Veronicas‘ “Untouched” Claims Third Place in australian Hottest 100, Sparking Debate on Local Music Representation
In a surprising turn of events, The Veronicas’ enduring pop anthem “Untouched” secured third place in the recent Australian Hottest 100 countdown. The duo expressed their elation, describing the song as a symbol of liberation that resonates with Australia’s love for enjoyment. They highlighted the song’s ability to unite diverse audiences globally and domestically, stating, “It’s been the greatest honor to see this song unite so many different people & scenes around the world, and especially back home in Australia.”
The emotional impact of the countdown was palpable, with many listeners sharing how the music had soundtracked significant moments in their lives. One text message vividly captured the shared experiance: “I’m on the 246 bus from St Kilda to Abbotsford and loving that I can tell whose headphones are playing the hottest 100 as the headbanging is happening in unison.”
This year’s Hottest 100 has ignited a conversation about the importance of championing Australian artists. As the countdown concludes, the momentum from this Australian-focused event has raised questions about whether future iterations should prioritize local talent. A poignant message from a 70-year-old listener underscored the unifying power of music, notably Australian music, stating, “This music is brings (sic) generations together. And today we’re all listening to the same songs at the same time. Australian songs. it’s bringing people right across the country together That’s a rare and precious thing.”
The sentiment suggests a need to actively support emerging Australian artists, with concerns raised about a potential decline in appreciation for local music. “I think it definitely shines a light on how much we need to care about Australian artists,” one commentator noted. “especially seeing so many legacy acts in the countdown, all these older songs, and you think, ‘Oh my God, was that the golden era? Do we not care as much any more?’ We need to care. We need to champion young, strange artists.”
The celebration of Australian music continues this week on Double J, with the station set to reveal songs ranked from 200th to 101st place, offering a further possibility to engage with the nation’s musical landscape.
