HONG KONG, December 20, 2024 – Indie band The Hertz clinched a significant victory on the competitive music charts today, securing the top spot on the Commercial Radio 903 Professional Recommendation Chart for the 51st week with their single, “A Traveller’s Journey” (Ni Lü). This win marks the band’s third career chart champion, intensifying the rivalry just weeks before Hong Kong’s prestigious Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards, set for January 1st. The achievement places the band in a strong position as they vie for key accolades, including the coveted Ultimate Song Grand Prize and their first-ever Ultimate Group Award.
The race for the top honors has tightened considerably following this latest chart update. Industry observers note that the airplay for “A Traveller’s Journey” is currently neck-and-neck with other strong contenders. Specifically, the song is battling Gareth T. (Tombe) and his hit “Singing Love Songs with My Back” (Yong Bei Ji Chang Qing Ge), while also maintaining a slight lead over Jeffrey Ngai’s ballad “White Tuxedo” (Bai Se Tik Sei Tou). The final decision for the Ultimate Song Grand Prize, which awards the track with the highest total annual airplay, remains highly unpredictable, with The Hertz potentially poised for a late surge.
Beyond the single competition, The Hertz is simultaneously making a strong push in the group category. Sources indicate that the band is currently close behind veteran rock group RubberBand in overall airplay metrics for the year. A victory in the Ultimate Group Award would represent a significant career milestone for The Hertz, solidifying their transition from an emerging act to a leading force in the Cantopop scene.
The Commercial Radio Ultimate Song Chart Awards are widely regarded as one of Hong Kong’s most transparent and prestigious music ceremonies, relying heavily on airplay data compiled throughout the year. The final weeks leading up to the January 1st event are crucial, as last-minute airplay can dramatically shift the final standings.
Key Race Dynamics
The intensifying chart battle highlights several trends within the local music landscape:
- Emerging Talents Challenging Veterans: The competition showcases newer acts like The Hertz and Gareth T. vying fiercely against more established industry giants, reflecting a dynamic shift in audience preference.
- The Power of Airplay: Unlike other awards that incorporate public voting, the Ultimate Song Grand Prize hinges solely on radio rotation, making chart performance in November and December critical.
- Strategic Releases: Bands often time high-impact singles and promotional pushes late in the year to capitalize on award season momentum.
As the industry awaits the final tally, The Hertz’s recent ascent with “A Traveller’s Journey” injects significant excitement into the upcoming awards night, suggesting a potentially historic outcome for the band. Music fans and industry professionals are closely monitoring the final airplay figures over the next few weeks to see which artist will ultimately claim the year’s top honors.
