Michael Jackson has made a remarkable return to the global music charts, nearly two decades after his passing, thanks to the release of his biopic, Michael. The movie, which hit theaters on April 24, has reignited interest in the King of Pop’s iconic tracks, propelling songs like Billie Jean, Beat It, Bad, and Thriller back into the global streaming spotlight.

According to the Hindustan Times, Michael Jackson has been ranked No. 1 on the Global Digital Artist Ranking for May 2026, compiled by data analytics agency Kworb. Jackson scored 11,157 points in this ranking, overtaking contemporary artists like Justin Bieber, who placed second, and BTS, who followed in third. Despite his death in 2009, Jackson’s influence and musical legacy remain undeniable, with his classics dominating major streaming platforms like Apple Music, iTunes, YouTube, Shazam, and Deezer, while he narrowly trailed Bieber on Spotify.

This resurgence of Michael Jackson’s music highlights the enduring appeal of his catalog, which continues to capture the attention of both old fans and new listeners. Jackson’s popularity has remained competitive with today's chart-toppers, a testament to his lasting impact on the music industry.

The Michael biopic, which had been in production for over three years, was finally released in cinemas with Jaafar Jackson, the late pop star's nephew, playing the lead role. The film also stars Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca, further fueling interest in the late icon’s life and career.

Despite being based on decades-old music, Michael Jackson's tracks have remained relevant, proving that his artistry continues to resonate globally. This resurgence places Jackson at the forefront of the music scene once again, showing that some artists never truly fade from the spotlight.