George Michael’s Careless Whisper tops radio polls for favorite song
George Michael’s Careless Whisper retained the title of most popular song in a poll of radio listeners.
For the fourth straight year, the 1984 track — written by the late singer and Andrew Ridgeley — topped Smooth Radio’s All Time Top 500, an annual poll of the nation’s most popular songs.
Michael was also crowned the most popular artist in the poll, with 23 songs, 17 of which are solo numbers, making the list.
George Michael topped Smooth Radio’s poll again (Ryan Phillips/PA)
The estate of Michael and his family said: “We are delighted that, given the freedom to vote for the songs they love most, George’s fans and Smooth Radio listeners have once again shown their faith and voted Careless Whisper number one to have.”
Michael died on Christmas Day 2016 at the age of 53.
Public interest in his life remains and a new documentary about the late singer, entitled George Michael: Freedom Uncut, is due out on June 22.
His third studio album, Older, will also be re-released this summer to celebrate 25 years after its release.
Meanwhile, Whitney Houston has been voted most popular artist with 12 songs in the Top 500.
The late singer’s version of I Will Always Love You is her highest charting song at number 22.
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Whitney Houston voted favorite artist in radio poll (Ian West/PA)
Pop superstar Adele landed at number two with nine entries on the charts, while Madonna slipped to number three with seven songs.
Abba was voted the most popular band of all time after the release of Voyage last October, their first album of new material in 40 years.
The Swedish band have 12 entries on the countdown, led by Dancing Queen at number 10 and The Winner Takes It All at number 40.
Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran’s collaboration on The Joker And The Queen, released in February, is the latest song to chart.
Smooth host Angie Greaves, who announced the number one song on the air, said: “Each year, Smooth’s All Time Top 500 gives us an unprecedented look at the nation’s most popular songs and artists.
“George Michael’s music has clearly stood the test of time and it’s wonderful to see him retain first place with Careless Whisper ahead of his much-anticipated documentary film release this year.
“For many of us, music continues to be a place of refuge and comfort — and it’s wonderful to see the special place that Smooth’s lineup of iconic music artists continues to hold in the hearts of the nation.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/george-michaels-careless-whisper-tops-radio-poll-of-favourite-songs-41608331.html George Michael’s Careless Whisper tops radio polls for favorite song