Hello and welcome to the Top Of The Pops Review of 2025,
where together we'll look back on some of the musical stories
of the year, as well as enjoying some great performances
and celebrating the top ten biggest-selling songs.
Now, 2025 has been a year of nostalgic tours,
with the summer of Oasis-mania,
and '90s boybands Five and Boyzone reuniting.
Taylor Swift showed us The Life Of A Showgirl,
plus the rise of country continued, especially here in the UK,
as the home of country, the Grand Ole Opry,
travelled to London for the first time ever.
But there's even more to discover, and over the next hour,
we'll enjoy music from Pulp, Chappell Roan and Lewis Capaldi.
We'll say hello to the woman of the moment,
breaking records all around the world this year, Olivia Dean,
and Top Of The Pops alumni and all-round legend Jarvis Cocker
tells us about his year.
Plus, we'll get to know the artist behind two of
the biggest-selling songs of 2025.
That's US rising stars Ravyn Lenae and Alex Warren.
So let's get into our first performance,
which comes from the man fondly known
as the northeast's Springsteen,
who back in February released his third album,
People Watching, and ended up winning the Mercury Prize
album of the year, remaining a man of the people
by donating all his winnings to charity.
So here he is with the title track from his chart-topping album,
headlining Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool,
it's Sam Fender.
# I people watch on the way back home
# Envious of the glimmer of hope
# Gives me a break from feeling alone
# Gives me a moment out of the ego
# I used to feel so invincible
# I used to feel there was a world worth dreaming of
# Back in the Gasworks, screaming the song
# Just the beauty of youth would quell my aching heart
# Oh, I feel so dark remembering
# Oh, my heart I feel so dark remembering
# I people watch on the way back home
# Everybody on the treadmill running
# Under the billboards, out of the heat
# Somebody's darling's on the street tonight
# Oh, I can't stop running
# I see the whole town fall
# I people watch on the way back home
# I came back home after seven years
# Wide awake tracing tracks of her tears
# Cornered the nurse to get the gist of it
# I promised her I'd get her out of the care home
# The place was falling to bits
# Understaffed and overruled by callous hands
# The poor nurse was around the clock
# And the beauty of youth had left my breaking heart
# But it wasn't hard when you love someone
# Oh, I stayed all night
# Till you left this life
# Cos that's just love
# I people watch on the way back home
# Everybody on the treadmill, running
# Under the billboards, out of the heat
# Somebody's darling's on the street tonight
# Oh, I can't stop running
# I see the whole town fall
# I people watch on the way back home
# Above the rain-soaked garden of remembrance
# Kittiwakes etched your initials in the sky
# Oh, I fear for this crippled island and the turmoil of the times
# And I'll hold you in my heart till the day I die
# Oh, I people watch on the way back home
# Everybody on the treadmill, running
# Under the billboards, out of the heat
# Somebody's darling's on the street tonight
# Oh, I can't stop running
# I see the whole town fall
# I people watch on the way back home
# I people watch on the way back home. #
CHEERING
Sam Fender there, tearing up Sefton Park in Liverpool
for Radio 1's Big Weekend earlier this year,
and stand by, Sunderland, because it's coming your way in 2026.
Next up, an artist who returned in a big way in 2025.
Not only has Olivia Dean sold out her UK tour -
including six dates at London's O2 next year -
she's also become the first woman to ever have four singles
in the top ten simultaneously.
And here she is to tell us how it's been.
Hi, Clara. It's me, Olivia Dean, and, wow,
what a year 2025 has been.
If you'd have told me at the beginning of the year
what the rest of the year would have been like,
I would have said, "No, don't believe you."
# Looks like we're making up for lost time... #
Not only did the album go to number one,
which was ridiculous, but at the same time Man I Need
was also number one in the singles chart. So I did the double.
I didn't even know the double was a thing.
Probably one of the most surreal moments of my life.
And, um, yeah, both of them look really nice next to each other
next to my telly.
# Easy to fall in love... #
It's an album about love,
and don't we all just want to love each other
and be in love or love each other better?
And... I don't know, I think it just touched people.
# We could be nice to each other... #
Then I found out I was the first female solo artist in history -
in history! - to have four songs in the top ten at one time.
