VOA常速英语:Top 5 Songs for Week Ending Aug. 9

We’re highlighting the five most popular songs in the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending August 9, 2014.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from hosting this show, it’s patience: the Hot 100 chart moves at its own speed.

Having said that, we do have changes.

Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea back off a notch in fifth place with “Problem.” On Thursday, September 4, the U.S. National Football League will kick off its season in Seattle, Washington. Pharrell Williams will perform outside the stadium, while Ariana will start the game with a rendition of the National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.” It’s a tough song to sing, but Ariana has the voice to handle it.

Can Nico & Vinz make it past fourth place? The Norwegian pair has another chance to try, as “Am I Wrong” rebounds one slot. They’re only the third Norwegian act to ever reach the U.S. Top 20: last year, Ylvis hit sixth place with “The Fox,” while back in 1985, A-ha went all the way to number one with “Take On Me.”

All is quiet in third place, as Sam Smith holds steady with “Stay With Me" from his album In The Lonely Hour. Fun fact about Sam: he’s the third cousin of fellow singer Lily Allen, and last month they performed together at the Splendour In The Grass Festival in Australia.

MAGIC! is your Hot 100 champ for a third week with “Rude,” and that’s just the beginning: the Canadian reggae act this week hit the jackpot in the United Kingdom. Nasri and his band knocked Cheryl Cole out of the top slot.

Can they last four weeks? We’ll know soon enough, so be sure and join us next week for another edition of the Top 5.