Hottest 100 2026: When Does Hottest 100 Start? Your Ultimate Guide to the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2025

The wait is finally over! Today, Saturday, January 24, 2026, the nation stops as triple j counts down the biggest songs of the past year. Whether you are at a backyard barbecue or tuned in via the triple j app, the triple j Hottest 100 remains the world’s largest musical democracy.

In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything from when is the Hottest 100 to the latest hottest 100 predictions, ensuring you don’t miss a beat of the hottest 100 2026 action.

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When Does Hottest 100 Start? Start Times and Key Dates

If you are asking what time does the Hottest 100 start, the answer depends on where you are in Australia. The countdown for the Hottest 100 2025 (broadcast in 2026) kicks off officially at 12:00 PM AEDT.

Region	Start Time (Local)
ACT, NSW, VIC, TAS	12:00 PM
South Australia	11:30 AM
Queensland	11:00 AM
Northern Territory	10:30 AM
Western Australia	9:00 AM

What Time Does Hottest 100 Finish?

While the energy stays high all day, many fans want to know what time does hottest 100 finish so they can be ready for the #1 announcement. Typically, the winner is crowned between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM AEDT.

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The Big News: Hilltop Hoods Re-Claim the Throne

A massive milestone has already been hit today. The Hilltop Hoods have officially re-claimed the record for the most entries in Hottest 100 history. After Billie Eilish briefly took the lead in 2025, the Hoods surged back with tracks like “Don’t Happy, Be Worry” and “Something Bigger Than This”. This cement their status as icons of triple j hottest 100 australian songs.

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Hottest 100 Predictions: Who Will Take #1?

The hottest 100 predictions for 2026 have been tighter than ever. With the popular site 100 Warm Tunas inactive this year, fans have turned to Reddit and betting markets to spot the frontrunners.

The Favorites

• Olivia Dean – “Man I Need”: The UK soul sensation is the heavy favorite. If she wins, she will follow Chappell Roan (2024) and Doja Cat (2023) as the third consecutive solo female winner.
• Keli Holiday – “Dancing2”: Adam Hyde’s solo project has become a viral sensation. It’s a top contender for the hottest 100 2026 top spot and a favorite for the highest-ranking Australian song.
• Tame Impala – “Dracula”: Kevin Parker is never far from the top 10, and this year is no different.

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How to Listen to Hottest 100 Live

Knowing where to listen to hottest 100 is crucial for a smooth day:

1. Radio: Tune your dial to your local triple j radio station.
2. App: Download the ABC listen or triple j app for a high-quality hottest 100 live stream.
3. Online: Visit the triple j website to follow the hottest 100 list as it updates in real-time.

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The Hottest 100 So Far: Highlights

As the triple j countdown progresses, we’ve seen a strong return for local talent. Ninajirachi, The Rions, and Spacey Jane have all made early appearances, proving that triple j hottest 100 australian songs are still the heart of the poll.

“It’s the biggest day of the musical calendar. Join us as we count down the 100 best songs of 2025 as chosen by triple j listeners.” — ABC Arts

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FAQs: Triple J Hottest 100 2026

When is the Hottest 100 day 2026? The main countdown takes place today, Saturday, January 24, 2026.

When does the Hottest 100 start for the Hottest 200? The Hottest 200 of 2025 will air on Saturday, January 31, 2026, starting at 10:00 AM local time.

What was the #1 song last year? The 2024 winner was Chappell Roan with the hit “Good Luck, Babe!”.

How many votes were cast for the Hottest 100 2025? Triple J has confirmed that over 2 million votes were cast by listeners for this year’s poll.

Can I still vote? No, voting for the hottest 100 2025 closed in mid-January.

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