My mum was actually the person that sent that to me,
and I texted her back and said,
"You need to get that fact-checked because it's probably not true.
"So don't get excited."
It's ridiculous, and I still don't believe it's true,
but apparently it is. So...!
Going into 2026, and I'm doing my first-ever arena tour,
and we're doing six nights at the O2 which are all sold out,
and a lot of work to do before then, but it's going to be great.
It's definitely all still very pinch me,
and I think it's going to be an incredible year next year.
And now here's me playing Man I Need earlier on in the year.
Roll the clip.
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Looks like we're making up for lost time
# Need you to spell it out for me
# Bossa nova on all night
# It's like a type of alchemy
# Introduce me to your best friend
# I can come and slot right in
# A satellite ain't even that far
# I kind of wonder where you are
# Already know I can't leave it alone
# You're on my mind
# And I already gave you the time and the place
# So don't be shy
# Just come be the man I need
# Tell me you got something to give, I want it
# I kinda like it when you call me wonderful
# Whatever the type of talk it is, come on, then
# I gotta know you're meant to be the man I need
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, baby
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, need, need
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, baby
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man, man, man, man, man
# I'd like to think you feel the same way
# But I can't tell with you sometimes
# So, baby, let's get on the same page
# Stop making me read between the lines
# Already know I can't leave it alone
# You're on my mind
# And I already gave you the time and the place
# So don't be shy
# Just come be the man I need.
# Tell me you got something to give, I want it
# I kinda like it when you call me wonderful
# Whatever the type of talk it is, come on, then
# I gotta know you're meant to be the man I need
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, baby
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, need, need
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man that I need, baby
# Talk to me, talk to me
# Be the man, man, man, man, man
# Mm-mm, mm-mm, mm
# Mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm-mm, mm. #
APPLAUSE
The glorious Olivia Dean with her chart smash Man I Need
from her number-one album The Art Of Loving.
And don't forget she'll be joining Jools Holland
for his annual Hootenanny to see in the New Year on BBC Two tonight.
No doubt Olivia is a future festival headliner,
and this year we saw even more brilliant women
headlining festivals across the UK.
So right now, here are some of those winning women.
With applied pressure from these women
and their loyal fans the world over,
many festivals went on to proudly book
some of the world's most successful female artists to headline.
# Good for you, you're doing great out there... #
Leading the charge, global megastar Olivia Rodrigo
set a new record by headlining a total of
18 festivals around the globe.
And it doesn't get much bigger than Glastonbury.
At just 22 years old, the pop juggernaut became
the Sunday night Pyramid Stage headliner.
# I wanna get hurt
# And I remember every detail you've ever told me
# So be careful, baby... #
Backed by an all-female and nonbinary band,
Olivia delivered a killer set with an unexpected special guest
in the form of The Cure's Robert Smith.
# Thursday, I don't care about you
# It's Friday, I'm in love... #
Over on the Other Stage on Saturday night,
Charli XCX literally set the stage alight with her headline set.
# Yeah, 360... #
After taking the world by storm with Brat Summer last year
and cleaning up at the Brits,
it was one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.
In an incredible one-woman show,
Charli transformed the Glastonbury fields
into a sweat-drenched, laser-lit nightclub.
Glastonbury!
At the same time, on West Holts stage,
rap icon Doechii delivered a masterclass headline set of her own.
Welcome to Doechii's school of hip-hop.
# I been resting with my peace and that's the irony
# I'm a dying sunflower leaving a trail of seed
# In the 813, Glastonbury scream!
# It's a sunny day
# The gang's all here
# No chip on my shoulder What you say?
# A-ha-ha-ha-ha! #
But it didn't stop at Glastonbury.
Other festivals elsewhere were also making room
for women in the top spots.
Isle of Wight's Wet Leg made their mark
when they topped the bill at Green Man Festival.
# Put your mouth to mine, give me CPR... #
US pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter
took on Barcelona's Primavera Sound and BST Hyde Park.
You guys sold out two nights - 65,000 people at Hyde Park.
# Baby... #
Our very own Raye delivered true escapism
at London's Victoria Park.
We are headlining All Points East, which is very exciting.
# Where the hell is my husband? #
# You can say it's just... #
And to round off the summer, Midwest Princess Chappell Roan
continued to ride her unstoppable high
when she headlined Reading and Leeds Festival,
bringing her euphoric fairy tale to life.
