George Michael has been named the UK’s most popular music artist with his hit song Careless Whisper voted as the number one favourite track for the eighth year in a row, according to a Smooth Radio poll.
The musician kept his streak on Smooth Radio’s All Time Top 500, an annual list of the UK’s best-loved songs, with the 1984 track which he wrote alongside his Wham! bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley for the group’s album, Make It Big.
Michael triumphed on the top 500 list with 20 entries, including six songs with Wham!.
The results come nearly a decade after the singer died of heart failure, aged 53, on Christmas Day in 2016.
Michael also placed second on the top 500 list with 1986’s A Different Corner, beating Queen whose Bohemian Rhapsody moved down a spot from last year’s list to number three.
Smooth Radio presenter Kate Garraway said: “It’s fantastic that George Michael’s music and legacy shine as brightly as ever, with Careless Whisper voted the number one song and George Michael named the most popular artist.
“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.”
Following at joint second is Michael Jackson and Sir Elton John who had 14 entries each with Jackson’s highest entry placing at number four with Man In The Mirror.
It comes following the release of the new biopic musical, Michael, which starred his nephew Jaafar Jackson who portrayed 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 I Will Always Love You which placed at number 19.
Rock band Queen made Top 500 countdown history this year and were voted the most popular group for the first time ever, with 11 entries in the chart, putting them in joint first place with Abba.
Meanwhile Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill reached its highest ever position on the Smooth Radio Top 500 list and placed at number 10.
It comes after the song went viral after featuring in the hit Netflix series Stranger Things – including its final season which was released late last year.
The Smooth Radio annual countdown chart is based on nearly 20,000 votes cast by the public and was announced on Monday evening.
Garraway added: “Music has always meant so much to me whether celebrating or getting through the tougher times in life.
“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 MichaelA Different Corner – George MichaelBohemian Rhapsody – QueenMan In The Mirror – Michael JacksonBridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and GarfunkelBillie Jean – Michael JacksonDon’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John and George MichaelHuman Nature – Michael JacksonDance With My Father – Luther VandrossRunning Up That Hill – Kate BushWind Beneath My Wings – Bette MidlerFather Figure – George MichaelAlways On My Mind – Elvis PresleyHotel California – EaglesJesus To A Child – George MichaelDancing Queen – ABBA(Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan AdamsSuspicious Minds – Elvis PresleyI Will Always Love You – Whitney HoustonFastlove – George Michael
