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What is the 2026 song of the summer? AP offers some predictions
By Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· June 24, 2026
· 7 min read
By MARIA SHERMAN
AP Music Writer
NEW YORK What is 2026’s song of the summer?
There’s no easy answer. Algorithmic division is certainly a factor in why there isn’t an obvious pick this year. Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone? Last year, some even wonder...
Key takeaway Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone?
Why this matters in The Odessa
For Odessa residents, the song of the summer is more than just a catchy tune, it's a soundtrack for road trips to nearby lakes, backyard barbecues, and nights out on the town. This year's contenders, including Ella Langley's "Choosin' Texas" and Drake's "Janice STFU," are likely to be blasting from car stereos and outdoor speakers throughout the Permian Basin. Langley's country-pop sound, in particular, may resonate with local music fans who appreciate the genre's strong presence in Texas. As the summer heats up, it will be interesting to see which song becomes the go-to anthem for Odessa's community events and festivals, and whether any of these predicted hits will make an appearance at local concerts and venues. With the city's vibrant music scene and love of live performances, the song of the summer is sure to be a topic of discussion among locals.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 7 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By MARIA SHERMAN
AP Music Writer
NEW YORK What is 2026’s song of the summer?
There’s no easy answer. Algorithmic division is certainly a factor in why there isn’t an obvious pick this year. Where have the songs like “Despacito” in 2017 or “Old Town Road” in 2019 gone? Last year, some even wonder...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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