So get ready to saddle up as we look back
on Chappell's unforgettable performance of Hot To Go.
We're going to spell Hot To Go.
With our arms.
Watch me. Ready?
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go... #
CHEERING
# I could be the one or your new addiction
# It's all in my head but I want nonfiction
# I don't want the world but I'll take this city
# Who can blame a girl? Call me hot, not pretty
# Baby, do you like this beat?
# I made it so you'd dance with me
# It's like 199 degrees
# When they're doing it with me, doing it with me
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes
# Raise your hands, now body roll
# Dance it out, you're hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes
# Raise your hands, now body roll
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O!
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# Well, I woke up alone staring at my ceiling
# I try not to care CROWD: But it hurts my feelings
# You don't have to stare, come here, get with it
# No-one's touched me there in a damn hot minute
# And, baby, don't you like this beat?
# Made it so you'd sleep with me
# It's like 199 degrees
# When you're doing it with me, doing it with me
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes
# Raise your hands, now body roll
# Dance it out, you're hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O, snap and clap and touch your toes
# Raise your hands, now body roll
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O!
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# What's it take to get your number?
# What's it take to bring you home?
# Hurry up, it's time for supper
# Order up, I'm hot to go
# What's it take to get your number?
# Hurry up, it's getting cold
# Hurry up, it's time for supper
# Order up, I'm hot to go
# Hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me... #
One more time!
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go
# H-O-T-T-O-G-O
# You can take me hot to go. #
CHEERING
A jubilant mass singalong at Reading Festival this summer,
led by the Midwest Princess Chappell Roan.
Coming up later in the show, in true Top Of The Pops fashion,
we'll be finding out the top ten biggest songs of 2025,
and one of the artists behind one of those songs is our next guest.
US star Ravyn Lenae broke through this year
with her chart smash Love Me Not,
and here she is to tell us how 2025 has been for her.
Hi, Ravyn.
Hi, Clara, it's Ravyn Lenae
and I'm here in one of my favourite cities in the world, London,
about to play Roundhouse for the very first time.
I'm so excited.
My 2025 has been probably one of the most transformative years
of my life. I've learned so much about myself as an artist,
as a woman, as a friend,
but also being able to experience such highs
in my career that I've been working for a long time
has been really rewarding.
So it's been good.
# And, oh, it's hard to see you
# But I wish you were right here... #
Having one of the biggest songs of 2025 feels surreal for me,
only because I remember when I first made the song
and we finished it, and me and my team,
we knew that there was something so special about it.
I think the most interesting comment I get about Love Me Not
is that it feels like it can be from any decade,
and I think that marks a truly generational song.
This year has been really validating for me, because there's been
a lot of moments in my journey where I might have doubted
or been confused about, you know, my timing
or if there was space for me in music.
So this was kind of the "OK" of, I'm on the right path,
I'm doing the right thing, and some things just take time.
# ..conversation? Don't take a genius to figure out
# What's love without some confrontation? #
This tour has been so beautiful for me,
one, because my mom has come to almost every city with me,
so it's been nice having her company,
but also being able to relive these songs
and make new memories around them with new fans.
This summer I got to sing Love Me Not for Radio 1's Live Lounge.
Please enjoy.
