Careless Whisper tops Smooth’s All Time Top 500 chart

Careless Whisper has been named the UK’s favourite song by Smooth Radio listeners in the station’s latest chart.

The track by George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley leads the station’s All Time Top 500, following a public vote marking ten years since George’s death.

George Michael is also the most popular artist in the chart, with 20 entries including six with Wham!. He finishes ahead of Michael Jackson and Sir Elton John, who each have 14 songs featured.

Whitney Houston is the highest placed female artist with 12 songs, while Queen and ABBA share the title of most popular group with 11 entries each.

Kate Bush’s Running Up That Hill climbs to number 10, its highest position to date, boosted by renewed attention following its use in Stranger Things.

Almost 20,000 votes were cast in the annual countdown, broadcast across the May bank holiday weekend, with the top song revealed just before 7pm on Monday.

Smooth 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.”

Smooth’s All Time Top 500 – top 20:

1. Careless Whisper – George Michael
2. A Different Corner  – George Michael
3. Bohemian Rhapsody – Queen
4. Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson
5. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon and Garfunkel
6. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
7. Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me – Elton John and George Michael
8. Human Nature – Michael Jackson
9. Dance With My Father – Luther Vandross
10. Running Up That Hill – Kate Bush
11. Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
12. Father Figure – George Michael
13. Always On My Mind – Elvis Presley
14. Hotel California – Eagles
15. Jesus To A Child – George Michael
16. Dancing Queen – ABBA
17. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You – Bryan Adams
18. Suspicious Minds – Elvis Presley
19. I Will Always Love You – Whitney Houston
20. Fastlove – George Michael