Fans Choose Freya Skye’s ‘Bad Taste’ as This Week’s Favorite New Music

Listeners have spoken in Billboard's latest weekly music roundup, crowning singer-songwriter and actress Freya Skye as the clear winner of the publication's new music poll published on Friday, September 18. Her playful pop anthem 'Bad Taste' completely dominated the competition, capturing a decisive 82% of the total audience support and proving her rapidly growing star power in the contemporary music industry.

Quick summary

• Freya Skye's single 'Bad Taste' topped Billboard's weekly new music poll.
• The track secured an impressive 82% of the total listener votes.
• The competitive poll featured fresh releases from artists like ROSÉ and Miley.
• Skye previously previewed an acoustic version of the song in New York City.
• The song humorously explores the artist's personal dating misadventures.

What happened

In the latest music popularity metric hosted by Billboard, Freya Skye emerged as the definitive favorite among voters with her newly released single, 'Bad Taste.' The track skyrocketed straight to the top of the publication's weekly poll, leaving a crowded field of high-profile new releases far behind. According to the final tally released on Friday, September 18, the song brought in a massive 82 percent of the overall vote from participating music enthusiasts.

This victory stands out significantly in a particularly stacked week for the global music industry, which featured fresh arrivals from major international acts. Trailing far behind Skye in the poll results was ROSÉ's solo single 'New Trick,' which managed to secure 14 percent of the vote. Other notable contenders in the weekly lineup included new album projects from Miley, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Riley Green, none of which could match the digital mobilization of Skye's fan base.

How we got here

Although the fully produced studio recording of 'Bad Taste' has only just officially dropped for public consumption, the track is already quite familiar to dedicated followers of the young artist. Skye first gave audiences an early sneak peek of the composition during her debut headlining concert in New York City last December. Performing the tune in an acoustic format proved to be a nerve-racking experience for the performer, leaving her feeling notably exposed and vulnerable on stage at the time.

Despite initial anxieties about presenting fresh, unreleased material directly to a live audience, the apprehension quickly dissolved as the performance progressed. Skye recalled to Billboard that by the time the final chorus arrived, the crowd was actively singing along with the lyrics. That moment of shared connection provided immediate reassurance, transforming an intimidating premiere into a rewarding milestone that helped build anticipation for the eventual studio release.

• December: Freya Skye previews an acoustic version of 'Bad Taste' at her New York City concert.
• Friday, September 18: Billboard publishes the weekly new music poll featuring the track.
• September: 'Bad Taste' officially tops the weekly listener vote with 82% of total support.

Who are the involved parties

At the center of this week's musical milestone is Freya Skye, a versatile creative recognized widely for her dual talents as a singer-songwriter and an actress. Beyond her burgeoning music career, Skye is well-known to television audiences for her prominent acting role within the Disney Zombies franchise. Her transition from screen acting to contemporary pop music has steadily drawn a dedicated community of supporters who actively participate in public polls and streaming milestones.

The broader ecosystem of the event includes major international music publications like Billboard, which regularly hosts audience-driven polls to gauge listener engagement with weekly commercial releases. Alongside Skye, several prominent musical acts found themselves featured in the same competitive voting cycle. These artists included ROSÉ, Miley, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Riley Green, all of whom contributed to a diverse slate of new singles and albums evaluated by the public.

What the parties say

Discussing the thematic inspiration behind her winning single, Freya Skye explained that the track finds her humorously reflecting on her own dating blunders. On the playful pop composition, she openly sings about harboring an attraction toward what she describes as a 'good messy situation.' Lyrics from the track highlight this self-aware perspective, with the artist admitting that she is a frequent sucker for a pretty face and inevitable mistakes.

Looking ahead at how the song fits into her broader artistic journey, Skye shared insights regarding her creative direction in interviews with Billboard. While 'Bad Taste' is not currently anticipated to be included on her upcoming debut full-length studio album, the singer maintains an optimistic outlook. She expressed a sincere hope that the standalone single will successfully generate excitement among listeners for the next stylistic shift in her evolving musical career.

Explainer

A music poll conducted by entertainment publications is an interactive feature designed to measure public engagement and fan loyalty following weekly commercial releases. These digital surveys allow audiences to vote for their preferred tracks, offering a snapshot of grassroots popularity that often complements traditional chart data and streaming metrics.

A standalone single, by definition in the music industry, is a commercially released track that is made available to the public independently of a forthcoming studio album project. Artists frequently utilize standalone releases to test new sonic directions, maintain audience engagement between major album cycles, or experiment with different creative themes.

Impacts and why it matters

Winning a prominent weekly poll hosted by a major industry publication carries significant weight for emerging artists seeking to solidify their presence in a crowded market. Securing 82 percent of the vote demonstrates a high level of active engagement and dedication from Skye's fan base, translating digital enthusiasm into tangible visibility against established global superstars.

Furthermore, the strong public reception validates the artist's creative pivot toward more personal and playful pop storytelling. By successfully translating live acoustic success into a polished studio recording that resonates widely with listeners, Skye reinforces her long-term potential as a viable recording artist independent of her acting credentials.

What comes next

Following the successful release and enthusiastic public reception of 'Bad Taste,' Freya Skye continues to focus on the ongoing development of her musical catalog. While the single itself is not slated for inclusion on her forthcoming debut full-length album, the artist aims to use its momentum to bridge the gap toward her next professional chapter. Fans and industry observers can anticipate further releases as she navigates the upcoming shifts in her recording career.