# See, right now I need you, I'll meet you somewhere now
# You up now, I see you, I get you, take care now
# Slow down, be cool I miss you, come here now
# It's yours now, keep it I'll hold out until now
# I need you right now Once I leave you I'm strung out
# If I get you I'm slowly breaking down
# And, oh, it's hard to see you but I wish you were right here
# Oh, it's hard to leave you when I get you everywhere
# All this time I'm thinking we could never be a pair
# Oh, no, I don't need you but I miss you, come here
# And, oh, it's hard to see you but I wish you were right here
# Oh, it's hard to leave you When I get you everywhere
# All this time I'm thinking I'm strong enough to sink it
# Oh, no, I don't need you but I miss you, come here
# He love me not, he loves me
# He holds me tight then lets me go
# He love me not, he loves me
# He hold me tight then lets me go
# Soon as you leave me We always lose connection
# It's getting messy I fiend for your affection
# Don't loosen your grip Got a hold on me
# Now, forever Let's get back together
# Lord, take it so far away
# I pray to God we don't break
# I want you to take me up and down and round and round again
# And, oh, it's hard to see you but I wish you were right here
# Oh, it's hard to leave you When I get you everywhere
# All this time I'm thinking we could never be a pair
# Oh, no, I don't need you But I miss you, come here
# And, oh, it's hard to see you when I wish you were right here
# Oh, it's hard to leave you When I get you everywhere
# All this time I'm thinking I'm strong enough to sink it
# Oh, no, I don't need you but I miss you, come here
# He love me not, he loves me
# He holds me tight then lets me go
# He love me not, he loves me
# He hold me tight then lets me go
# He love me not, he loves me
# He hold me tight then lets me go
# He love me not, he loves me
# He hold me tight Then lets me go
# You're gonna say that you're sorry at the end of the night
# Wake up in the morning Everything's all right
# At the end of the story You're holding me tight
# I don't need to worry Am I out of my mind?
# I'm losing my mind
# All this time I'm thinking I'm strong enough to sink it
# Oh, no, I don't need you but I miss you, come here
# He love me not, he loves me
# He holds me tight then lets me go
# Love me not, he loves me
# He hold me tight then lets me go. #
Ravyn Lanae with Love Me Not from Radio 1's Live Lounge
back in September.
Now it's time to say hello to a true treasure who's performed
on Top Of The Pops many a time and has even been a previous host.
I'm talking about Jarvis Cocker.
It's been a big year for Pulp,
so let's hear more from the man himself.
Hello, Clara. Jarvis here.
My 2025 has been amazing.
It seems to have lasted about the same length as about four years.
Not because it's been boring,
but just because a lot of things have happened.
If I had to sum it up in one sentence,
I would say 2025, we came alive.
# Do you remember the first time... #
We'd been away for 24 years,
so people might just have forgotten about us.
# Let's all meet up in the year 2000... #
There were some anniversaries. Like, for instance,
it was 30 years since we played at Glastonbury,
it was 30 years since Different Class came out,
it was 30 years since Common People was a hit.
So it was... It seemed a bit silly to ignore them.
We'd been playing concerts and we'd played a couple of new songs
and we just thought,
let's see how many we could write, and could we make a record?
# Got to have love
# You've got to have love... #
Once we'd done the record, I was really happy with it.
And then I did have a couple of weeks where I thought
maybe we shouldn't release it
and just keep it as, like, that was a nice thing for us to do
as a band to show that we could do it.
But, however, the record company had paid for us to record it,
so we had to release it.
When it came out and people did take notice of it,
and it got a good reception and it went to number one and everything,
it was a great feeling. It really was.
We got given the number one award
and then I kept showing it in the concert.
You could tell that I was quite pleased.
The album More is number one. CHEERING
We had thought about playing Glastonbury,
but when we asked them, they said,
"Oh, well, you know, we've booked everybody.
"Sorry, there's not a slot for yous."
Any chance you'll be doing Glastonbury?
I'll be GOING to Glastonbury and I might DJ.
But what about if one of the headliners drop out again
like they did in 1995?
I don't think that's going to happen. No, but it might.
Imagine a world where it did, Jarvis. Would you step up?
If it was a life-or-death situation,
but I really don't think it's going to happen.
And then maybe two months before they said,
"Well, we have got this secret slot that we do."
They said, "You could do that on Saturday," but not under our name.
We were secretly listed as Patchwork,
which some people caught on to that because Candida had mentioned
in an interview that she liked doing patchwork.
# Oh, is this the way they say the future's meant to feel?
# Or just 200,000 people standing in a field? #
To go back after 30 years made me a bit nervous,
but I was very excited about it, and it seemed kind of poetic that,
you know, the circle had been completed.
# You'll never live like common people... #
Comparing the Pyramid Stage 2025 to the Pyramid Stage 1995,
the main thing was I could actually see people this time
because we were playing in the day.
You know, when we played in 1995,
you were aware there were a lot of people,
but you couldn't really see them.
It was just an idea, a sound, when they sang along.
But I could really see everybody. I could see that the crowd stretched
quite a long way. And then there was a kind of crazy thing,
that at the climax of Common People the Red Arrows flew over,
which was a complete...
