The late pop icon Michael Jackson is enjoying a major resurgence on global music charts following the success of his biopic, Michael, with several of his classic songs reaching new peaks on Billboard’s worldwide rankings.
Although Jackson passed away years before the launch of the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts in 2020, his catalogue is now dominating both rankings as listeners around the world continue streaming his music in large numbers.
This week, 12 of Jackson’s songs achieved their highest-ever positions simultaneously on both global charts.
Among the biggest gainers, “Billie Jean” climbed to No. 3 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. charts, while “Beat It” rose to No. 7 on the Global 200 and No. 5 outside the United States.
Other tracks posting new highs include “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” “Human Nature,” “Smooth Criminal,” “Bad,” “Dirty Diana,” “Rock With You,” “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “They Don’t Care About Us,” “You Rock My World,” and “Remember The Time.”
Jackson also recorded fresh gains on the Billboard Global 200 with songs like “Chicago,” which climbed to No. 97, while “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” advanced to No. 107. “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” also improved its position, reaching No. 114.
Meanwhile, “Thriller” returned to its previous peak on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, rising to No. 46 as renewed interest in Jackson’s music continues worldwide.
Two more fan favourites also made their debut appearances on the global charts decades after their original release. “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5 entered both charts at No. 120, while “Man in the Mirror” debuted at No. 123 on the Billboard Global 200 and No. 153 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S.
“Chicago” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” also secured first-time entries on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, debuting at No. 127 and No. 130, respectively.
The renewed chart success highlights Jackson’s enduring influence on global pop culture and music, years after his death.
