George Michael has solidified his place as the UK’s most cherished music artist, with his legendary track “Careless Whisper” claiming the top spot on Smooth Radio’s annual poll for an extraordinary eighth year in a row. The 1984 hit, co-written by Michael and Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley for their album Make It Big, has now secured the number one position in the station’s All Time Top 500 list.
Michael’s influence is evident across the chart, with 20 entries, including six songs from his time with Wham!. He was also crowned the UK’s most popular artist. This impressive feat comes nearly a decade after the singer passed away from heart failure on Christmas Day 2016, at the age of 53.
Beyond the top spot, Michael also claimed the second position with his 1986 single “A Different Corner”, pushing Queen’s iconic “Bohemian Rhapsody” down to third place.
“It’s fantastic that George Michael’s music and legacy continue to 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.”
In joint second place are Michael Jackson and Sir Elton John, each with 14 entries. Jackson’s highest entry is at number four with “Man In The Mirror.” This follows the release of the new biopic musical, Michael, which starred his nephew Jaafar Jackson as the late singer.
Meanwhile, Sir Elton’s most popular song, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” is a duet with Michael and 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 smash “I Will Always Love You,” which placed at number 19.
Rock band Queen made history this year by being voted the most popular group for the first time ever, with 11 entries in the chart, placing them in joint first place with Abba.
Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” reached its highest ever position on the Smooth Radio Top 500 list, landing at number 10. This comes after the song went viral following its appearance 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 said. “I love that this chart is always a powerful reminder of how much music means to all of us.”
Smooth’s All Time Top 500 – Top 20:
“Careless Whisper” – George Michael
“A Different Corner” – George Michael
“Bohemian Rhapsody” – Queen
“Man In The Mirror” – Michael Jackson
“Bridge Over Troubled Water” – Simon and Garfunkel
“Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
“Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” – Elton John and George Michael
“Human Nature” – Michael Jackson
“Dance With My Father” – Luther Vandross
“Running Up That Hill” – Kate Bush
“Wind Beneath My Wings” – Bette Midler
“Father Figure” – George Michael
“Always On My Mind” – Elvis Presley
“Hotel California” – Eagles
“Jesus To A Child” – George Michael
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA
“(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” – Bryan Adams
“Suspicious Minds” – Elvis Presley
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston
“Fastlove” – George Michael
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