Michael Jackson returns to no. 1 global chart, surpassing Ariana Grande

The late Michael Jackson has returned to the top of global music charts, overtaking contemporary pop star Ariana Grande following a surge in streaming driven by renewed interest in his legacy.

Jackson’s catalog has seen a major spike in popularity on platforms such as Spotify, with younger audiences rediscovering his classic hits after the release of a recent biographical film about the “King of Pop.”

The renewed attention has pushed several of his songs back into global rankings nearly 17 years after his death.

According to global streaming data, Jackson’s tracks climbed to the top of the Spotify Global Top 50 chart with approximately 5.7 million streams, placing him ahead of Grande’s latest release.

Grande’s new track, “Hate That I Made You Love Me,” debuted strongly following its release on May 29, 2026, and currently sits in second place on the same chart with around 5.4 million streams.

The song serves as a lead-up to her upcoming studio album Petals, scheduled for release on July 31, 2026.

Industry observers note that Jackson’s renewed chart dominance reflects the continuing cultural impact of his music, particularly among Gen Z listeners who have been introduced to his work through digital platforms and the recent biopic.

The film has also contributed significantly to his posthumous popularity, reportedly grossing over $800 million worldwide since its theatrical release, with a production budget estimated at $155 million, according to industry data sources.