top 20 had never been featured in a Hottest 100 countdown before. The competition is tight, with only 30 votes separating the song ranked at 100 from the one that missed the cut at 101.

The Hottest 100 of Australian Songs will be broadcast live on Saturday starting at 10 AM, promising a celebration of the diverse and vibrant music scene that Australia has to offer. As the countdown approaches, fans eagerly await to see which songs will emerge at the top, reflecting Australia’s musical journey over the decades.

For more updates and insights into the countdown, listeners are encouraged to tune in and engage with the cultural conversation surrounding this iconic event in Australian music history.