The late King of Pop Michael Jackson has once again proved the timeless appeal of his music by becoming the world’s most popular artist on global streaming platforms nearly 17 years after his death.
According to the latest global digital rankings, Michael Jackson surpassed several contemporary music giants, including Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber, by a significant margin.
The renewed popularity of Jackson’s classic songs has largely been attributed to the remarkable success of his biographical film Michael, which introduced his music to a new generation of listeners.
Following the film’s release, many of the legendary singer’s iconic tracks from the 1970s and 1980s rapidly climbed global streaming charts, helping him secure the top position worldwide.
According to the May 2026 Global Digital Artist Ranking released by analytics platform Corb, Michael Jackson achieved first place with 11,157 points. He remained nearly 5,000 points ahead of Justin Bieber, who secured second position, while the third-ranked pop group trailed even further behind.
The report stated that Michael Jackson dominated major platforms including Shazam, YouTube, Apple Music and Deezer, while also maintaining second place on Spotify by a narrow margin.
Taylor Swift, often regarded as one of the modern artists influenced by Michael Jackson’s global pop legacy, ranked fifth on the list.
Music analysts say Jackson’s continued dominance highlights his status not merely as a singer, but as a global cultural phenomenon whose influence transcends generations.
Nearly two decades after his passing, audiences around the world remain deeply connected to his music, reinforcing his enduring legacy in the global entertainment industry.