George Michael's 'Careless Whisper' Tops UK Chart for Eighth Year

George Michael has once again proven his enduring popularity, with his iconic track "Careless Whisper" topping Smooth Radio's annual All Time Top 500 poll for an unprecedented eighth year in a row. The 1984 hit, co-written with Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley for their album Make It Big, secured the number one spot, while Michael himself was named the UK's most popular artist.

Remarkable Achievement Nearly a Decade After His Death

This remarkable achievement comes almost a decade after the singer's death from heart failure on Christmas Day 2016, at the age of 53. Michael has 20 entries across the chart, including six songs recorded with Wham!. Beyond the top spot, he also claimed the second position with his 1986 single "A Different Corner", pushing Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" down to third place.

Smooth Radio Presenter Praises Michael's Legacy

"It's fantastic that George Michael's music and legacy shine as brightly as ever, with 'Careless Whisper' voted the number one song and George Michael named the most popular artist," said Smooth Radio presenter Kate Garraway. "It's a fitting tribute to one of the greatest artists of all time. And what makes these results even more exciting is seeing singers like Sir Elton John and Whitney Houston, and groups such as Queen and Abba, connecting with a whole new generation."

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Other Artists in the Top 500

Following at joint second for most entries are Michael Jackson and Sir Elton John, each with 14 songs in the countdown. Jackson's highest entry is "Man In The Mirror" at number four. Sir Elton's most popular song, "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me", a duet with George Michael, placed at number seven.

Whitney Houston was named the most popular female artist, with 12 songs in the countdown, including her version of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You" at number 19. Rock band Queen made history by being voted the most popular group for the first time, with 11 entries, tying with Abba.

Kate Bush's 'Running Up That Hill' Reaches New Heights

Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill" reached its highest ever position on the Smooth Radio Top 500 list, placing at number 10. The song went viral after being featured in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things, including its final season released in late 2025.

The Smooth Radio annual countdown chart is based on nearly 20,000 votes cast by the public and was announced on Monday evening. "Music has always meant so much to me, whether celebrating or getting through the tougher times in life," Garraway added. "I love that this chart is always a powerful reminder of how much music means to all of us."