George Michael has once again claimed the title of the UK’s most beloved music artist, as his timeless hit “Careless Whisper” has topped the charts as the nation’s favorite song for the eighth consecutive year, according to a recent poll. The track, released in 1984 and co-written by George Michael and his Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley for their album “Make It Big,” has retained its iconic status on Smooth Radio’s All Time Top 500 list.

The late music icon, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 53, dominated the rankings with a total of 20 entries, including six songs from his time with Wham!. Notably, his song “A Different Corner” secured the second position on the list, surpassing Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which dropped to the third spot this year.

Smooth Radio host Kate Garraway expressed admiration for George Michael’s enduring legacy, highlighting the significance of his music and influence. The poll also recognized Michael Jackson and Sir Elton John, who both achieved 14 entries each, with Jackson’s “Man In The Mirror” claiming the fourth position on the chart.

Whitney Houston emerged as the leading female artist with 12 entries on the list, including her rendition of “I Will Always Love You” at number 19. Legendary rock band Queen made history by being named the most popular group on the Top 500 countdown, tying with ABBA for the top spot.

Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” achieved its highest ranking ever on the Smooth Radio list, landing at number 10. The annual countdown, compiled from nearly 20,000 public votes, featured a diverse range of artists and tracks, showcasing the enduring impact of music on listeners across generations.