Triple J launches Hottest 100 countdown for ‘Like A Version’

Following the success of the Hottest 100 countdown, triple j have announced exciting news for its listeners.

Triple J’s anticipated annual Hottest 100 is getting a much asked for spin-off.

The government-funded radio station’s long-running ‘Like A Version’ segment, which sees artists perform covers of existing songs live on the show each Friday, has finally been given its own dedicated hottest 100, with fans encouraged to vote in the first ‘Triple J Hottest 100 Like A Version’ countdown.

The news was announced on triple j Breakfast Thursday morning, with voting for the countdown set to open on the station’s website on May 23 at 8am.

After votes are tallied, the winning tunes selected by listeners will play out live on the station on Saturday, July 15 from midday.

what’s the greatest like a version of all time? https://t.co/5YaGCw5I8x

— triple j (@triplej) May 17, 2023

Some of the most popular hits to come from ‘Like A Version’ include The Wiggles’ cover of Tame Impala’s Elephant, which emerged to take the number one spot on the Hottest 100 in 2022.

Other notable covers include Australian rock band DMA’s rendition of Cher’s Believe in 2016, and the Arctic Monkey’s cover of Tame Impala’s Feels Like We Only Go Backwards in 2014.

One of the most-viewed clips on YouTube from Like A Version’s studio sessions was Childish Gambino’s 2015 cover of Tamia’s 1998 classic So Into You, which has 41 million views to date.

Children’s music group The Wiggles won the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2021 countdown on January 22, 2022 with 'Elephant', its Like A Version cover of a song originally released by Tame Impala. Picture: ABC

In a statement, triple j said ‘Like A Version’ had exploded in popularity since it was launched in 2004, with some of music’s biggest global stars getting involved over the years to produce memorable covers.

“In the 20 years since its inception, triple j’s Like A Version has seen covers from international heavy-hitters like Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys and HAIM; Artists who were on the rise and later took over the world like Billie Eilish and Lorde; Local legends like Flume, DMA’S, A.B. Original and Sarah Blasko who left us absolutely blown away with their performances,” the statement read.

“So, which Like A Version had the biggest impact on you? Which performances missed out on Hottest 100 glory the first time, and which covers are you still bumping on repeat? It’s time to dig deep and start thinking about your favourite Like A Versions.”

In this year’s Hottest 100 countdown of songs released in 2022, Flume took out the number 1 spot with its hit Say Nothing.

HOTTEST 100 LIKE A VERSION DATES

Voting opens: Tuesday, 23 May, 8AM AEST

Voting closes: Monday, 10 July, 12PM AEST

triple j’s Hottest 100 of Like A Version: Saturday, 15 July, 12PM AEST