Shaboozey Dominates the First SiriusXM Galaxy 50 Chart, Chosen by Programmers
As the year wraps up, it’s a tradition to see numerous end-of-year lists.
However, SiriusXM has opted for a different approach compared to the usual summary provided by music streaming services, which rely heavily on algorithms.
On Thursday, the satellite radio giant launched its Galaxy 50, featuring the top 50 songs of 2024 sourced from its 10 “new music” channels such as Alt Nation (alternative rock), The Highway (country), Hip Hop Nation, The Heat (R&B), and SiriusXM Hits 1 (pop).
In addition to analyzing data, the programmers dedicated around a month discussing and narrowing down the songs they felt deserved recognition, engaging in extensive debates leading up to the reveal.
Steve Blatter, SiriusXM’s senior VP and GM of music programming, refers to this “human element” as a refreshing divergence from strictly data-driven choices.
“Over the last five years, we’ve seen many viral hits emerge thanks to algorithms, yet those artists often haven’t built sustainable careers,” Blatter explained. “This year shows a clear distinction between fleeting viral success and lasting music that truly resonated in 2024.”
Who topped the SiriusXM Galaxy 50 chart?
Shaboozey’s diverse track “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” earned unanimous acclaim from the voting programmers, securing the No. 1 spot on the Galaxy 50 chart.
Blatter complimented the Nashville-based artist, originally from Virginia, born Collins Chibueze, for his “hybrid” sound and genuine artistry.
The track is part of Shaboozey’s fourth album, “Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going,” and recently made history by matching Lil Nas X’s 2019 hit “Old Town Road” for the longest-ever run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, lasting 19 weeks at the top.
Where can I listen to the SiriusXM Galaxy 50?
You can catch this winning lineup on the SiriusXM app right now. Starting from December 27, it will be featured on The Countdowns Channel (79), and you can also listen to it on SiriusXM Hits 1 starting January 1 at noon ET.
What other artists made the SiriusXM Galaxy 50?
Notable artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Kendrick Lamar are expected fixtures on the list, but newcomers Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter also gained recognition with multiple entries.
Additionally, rising artist Gracie Abrams made a strong showing with two songs: “I Love You, I’m Sorry” and “Close to You.”
“Just three months ago, it’s uncertain if Gracie would have had two songs featured here,” Blatter noted. “Taylor has influenced her growth (Abrams opened for her on 49 shows during the Eras World Tour), but Gracie has been nurturing her career in smaller venues for years and is now reaching arenas. Taylor certainly aided, but Gracie was already on this upward path.”
Blatter also highlighted a significant rise in female pop artists, showcased in their impressive representation in the 2025 Grammy nominations, viewing pop music as thriving like never before.
“Taylor is undoubtedly a music icon unlike any I’ve witnessed during my lifetime, but looking beyond her, we’ve got Chappell, Charli (XCX), Sabrina, and Billie (Eilish), who seems to be evolving from a superstar to an icon,” Blatter shared. “These artists are not just one-hit wonders.”
Did any new artists join the SiriusXM Galaxy 50?
SiriusXM has always been a great platform for rising stars, and it features several newcomers this year, including Coco Jones, Bailey Zimmerman, Good Neighbours, and Alex Warren, in its Galaxy 50 chart.
The platform also played a crucial role in promoting Jelly Roll, whose unique style originally gained traction on the hard rock/metal station Octane before he expanded his reach into pop and country music.
However, Blatter emphasized that even these fresh faces had to “work hard to make it onto this list.”
Top 10 artists on SiriusXM’s Galaxy 50
- Shaboozey, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
- Kenrick Lamar, “Not Like Us”
- Sabrina Carpenter, “Espresso”
- Chappell Roan, “Good Luck, Babe!”
- Post Malone featuring Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help”
- Benson Boone, “Beautiful Things”
- Hozier, “Too Sweet”
- Tommy Richman, “Million Dollar Baby”
- Billie Eilish, “Birds of a Feather”
- Taylor Swift, “I Can Do it With a Broken Heart”
