The annual Top 2000 music countdown began tuesday at Beeld & Geluid in Hilversum,marking the 27th year of the popular listener-voted tradition on NPO Radio 2. This year’s event saw a change at the helm, with the kickoff lacking the signature mash-up performance from DJ Bart Arens for the frist time in ten years. The countdown,which continues through New year’s Eve,is also accompanied by the return of the dedicated Top 2000-themed café for fans.
December 25, 2025•
The annual Top 2000 music countdown has launched at Beeld & Geluid in Hilversum. This marks the 27th edition of the listener-voted list on NPO Radio 2. For the first time in a decade, the event didn’t kick off with a special show from DJ Bart Arens.
Arens has delivered elaborate mash-ups for the past several years, creatively blending songs from the list. Citing the time commitment, he opted to sit this year out.
This year’s countdown began with performances from artists including Douwe Bob, Guus Meeuwis, Claudia de Breij, and Rondé, who covered songs by ABBA, Taylor Swift, and Nirvana.
Douwe Bob covered ABBA’s Does Your Mother Know:
The first song played just after midnight, number 2000 on the list, was Pink Floyd’s Run Like Hell. The countdown will continue broadcasting through New Year’s Eve, and the Top 2000-themed café is once again open for fans.
Borsato’s Comeback
As in most previous years, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody currently holds the number one spot. This year also sees Marco Borsato with a strong showing of songs in the upper ranks of the list. This surge in popularity likely follows his recent acquittal in a misconduct case.
Golden Earring’s Radar Love is also making a notable return to the top 10. This is widely believed to be a tribute to band member George Kooymans, who passed away earlier this year.
