CultureWhat song deserves to be crowned 2026’s song of the summer?

Music fans are considering the contenders for the 2026 song of the summer. Jem Aswad, Variety’s executive music editor, offers his view of what makes a hit stand out as the season’s defining track. CBS Mornings hosts Gayle King and Nate Burleson also deliver news, conversation and feature reporting on the weekday program. The segment focuses on the qualities that can elevate a popular song above the rest.