I can just say this categorically now -
we had not arranged that.
# And then dance and drink and screw
# Because there's nothing else to do. #
Things like that made it a very special concert.
You're about to see Pulp play on Jools Holland.
And you know how they have everybody in a circle on the latest set?
So we were there, The Hives were opposite.
I was thinking, "Don't attack me!"
And we played Spike Island.
# Something stopped me dead in my tracks
# I was headed for disaster, then I turned back
# I was wrestling with a coat hanger, can you guess who won?
# The universe shrugged, shrugged, then moved on
# It's a gift, no idea
# It's a feeling
# Not a voice in my head
# Just a feeling
# And by the way
# Spike Island, come alive
# And by the way
# This time I'll get it right, oh
# Not a shaman or a showman, ashamed I was selling the rights
# I took a breather, decided not to ruin my life
# I was conforming to a cosmic design, I was playing to type
# Until I walked back through the Garden of Earthly Delights
# I was born to perform
# It's a calling
# I exist to do this
# Shouting and pointing
# And by the way
# Spike Island, come alive
# And by the way
# This time I'll get it right, oh... #
No-one will ever understand it.
And no-one can ever have the last word.
Because it's not something you could ever say.
So swivel.
# It's a gift, no idea
# It's a feeling
# Not a voice in my head
# Just a feeling
# And by the way
# Spike Island, come alive
# And by the way
# This time, I'll get it right
# Yeah, and by the way
# Spike Island, come alive
# And by the way
# Well, this time I'll get it right, oh
# Ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
# Ooh-ooh
# Ooh-ooh. #
APPLAUSE
Excellent to see Pulp back in action this year with Spike Island
from their chart-topping eighth album, More.
2025 saw lots of other artists making a return with the most
anticipated reunion that nobody thought would happen, ever.
The Gallagher brothers -
they finally took to the stage together once again,
but the reunions and the returns didn't stop there.
2025 gave us some of the biggest and best returns in music,
and, wow, did it deliver.
After 16 long years, the great wait was finally over.
Oasis were officially back,
following years of "will they, won't they?"
Obviously, I miss being in a band and being with my brother
and all that. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.
The Gallagher brothers finally confirmed the much-anticipated
reunion tour, and with more than 14 million fans trying to buy tickets,
the world went mad for it.
Walking out hand in hand, the Britpop giants kicked things off
in summer and have since stormed their way across the UK
and across the globe.
# I don't know how to wake the things that sleep inside
# I only wanna see the light that shines behind your eyes... #
As for what's next, well, Noel is rumoured to be writing
new Oasis songs, and a return to Knebworth
is said to be on the cards.
But one thing that is for certain -
Oasis and their music will certainly live forever.
# You and I are gonna live forever... #
# I'm a creep... #
From one '90s heavyweight to another.
After rehearsing just for the hell of it last year,
Radiohead burst back onto the scene
for their first live shows since 2018.
Pulling from an impressive catalogue across four decades,
Radiohead took a busking attitude to their set list,
playing any song in any order at any time.
But with plans for 2026 still unknown,
let's hope there's more surprises to come.
# No surprises... #
# At first when I see you cry... #
And speaking of surprises, in October,
Lily Allen suddenly dropped her new album West End Girl,
just four days after announcing it.
# Now I'm a West End girl... #
Wrapped in her signature sound and witty lyricism,
the deeply personal album marked
her first musical project in seven years,
and 2026 will see her hit the road again
for her biggest headline tour ever.
# I'll be your nonmonogamummy... #
# If you're getting down, baby... #
Earlier this year, '90s boyband Five also revealed they'd be stepping
back into the spotlight for the first time in 25 years.
# Everybody get up, singing... #
With all five original members reuniting,
fans snapped up tickets,
and what started as a 12-date run quickly grew to 25.
From boybands to ballads now, as Lewis Capaldi made his heroic return
to music this summer.
# I only think about you all the time... #
# Now the day bleeds... #
Following an emotional performance at Glastonbury in 2023,
Lewis took a break from music to focus on his health and wellbeing.
CROWD: # I let my guard down... #
After being away for two years,
the singer-songwriter took on one of the surprise slots
on the Pyramid Stage,
drawing in one of the biggest crowds of the weekend.
