Who Will Have the 2024 Song of the Summer? We Offer Some Predictions

Since the beginning of time or, at least, pop music, only a few have earned the designation of "song of the summer."

These are the earworms that lodge deep into the brain, pushing past genre preferences and reminding listeners: A hit is a hit. With so much variety, though, it's getting harder to crown a single song of the summer. So The Associated Press is offering 2024 predictions across categories – with past winners for reference.

Find your song of the summer and then listen to our Spotify playlist, here.

Song of the Summer for the Caffeinated: "Espresso," Sabrina Carpenter

We're a few decades removed from the Y2K era of off-kilter pop songs with nonsensical lyrics atop sunny productions. But no one told Sabrina Carpenter, whose hit "Espresso" is a shot of wake-up juice, equal parts clever and totally unserious. "Espresso" makes a one-woman argument for disco-informed radio pop's endurance.

Past champion: "Wide Awake," Katy Perry (2012)

Country Crossover Song of the Summer: "I Had Some Help," Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen

Before it even released, it seemed likely a Post Malone team-up with Morgan Wallen would result in a No. 1 record. "I Had Some Help" introduced Post Malone's foray into country and, with some help indeed from the biggest name in contemporary country music, was an instant success. There's no denying that honkytonk hook, Malone's autotuned vibrato or the singalong chorus.

Past champion: "You're Still the One," Shania Twain (1998)

Diss Song of the Summer: "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar

Drake and Kendrick Lamar reignited a once-dormant feud earlier this year, launching diss track after diss track. None hit quite like Lamar's ferocious "Not Like Us," which became Lamar's fourth No. 1 on Billboard's Hot 100. The messaging – all West Coast fire in an "us vs. them" anthem – really works.

Past champion: "Obsessed," Mariah Carey (2009)

Viral Hit of the Summer: "A Bar Song (Tipsy)," Shaboozey

In an ideal world, every country station would play Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" once an hour, on the hour. Until then, its social media virality will have to do the trick. With its inspired interpolation of J-Kwon's "Tipsy," the song has all the makings of a modern classic, with an easy-to-rally-around narrative following a hardworking protagonist easing his troubles on a bar stool.

Past champion: "Trap Queen," Fetty Wap (2015)

Song of the Summer for the Yearners: "Lunch," Billie Eilish

"Lunch," from Billie Eilish's new album, "Hit Me Hard and Soft," is a PG-13 ode to same-sex infatuation. The once-in-a-generation performer has come a long way from the macabre humor, off-kilter beats and Invisalign slurps that made her a star. Instead, "Lunch" is a delicious, sapphic anthem.

Past champion: "Nineteen," Tegan and Sara (2007)

Club Song of the Summer: "Get It Sexyy," Sexyy Red

It's in the title. Sexyy Red, with her distinctive flow and quotable bars not exactly safe for work, has taken over. "Get It Sexyy" is a theme song for her dominance and a confident mantra for everyone planning to hit the dance floor.

Past champion: "Lose Control," Missy Elliott feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop (2005)

Song for Singles Ready to Mingle This Summer: "Bellakeo," Peso Pluma feat. Anitta

Take one of the biggest names in regional Mexican music, Peso Pluma, bring in one of the biggest Brazilian pop-funk stars, Anitta, and you've got yourself a sweaty reggaetón banger. "Bellakeo" is a song for both the club and corner store, oozing with flirtation.

Past champion: "Where the Party At," Jagged Edge and Nelly (2001)

Song of the Summer from Your Favorite Artist's Favorite Artist: "Good Luck, Babe!," Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan has long had a knack for candor in her theatrical, cheeky songwriting, emphasized by sometimes-yodeling vocals. But she's only recently started receiving mainstream attention for her full-throated, big-hearted queer love anthems. "Good Luck, Babe!" is a kiss-off-and-a-half – perfect for screaming along to while driving down an empty street in Roan's native Midwest or getting ready with the girls for the drag club.

Past champion: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," Stevie Wonder (1970)