There’s no denying that last year’s song of the summer contenders were dominated by women in pop music. From Charli XCX’s BRAT takeover, Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” earworm (I’m still singing “that’s that me espresso”), and Billie Eilish’s nostalgia-filled “Birds of a Feather,” no one could escape the pop girlies last summer. And I’m not complaining – the 2024 summer pop songs were, in my opinion, some of the best in recent years.
If 2023 was Barbie (and Eras Tour) Summer, 2024 was BRAT Summer, then what will Summer 2025 be crowned? This year’s list of song of the summer contenders is shaping out to once again be dominated by Gen Z women pop powerhouses. With another couple of months until summer’s official end, it’s still too early to tell if one song will come out on top. Here are my predictions for the 2025 song of the summer:
Sabrina Carpenter – Manchild
Sabrina Carpenter has done it again – created an earworm that is inescapable. Like last year’s “Espresso,” “Manchild” is all over the radio, blasting throughout Target, and of course trending on TikTok (if you haven’t seen the viral line dance to the song by now, I’d be shocked). The announcement of Sabrina’s new album “Man’s Best Friend,” was also met with controversy surrounding its provocative album cover, which has undoubtedly generated further listening of “Manchild.” Plus, Sabrina’s recent performances at Primavera Sound and Hyde Park have further cemented her as 2025’s reigning queen of pop music.
PinkPantheress – Illegal
Another song accompanied by a TikTok trend, “Illegal” is quickly rising as a potential pick for the 2025 song of the summer. You’re lying if you say “Hey oooh is this illegal?” hasn’t been stuck in your head for the past month. It’s catchy, it’s fun, it’s early 2000’s coded, it’s illegal to dislike this song.
Alex Warren – Ordinary
This song may not be my favorite, but is undeniably a song of the summer contender. It’s been very successful – a radio hit, a TikTok hit, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it received a Grammy nomination later this year.
Lorde – What Was That
It’s Lorde summer, and for Gen Z and Millennial fans who have been through the Pure Heroine, Melodrama, and Solar Power eras, we are THRIVING with the release of Virgin. Lorde somehow captures the intense emotions of different phases of life through her music, and Virgin is no exception. Notably, “What Was That,” as the first single released for the album, has emerged as the electrifying, dance-y, synth-pop song that we so desperately needed to define our summer. This song is the soundtrack to a sweaty, late summer night spent laughing and dancing with friends.
Audrey Hobert – Sue Me
Audrey Hobert’s “Sue Me” has emerged as the quirky, wild-card contender for song of the summer. It’s repetitive, TikTok viral, and probably stuck in your head for the tenth time today.
Ravyn Lenae – Love Me Not
“Love Me Not” is a groovy, smooth track that has blown up on TikTok and truly deserves all of the fame. It’s catchy, summery, and makes you want to dance – criteria that establish it as a clear song of the summer contender. 10/10.
Addison Rae – Fame Is a Gun
Addison Rae has burst onto the pop music scene with her newly released debut album, “Addison,” showing the world that she is more than just a TikTok dance star. Hits such as “Diet Pepsi” and “Headphones On” have the catchy, Britney Spears-esque sound, but “Fame is a Gun” is a standout track. Its production and songwriting are “chef’s kiss” and Addison’s stint as the opener for icon Lana del Rey’s Wembley Stadium shows have really put the spotlight on her as a rising pop girl.
Olivia Dean – Nice To Each Other
You may already know Olivia’s “Dive,” but “Nice To Each Other” deserves all the hype. It’s upbeat, light, and breezy, and makes you want to sing along, “‘Cause I don’t want a boyfriend!!!” Summery pop perfection.
Benson Boone – Mystical Magical
I couldn’t leave “Mystical Magical” off this list. Benson’s received a crazy wave of hate online, but hot take, I don’t think his music is that bad. It’s meant to be a catchy pop song, and that’s exactly what it is. This song has blown up on TikTok, is charting on the Billboard Hot 100, and even earned Benson a Crumbl cookie collaboration, so who’s laughing now? This is for sure a song of the summer contender, love it or hate it.