# And I tend to close my eyes when it hurts sometimes... #
The outpour of love and support that followed
resulted in a sold-out UK tour.
And while he prepares for a US leg in 2026,
let's remind ourselves of his unbelievable performance.
# How long till it feels
# Like the wound's finally starting to heal?
# How long till it feels
# Like I'm more than a spoke in a wheel?
# Most nights I feel that I'm not enough
# I've had my share of Monday mornings when I can't get up
# So when hope is lost and I come undone
# I swear to God I'll survive
# If it kills me to
# I'm gonna get up and try
# If it's the last thing I do
# I've still got something to give
# Though it hurts sometimes
# I'm gonna get up and live
# Until the day that I die
# I swear to God I'll survive
# How long till you know
# That in truth you know nothing at all?
# How far will you go
# To get back to the place you belong?
# Most nights I fear that I'm not enough
# But I refuse to spend my best years rotting in the sun
# So when hope is lost and I come undone
# I swear to God I'll survive
# If it kills me to
# I'm gonna get up and try
# If it's the last thing I do
# I've still got something to give
# Though it hurts sometimes
# I'm gonna get up and live
# Until the day that I die
# I swear to God I'll survive
# If it kills me to
# I'm gonna get up and try
# If it's the last thing I do
# I've still got something to give
# Though it hurts sometimes
# I'm gonna get up and live
# Until the day that I die
# I swear to God, I'll survive. #
Thank you.
CHEERING
The triumphant return of Lewis Capaldi to a warm and welcoming
Worthy Farm at this year's Glastonbury Festival.
Now, someone else who broke through this year
is a south London artist with an incredible voice - Lola Young.
Lola performed at the Brit Awards at the beginning of the year
and released her album in September,
but announced soon after that she'd be taking a break from music.
We send Lola all our love and thought we'd go back to May
of this year to Radio 1's Big Weekend in Liverpool,
where she performed her massive hit Messy to a huge crowd.
I love the fact that everyone's getting on everyone's shoulders.
That's a beautiful thing. Look at that.
SHE LAUGHS
Hey.
# You know I'm impatient
# So why would you leave me waiting outside the station
# When it was, like, minus four degrees and I
# I get what you're saying
# I just really don't wanna hear it right now
# Can you Shut up
# For, like, once in your life
# And listen to me?
# I took your nice words of advice
# About how you think I'm gonna die lucky if I turn 33
# OK, see, I smoke like a chimney
# I'm not skinny and I pull a Britney every other week
# But cut me some slack, who do you want... # Sing it!
# Cos I'm too messy
# And then I'm too ... clean
# You told me get a job then you ask where the hell I've been
# And I'm too perfect till I open my big mouth
# I want to be me
# Is that not allowed?
# And I'm too clever and then I'm too goddamn dumb
# You hate it when I cry unless it's that time of the month
# And I'm too perfect
# Till I show you that I'm not
# A thousand people I could be for you and you hate the whole damn lot
# You hate the whole damn lot
# You hate, you hate
# It's taking you ages
# You still don't get the hint
# I'm not asking for pages but one or two would be nice
# And please don't pull those faces
# When I've been out working my arse off all day
# It's just one bottle of wine or two
# But, hey, you can't even talk
# You smoke just to help you sleep
# Then why you out gettin' stoned at four o'clock?
# And then you come home to me
# And don't say hello
# Cos I got high again
# And forgot to fold my clothes
# Cos I'm too messy
# And then I'm too ... clean
# You told me get a job
# Then you ask where the hell I've been
# And I'm too perfect
# Till I open my big mouth
# I want to be me
# Is that not allowed?
# And I'm too clever
# And then I'm too goddamn dumb
# You hate it when I cry
# Unless it's that time of the month
# And I'm too perfect
# Till I show you that I'm not
# A thousand people I could be for you
# And you hate the whole damn lot
# You hate the whole damn lot
# You hate, you hate... #
This is my band, everybody. This is Conor on the guitar.
This is Cam on the keys.
John on drums.
We love you all. I love you so much, thank you for having me.
