VOA常速英语:Top 5 Countdown for Week Ending July 5

We’re spotlighting the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending July 5, 2014.

The United States of America celebrates its 238th birthday this week, while we also celebrate two new singles in the Top Five list!

Let’s start in fifth place, where transatlantic sensation Sam Smith jumps five slots with “Stay With Me.” Sam carries an interesting back story: not only is he a third cousin of fellow singer Lily Allen, his mother went to court to help him achieve stardom. Five years ago, Kate Cassidy, a London banker earning upwards of $1 million a year, was sacked when her employer alleged she spent too much time managing 16-year-old Sam’s career. Kate responded by suing the company…and her son is now a star.

Also new to the lineup is the duo of Nico & Vinz. These two bring an international outlook to their music; I’ll have more after “Am I Wrong,” jumping three slots to number four. Born and raised in Norway, Nico Sereba and Vincent Dery are both of West African descent. They called themselves Envy before changing their name in January of this year.

Holding in third place is MAGIC!, the Canadian reggae outfit which based its breakout song "Rude" on a real event. Lead singer Nasri says he was in an unhealthy relationship with a girl. Once, after they fought, he came up with the lyrics to “Rude,” but later re-cast the song to address a disapproving father.

Staying put in second place is Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea with “Problem.” Ariana’s second album now carries a title and release date: My Everything drops on August 25 here in the United States. Guests include Big Sean, Childish Gambino, and The Weeknd, with songwriting from Max Martin, Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic, and Harry Styles of One Direction.

Iggy Azalea rules the Hot 100 for a fifth week with “Fancy,” featuring Charli XCX. Did Nicki Minaj toss a verbal dart at Iggy on national TV? On June 29 at the BET Awards, Nicki Minaj seemed to be speaking about Iggy when she said, in effect, she writes her own songs…but Iggy Azalea doesn’t. The comment came a few weeks after Nicki criticized Iggy in a radio interview.

We’re at the end of the line, but the chart never sleeps! Join us next week for an all-new lineup.