A New Milestone for the King of Pop
Michael Jackson, often referred to as the King of Pop, has once again etched his name into history with a new Billboard milestone. With a track from his posthumous album ‘Xscape’ making its way onto the charts, Jackson continues to dominate pop culture in ways that show no signs of slowing down. The release of the biopic ‘Michael’ in April has sparked a renewed interest in his vast musical legacy, leading to a surge in streams and chart activity.
Charting New Territory
The song ‘Chicago’, which debuted at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 on June 6, 2026, has solidified Jackson’s place in music history. This achievement makes him the first and only artist to earn a new Hot 100 hit across six consecutive decades. Originally titled ‘She Was Lovin’ Me’ during the recording sessions for ‘Invincible’, the track found its final home on ‘Xscape’. However, it was the success of the biopic ‘Michael’ that reignited global interest in Jackson’s work, resulting in a remarkable 146% increase in worldwide listening activity.
The surge in interest translated into over 10.7 million U.S. streams in a single week, contributing to a 30% jump in streaming numbers. Notably, ‘Chicago’ wasn’t featured on the film’s official soundtrack but instead gained traction through a viral TikTok trend, showcasing the power of social media in modern music promotion.
A Legacy That Transcends Time
Jackson’s journey on the Hot 100 began in the 1970s with ‘Got to Be There’, and he quickly became a household name. His dominance in the 1980s was marked by groundbreaking albums like ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’, featuring hits such as ‘Billie Jean’, ‘Beat It’, and ‘Man in the Mirror’. He continued to influence the charts throughout the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s with iconic tracks like ‘Black or White’, ‘Remember the Time’, ‘You Rock My World’, and ‘Love Never Felt So Good’.
A Cinematic Triumph
The biopic ‘Michael’, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar Jackson in the lead role, has been a massive success both critically and commercially. The film opened with an impressive $217.4 million globally, surpassing other major releases like ‘Oppenheimer’ and ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ to set a new record for the biggest opening weekend for a biopic. Since then, the film has grossed over $851 million worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing release of 2026 and one of the most successful biographical films ever made.
Expanding the Legacy
The impact of ‘Michael’ extends beyond the cinema. The film has sparked a resurgence in Jackson’s catalog, with streams for The Jackson 5 increasing from 4.3 million to 10.1 million per week. Similarly, The Jacksons saw their weekly numbers more than double from 2.1 million to 4.9 million. With nearly 60% of its revenue coming from international markets, the film is now on track to reach the $1 billion mark.
Continuing the Legacy
Even more than a decade after his passing, Michael Jackson continues to break records and remind the world of his unparalleled influence. His ability to connect with audiences across generations is a testament to his enduring legacy. As the King of Pop, he remains an icon whose impact on music and popular culture will be felt for years to come.
