According to BBC Radio 1’s latest annual ranking, Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need” has been declared 2025’s top song. This recognition comes as UK artists dominate the Top 100 list, with a remarkable 48% of entries hailing from the UK. The announcement marks a significant milestone for female artists, who have led the rankings for the second consecutive year.
2025’s Musical Landscape
The year 2025 has been characterized by a notable surge in female-led tracks. Female artists constituted 46% of the entries, highlighting their impact on the contemporary music scene. A closer look at the Top 10 reveals that six of these positions are occupied by British artists.
Highlights from the Top 10 Songs
- 1. Olivia Dean – Man I Need
- 2. Lola Young – Messy
- 3. RAYE – WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!
- 4. Sam Fender – People Watching
- 5. Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club
- 6. Taylor Swift – The Fate of Ophelia
- 7. Calvin Harris ft. Clementine Douglas – Blessings
- 8. Alex Warren – Ordinary
- 9. Doechii – DENIAL IS A RIVER
- 10. PinkPantheress – Illegal
Olivia Dean’s Rise to Fame
Olivia Dean has emerged as a leading figure in the UK music industry. Her recent accolades include not only her first UK #1 single but also a Grammy nomination. With four tracks featured in this year’s list, she stands out as the most represented artist.
Dean’s relationship with Radio 1 has been essential to her career. She won the BBC Introducing Artist of the Year in 2023 and was highlighted in BBC Radio 1’s Brit List in 2025, a recognition celebrating emerging UK talent. Her position at the top of the countdown reflects her growing popularity and the significant connection she maintains with listeners.
Full Breakdown of the Top 100
The Top 100 songs categorized the entries as follows:
- 48% UK artists
- 32% US artists
- 20% international artists
- 46% female artists
- 44% male artists
- 10% mixed-gender collaborations
This year’s countdown is notable for the number of debut performances from both new UK and international artists. For fans eager to hear the complete list, the full countdown is available through El-Balad.
