VOA常速英语:Top 5 Songs for Week Ending April 12

We’re looking at the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending April 12, 2014.
The poet John Milton once wrote, “They also serve who only stand and wait.” This week we play the waiting game on the countdown, anticipating something - anything.

Idina Menzel spends another week in fifth place with her Oscar-winning song from Frozen, “Let It Go.” That movie’s record-breaking success has put Idina on the cultural map: Frozen is now the top-grossing animated movie of all time. At 42, this veteran singer is finally a household name - she’s also been a long-time presence in the world of musical theater. In the 1990s, Idina originated the role of Maureen Johnson in the Broadway musical Rent, and last week opened in her latest production, If/Then.

If Jason Derulo spends another week in fourth place…as he has for almost a month…do we then report upon it? Well, of course we do. Jason and 2 Chainz mark time with “Talk Dirty,” while he preps a new album which drops April 15 in the United States.

Meanwhile, the Miami native kicks off a world tour on April 26 in Melbourne, Australia. Katy Perry and Juicy J from Three 6 Mafia hold in third place with “Dark Horse". Katy just pulled a fourth single from her Prism album; it’s titled “Birthday,” and the cover photo features a very young Katy and her older sister Angela at a birthday party. John Legend, left, and Christine Teigen arrive at the Oscars on March 2, 2014, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

John Legend married model Chrissie Teigen last September, and…surprise! His latest hit single played a part. John remains within shouting distance of his first Hot 100 victory with “All Of Me” which holds steady in second place. He sang the song to his bride during the Italy nuptials.

Pharrell Williams has a lot to celebrate. "Happy" remains at number one and -- he turned 41 on April 5. Pharrell celebrated his big day with the aid of a cartoon character. The theme party, held at a New York City restaurant, featured SpongeBob Squarepants. Celebrity guests such as Alicia Keys, producer Swizz Beatz, and Hip Hop mogul Russell Simmons were in attendance.

Join us next week, when we’ll celebrate a new lineup.