# Ohh-ho, cos I'm too messy
# And then I'm too goddamn clean
# You told me get a job
# Then you ask where the hell I've been
# And I'm too perfect till I open my big mouth
# I want to... # Sing it!
# Is that not allowed?
# And I'm too clever
# And then I'm too goddamn dumb
# You hate it when I cry
# Unless it's that time of the month
# And I'm too perfect
# Till I show you that I'm not
# A thousand people I can be for you
# And you hate the whole damn lot
# You hate the whole damn lot
# You hate the whole damn lot. #
CHEERING
It's been a blast.
"Been a blast!" God, I sound like a grandad.
The brilliant Lola Young from Radio 1's Big Weekend
in Liverpool's Sefton Park.
Now, 2025 has seen the charts dominated by the pop girlies,
with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan
claiming spots in either the singles or albums top ten.
But it was Taylor Swift who swooped in at the last minute
back in October to claim the biggest-selling album of the year
with The Life Of A Showgirl.
So in classic Top Of The Pops fashion,
it's time to find out who were
the top-ten biggest-selling songs of the year.
# And die with a smile... #
Kicking things off at ten, it's pure pop power
as Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars joined forces for Die With A Smile.
# You... #
# Come be the man I need... #
At nine, it's record-breaking Olivia Dean
with her first-ever number one, Man I Need.
# Call me wonderful... #
# And, oh, it's hard to see you but I wish you were right here... #
We met her earlier in the show - it's Ravyn Lenae
with Love Me Not at eight.
# All this time I'm thinking we could never be a pair... #
# Beautiful things that I've got... #
With one of the biggest songs of the last two years,
it's Benson Boone at seven with Beautiful Things.
# Oh, God...
# Ooh, ooh... #
At six, pop star Gracie Abrams made her Glastonbury debut this year
and earned her first UK number one with That's So True.
# Ooh, ooh
# Ooh, that's so true... #
# All you gotta do is just meet me at the... #
Your number five, teaming up once again,
Bruno Mars joins BLACKPINK's Rose for their viral hit APT.
# Apateu-pateu Apateu-pateu
# Apateu-pateu... #
# We're goin' up, up, up It's our moment... #
This year, global blockbuster KPop Demon Hunters took over
both the screens and the charts, with Golden at four.
# With our voices... #
# Pink Pony Club... #
Riding high at number three,
it's Chappell Roan with pop anthem Pink Pony Club.
# I'm gonna keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Club... #
# Oh, and I'm too messy... #
South London's finest Lola Young takes number two
with her breakout single Messy.
# Where the hell I've been... #
# Somethin' so out of the ordinary... #
And at number one, this year has been anything BUT ordinary
for Alex Warren.
# Shatter me with your touch... #
And we caught up with the man himself on his extraordinary year.
Hi, Alex. Hey, Clara, it's Alex Warren.
2025 has been absolutely insane.
I released Ordinary in February of this year,
and it's one of the biggest songs of 2025, and that's mind-boggling.
I never thought a song I wrote about my wife would be anywhere
as big as it is, and I'm so happy that it is.
# So out of the ordinary... #
Ordinary has broken so many records. One of the records,
it's the longest number one of the decade,
beating Ed Sheeran's Bad Habits.
# Or do My bad habits lead to wide eyes... #
And I just want to say, Ed, if I can be candid,
there's a new ginger in town.
It's this guy.
# I was looking for a way out... #
The fact that my album is also in the top ten...
I'm just going to keep saying - it's crazy.
# Eternity since I had you here with me... #
Wrote it in my bedroom, just me and my friends.
And that's exactly what my music is -
it's just me telling my story
and the fact that so many people care and also so many people
relate to that is terrifying, but also amazing.
# What I wouldn't sacrifice... #
I was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammys.
Alex Warren.
I was at my house with my friends -
we were writing the new album, actually - and so it was really,
really cool to kind of have a full-circle moment where
I was nominated for the work that I had done last year,
and I was with the people who did it with me.
# Oh, I hope you know, I will carry you home... #
Earlier this year, I got to perform at Radio 1 Live Lounge,
and it was the most terrifying but exciting thing I've ever done.
That was probably one of my favourite performances I've done,
and I wanted to show you guys. So, um, this is it.
