The Beatles Lead Mid-Year Request Chart

The Beatles could be on course to top our annual artist request chart for the very first time, as they have a narrow lead at the mid-year stage in the request chart. The fab four have never previously been higher than number 3 in our request chart, having achieved that in 2008 and 2010. Earlier in the year they were announced as the 4th most requested artist of all-time in our request chart.

Our all-time number one artist was confirmed as Elvis Presley, and he is currently in second place in the race to be the most request act of 2025. He’s previously topped our chart three time – in 2005, 2018 and 2019.

The chart is based on the songs and artists requested by patients and staff of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, and this year is celebrating its 40th anniversary.

Abba are currently in third place for the year. They have never previously topped our chart but did finish at No.2 for 2024, so could they go one better this year?

At number 4 for the year so far are the Eagles, hoping to further improve on their highest ever placing of number 6 last year.

Rounding off the mid-year top five is Ed Sheeran, who was the most requested artist of 2024, having been runner-up the previous three years.

Also in the mid-year Top 10 – Elton John, Taylor Swift, Queen and Bruno Mars. Plus D:Ream, who could be on track to get their highest ever position on our annual chart. They achieved success in the mid-1990s with their hits including “Things Can Only Get Better” and “U R The Best Thing”.

Simon and Garfunkel and Van Morrison are making big gains inside the Top 20 for the year so far, whilst Queen and Michael Jackson look like making a strong showing again this year.

In the battle for the most requested song of the year, “Hotel California” by Eagles could be in contention to top our annual chart for the second year in a row. However it’s facing a strong and unlikely challenge by D:Ream with “Things Can Only Get Better”. There are newer tracks aiming for the Top 5 as well including “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars and Alex Warren with “Ordinary”.

The annual countdown will be announced in early January, but as the request chart continues to celebrate its 40th birthday, look out for a special documentary and an update on our all-time most requested songs later this year.