Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, widely recognized by his moniker "DJ Albo," has once again revealed his highly anticipated selections for triple j’s annual Hottest 100 countdown. Upholding a now-established tradition, Albanese took to social media on Thursday, January 15, to publicly share his 2025 ballot, an annual ritual that has become a prominent feature of the countdown's discourse in recent years.

Albanese’s 2025 picks demonstrate a clear inclination towards emerging UK artists and cherished Australian indie favourites. The list commences with Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need,” effectively setting the tone for a ballot that seamlessly blends contemporary U.K. pop and alternative acts. Further solidifying the strong U.K. indie presence are Lily Allen’s “West End Girl” and Wolf Alice’s “Bloom Baby Bloom,” showcasing a diverse and modern international musical palette.

Transitioning from international acts, the Prime Minister’s ballot prominently features a robust collection of homegrown Australian alternative and pop artists, many of whom have consistently garnered significant attention in previous countdowns. Among the local selections are Hatchie’s “Sage,” Hilltop Hoods’ “Don’t Happy, Be Worry,” Kita Alexander’s “Press Pause,” and Ocean Alley’s “Life In Love.” Spacey Jane’s “Through My Teeth” also secured a vote, extending the Fremantle band’s impressive run in the Hottest 100, while G Flip’s “In Another Life” rounded out the Australian contributions to Albanese’s list.

A notable entry on his ballot is Ruby Fields’ critically acclaimed Like A Version cover of The Cure’s 1989 single “Lovesong,” which was widely considered one of the year’s most discussed performances from the segment. This selection highlights Albanese’s appreciation for significant musical moments and impactful reinterpretations.

The announcement of his choices sparked some social media discussion regarding the absence of Joy Division from Albanese’s list, particularly after recent public sightings of the Prime Minister wearing the band’s iconic Unknown Pleasures T-shirt. However, it was confirmed that Joy Division was not eligible for the countdown, as they had not released any new music within the designated voting period.

Albanese’s 2025 selections are consistent with his ongoing pattern of publicly aligning himself with contemporary alternative and pop music. In the previous year’s Hottest 100, for instance, "DJ Albo" supported artists including Amyl and The Sniffers, The Kid LAROI, and Billie Eilish, reinforcing his sustained engagement with popular and critically recognized musical acts. As of now, voting for triple j’s Hottest 100 has officially closed, with the eagerly anticipated countdown broadcast scheduled for Saturday, January 24.