Despite another year of postponements, cancelled shows, and border closures, many music artists have delivered some great tracks in the past 12 months.
That creativity is being highlighted in triple j's Hottest 100 countdown, the jewel in the crown of the Hottest Weekend.
Here's what you need to know, including where to follow our live coverage, plus some songs and artists who are in with a chance of claiming the top spot.
When does it start?
The Hottest 100 Weekend kicked off on Friday, with triple j counting down from 200 to 101 – the songs that just missed out on making the Hottest 100 this year. It began at 10am local time.
Then comes the Hottest 100 from 12pm AEDT on Saturday, January 22, when triple j will count down the hottest songs of the year, as voted by you. Don't make alternative plans! The countdown is expected to last for up to eight hours — and you can follow our live blog here.
The fun isn't over when the top song plays, however, because on Sunday, January 23, from 10am local time, Double J's Hottest 100 of 2001 countdown will transport you back in time and remind you of the songs you loved 20 years ago.
It's easy to listen via the triple j app.
About the Hottest 100
The annual countdown of the best songs of the year, as voted by triple j listeners, is described as "the world's biggest music democracy".
The first poll took place in 1989, the same year triple j went national. It was relaunched in 1993 with a new name and new rules.
More than 7 million Australians engage with the Hottest 100 in some way. Last year 2.8 million votes were cast. The winners were Glass Animals with their song Heat Waves.
This year's winner is anyone's guess. But 2021 served up some great music, which leads us to who is in the running.
Songs in the running
Ahead of the Hottest 100, triple j has released some hot teaser stats.
A number of artists have also shared who they voted for.
The Wiggles expressed their excitement about being included in this year's shortlist, urging their social media followers to vote before the polls closed on Monday.
They could be in the countdown with their cover of Elephant from triple j's Like a Version 2021.
The Wiggles have been entertaining families across the globe for more than 30 years, selling more than 30 million albums and DVDs, and 8 million books. They've also accumulated more than a billion music streams and 2 billion views on YouTube.
The award-winning group will make history if they win the countdown. They would be become the first children's group to do so. Their song would also be the first Like A Version entry to win.
Elephant is from Tame Impala's 2012 album Lonerism.
Also in the running to claim a Hottest 100 spot are The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber with Stay.
Stay debuted at number one in Australia, and it was The Kid LAROI's first number one song on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
The Kid LAROI is a Kamilaroi man now based in LA.
Another artist, Billie Eilish, was triple j's most-played artist of 2021, and could be Happier Than Ever after this year's Hottest 100.
The American singer/songwriter posted her song Ocean Eyes online when she was 13, attracting the attention of the public and her now record label.
The pop-phenomenon's uncompromising style has since made her one of the most loved artists of her generation.
Donate or buy a T-shirt. You might save a life
triple j is once again teaming up with Lifeline, which is The Hottest 100 charity partner.
In 2021, suicide remained the biggest killer of young Australians, accounting for over one-third of all deaths among 15 to 24-year-olds.
Last year, Lifeline received more calls than it ever has, and it currently can't answer all the calls it receives.
It costs Lifeline $39 to answer a call, which is the same price as a Hottest 100 x Lifeline T-shirt.
So, you've got your vote in and donated money or bought a T-shirt? The only thing left to do is keep your ear on the wireless.
