VOA常速英语:Top 5 Songs for Week Ending Dec. 14

We’re looking at the five most popular songs in the Billboard Magazine Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending December 14, 2013.This time of year, the music world turns its attention to the Grammy Awards. The nominations were announced last Friday, and three of this week’s artists are included.

We open in fifth place, where OneRepublic slips a slot with “Counting Stars.” On March 27, OneRepublic will be in London’s Royal Albert Hall to perform at the concerts for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Over the past 13 years, the concerts have raised more than 17 million pounds - or $27 million (US) - to help young cancer patients across the U.K.

Up four slots to fourth place go Pitbull and Ke$ha, with “Timber,” blending dance and country elements - as with Avicii's mega-hit "Wake Me Up". Is a trend developing here? In any event, it’s Pitbull’s highest Hot 100 showing since “Give Me Everything” hit number one in 2011.

Falling two slots to third place is Lorde with “Royals.” Her stint at number one may be over, but everything else is going her way. The 17-year-old New Zealander just collected four Grammy nominations: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best Pop Album, and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Both Eminem and Rihanna drew Grammy nominations this year, and here they are in second place, holding steady with “The Monster.” Rihanna just drew two Grammy award nominations for Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Pop Duo Performance for “Stay.” Eminem’s in the running for Best Rap Performance, for “Berzerk.”

Miley Cyrus has no Grammy nominations - and as you can imagine, her fans aren’t too happy about that. However, there’s some consolation on the Hot 100, where “Wrecking Ball” returns to number one. Miley kicks off her world tour in February, and this week, “Wrecking Ball” regains the Hot 100 title for a third total week.

Can Miley maintain her crown? We’ll find out in seven days.