Last year was, like, the greatest year for songs of the summer in pop culture history. We had Chappell Roan’s queer anthem, “Good Luck, Babe,” Billie Eilish’s breezy pop gem, “Birds of a Feather,” Kendrick Lamar’s Grammy-winning diss track, “Not Like Us,” and of course, Sabrina Carpenter’s highly caffeinated ear worm, “Espresso.” Not to mention, it was fucking BRAT summer, so every track on Charli’s magnum opus qualified for the title too. The girls (and Kendrick) were booked and busy in their respective studios, committed to serving the stans top-tier tracks. There was a whole battle for the 2024 song of the summer. It was an invigorating time.
The vibes this year are… very different, but still elite. A lot of the girls are still touring their albums from last year or the year before, or they’re on well-deserved vacations. But! At a time when we needed them most, Ben Platt and Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers randomly rose to the challenge. So, what’s the 2025 song of the summer and why is it Ben Platt’s version of “Diet Pepsi” tied with Demi Lovato and the JoBros singing “Wouldn’t Change a Thing” in 2025? Let’s take a look at all the contenders this year.
What’s The 2025 Song Of The Summer?
Ben Platt — Cover Of “Diet Pepsi” By Addison Rae
Listen… I’m neither a Gleek nor a Ben Platt fan, and I’m hooked on this camp, theatrical cover of Addison’s masterpiece. That’s how you know he really did something powerful here. This absolutely insane Las Culturistas Awards performance has taken TikTok by storm, and everyone and their mother is suddenly a Ben stan. He had no choice but to drop it on Spotify and I fear I’m streaming on repeat.
Demi Lovato & Joe Jonas — “Wouldn’t Change A Thing (2025 Version)”
Don’t text. I’ll be recovering from this life-changing reunion and going down a very niche rabbit hole of Demi Lovato and Jonas Brothers YouTube content for the next several weeks… DEMI X JONAS BROTHERS LIVE IN 2025? “Unwell” is an understatement. This is a moment for the pop culture history books, so take all the time you need to process.
Addison Rae — “Fame Is A Gun”
As much as I’m enjoying Ben’s “Diet Pepsi,” I won’t tolerate any Addison slander, and I’m still gonna celebrate her here. This girl is the eccentric, ethereal, Britney’s daughter pop girl society’s been craving. (I’ve been on board since “Obsessed,” and as always, my instincts were spot-on.) Simply put: Fame is a gun, I am a stan, Addison is a superstar, and this album is the best pop album of the summer so far.
Sabrina Carpenter — “Manchild”
With “Espresso” and “Please Please Please” dominating last summer, Sabrina Carpenter was crowned the queen of summer anthems. Despite all the hate “Manchild” has received, it still debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and TikTokers are eating up that line dance from the music video! Mark my words: This song will get a Grammy nom.
PinkPantheress — “Illegal”
This British pop queen is so back with another criminally catchy smash. I just know this song’s gonna be huge all summer, because everyone’s already already acting out, “My name is Pink and I’m really glad to meet you / You’re recommended to me by some people” on TikTok.
Olivia Dean — “Nice To Each Other”
It’s about damn time people started recognizing Olivia Dean as the pop/jazz/soul superstar she is. “Nice to Each Other” is without a doubt one of the most addictive, breezy, playful hits of the summer. (And the “I don’t want a boyfriend” part has been trending on TikTok, which makes my heart sing.)
Romy Mars — “Ego”
In August, Sofia Coppola’s iconic daughter blessed us with her latest pop banger, “Ego.” And let me just say… This girl is a poet. I mean, these lyrics: “If you wanna know how hard it is to listen to you talk /
Just look down at yourself when I take my clothes off.” I’m genuinely in awe of her. Cheeky, clever, catchy music? Sign me up.
Audrey Hobert — “Sue Me”
Apparently Gracie Abrams’ bestie is a pop icon? Need this song injected in my veins. It’s girly pop perfection and yes, I will be making her debut album my whole personality when it comes out.
KATSEYE — “Gnarly”
I fear I’m addicted to this music video and watching everyone do the dance on TikTok. Although this song is honestly kind of strange and annoying, I’ve been so overexposed that I’m starting to find it catchy. And we need more relevant girl groups, so I’m rooting for them!
Lorde — “What Was That”
It’s giving Melodrama Pt. 2, it’s giving Charli XCX-style comeback, it’s giving Lorde summer. I don’t make the rules.
Sombr — “Back to Friends”
This child (he’s 20) has popped up out of nowhere and become the teens’ favorite pop boy. He’s serving the personality of Role Model paired with the musical stylings of The Wallows/Conan Gray/David Kushner. The lyrics? Eh, fine. The vocals? Actually very impressive.
Ravyn Lenae — “Love Me Not”
I adore her and “Love Me Not,” and I just really feel like this song needs to be blasting in the car when it’s 85 degrees outside. Manifesting a TikTok hit to radio hit to Grammy nom journey for this perfectly crafted pop gem!
