Michael Jackson tops global music charts, 17 years after his death

Michael Jackson has climbed to No. 1 in the global streaming ranking after the release of the biopic Michael. The surge has pushed his catalogue back into worldwide focus, with older hits drawing a fresh audience.

In Short

• Kworb's May 2026 ranking gave Jackson 11,157 streaming points worldwide
• He led Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Shazam and Deezer rankings
• Justin Bieber trailed in second, while BTS finished a distant third

Nearly two decades after his death, Michael Jackson has returned to the top of global streaming charts, driven by renewed interest following the release of his biopic, Michael.

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, several of Jackson’s most popular tracks – including Beat It, Billie Jean, Bad and Thriller – have climbed streaming charts worldwide since the film’s release last week.

Data analytics agency Kworb, which compiles the Global Digital Artist Ranking each month, placed Jackson at No. 1 for May 2026 with 11,157 points. The ranking is based on streaming performance across major platforms.

The report noted that Jackson led Justin Bieber, who ranked second, by nearly 5,000 points. BTS followed in third place with 4,397 points.

Jackson dominated most platforms, topping charts on Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Shazam and Deezer, while narrowly trailing Bieber on Spotify.

He also ranked ahead of Bad Bunny, who placed fourth with 4,085 points, and Taylor Swift, who came in fifth with 3,100 points.

Typically, streaming peaks coincide with new releases, but the report highlighted that Jackson’s numbers remain competitive with current chart leaders despite being driven by decades-old music.

More than three years after it was first announced, Michael arrived in cinemas with Jaafar Jackson stepping into the role of his late uncle. The cast also features Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca.

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