# They say the holy water's watered down and this town's lost its faith
# Our colours will fade eventually
# So if our time is running out day after day
# We'll make the mundane our masterpiece
# Oh, my, my
# Oh, my, my love
# I take one look at you
# You're taking me out of the ordinary
# I want you laying me down till we're dead and buried
# On the edge of your knife
# Staying drunk on your vine
# The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found
# Somethin' so out of the ordinary
# You got me kissing the ground of your sanctuary
# Shatter me with your touch
# Oh, Lord, return me to dust
# The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found
# Hopeless hallelujah
# On this side of heaven's gate
# Oh, my life, how do you
# Breathe and take my breath away?
# At your altar, I'll pray
# You're the sculptor, I'm the clay
# Oh, my, my
# Taking me out of the ordinary
# I want you laying me down till we're dead and buried
# On the edge of your knife
# Staying drunk on your vine
# The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found
# Something so heavenly
# Higher than ecstasy
# Whenever you're next to me
# Oh, my, my Oh, my, my
# The world was in black and white Until I saw your light
# I thought you had to die to find
# Somethin' so out of the ordinary
# I want you laying me down till we're dead and buried
# On the edge of your knife
# Staying drunk on your vine
# The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found
# Somethin' so out of the ordinary
# You got me kissing the ground of your sanctuary
# Sanctuary
# Shatter me with your touch
# Oh, Lord, return me to dust
# The angels up in the clouds are jealous knowing we found. #
So there you have it -
the biggest-selling song of 2025 is Alex Warren's Ordinary,
and I'm sure we'll be seeing and hearing more from him next year.
Sadly, we've come to the end of this year's review of 2025,
but I've got one more treat left for you.
Don't forget, you can see in the New Year with Jools Holland
and his annual Hootenanny on BBC Two tonight,
featuring incredible guests including Olivia Dean, Ronnie Wood,
Jessie J, Lulu, Heather Small,
The Kooks and more.
And on BBC One, this next artist will be bringing you his huge hits
and some very special guests to take you into 2026.
So, to get you in the mood, here he is earlier in the year
at Radio 2 in the Park in Chelmsford.
This is Ronan Keating. Happy New Year.
# Na, na, na, na, na... #
Oh, yeah!
# Na, na, na, na, na... #
Oh, yeah, come on!
# Na, na, na, na, na
# Hey, baby
# You really got my tail in a spin, yeah
# Hey, baby
# I don't even know where to begin, no
# But, baby, you got one thing I gotta know... #
Mr Bone!
# Wherever you go, tell me, I'm gonna show, you know
# We found love
# So don't fight it
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it
# I need you
# So stop hiding
# Our love is a mystery, girl
# Let's get inside it
# Hey, baby
# You really got me flying tonight
# Flying tonight
# Hey, sugar Ooh, ooh
# You almost got us punched in a fight... #
It's all right! No, it's not, Liam. You know it.
# Baby, you got one thing I gotta know... #
Gregory!
# Wherever you go, tell me
# I'm gonna show, you know
# We found love
# So don't fight it
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it... #
Oh, yeah. I see you.
# I need you
# So stop hiding
# Our love is a mystery, girl
# Let's get inside it
# So listen
# Can't you feel my heart? Feel my heart?
# Won't you take my heart? #
Come on!
# We found love
# Oh!
# So don't fight it
# No!
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it
# All night long
# I need you
# Yeah
# So stop hiding
# Our love is a mystery, girl
# Let's get inside it... #
Put your hands in the air, come on!
# We found love... #
Everybody!
# So don't fight it... #
Yes!
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it
# All night long
# I need you... #
Oh, my God.
# So stop hiding
# Our love is a mystery, girl
# Let's get inside it... #
Let me hear you singing, come on!
# We found love... #
Yeah!
# So don't fight it
No.
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it
# All night long
# I need you... #
Yeah, I do.
# So stop hiding... #
No.
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it... #
Here we go. Come on, come on, come on!
# We found love
# So don't fight it
# Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it
# All night long
# I need you
# Yeah
# So stop hiding
# Our love is a mystery, girl
# Let's get inside it... #
Come on!
# We found love
# Na, na, na, na, na Don't fight it
# Na, na, na, na, na Life is a rollercoaster
# Just gotta ride it Na, na, na, na, na
# So don't fight it, fight it, fight it
# No! #
CHEERING
Thank you so much.
Thank you!