Fez — Michael Jackson has returned to the top of the global digital conversation, reaching No. 1 on Kworb’s “Global Digital Artist Ranking” as renewed attention around his music continues to grow after the release of the biopic “Michael.”
Kworb’s ranking for today, May 4, placed Jackson at No. 1 with more than 10,000 points, ahead of Justin Bieber, BTS, Bad Bunny, and Taylor Swift. The ranking tracks digital performance across several platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify, iTunes, YouTube, Shazam, and Deezer.
The jump comes during a major revival of interest in Jackson’s catalog. Associated Press (AP) reported that Jackson’s US streams rose 95% after the opening weekend of “Michael,” climbing from 16.3 million to 31.7 million streams compared with the previous weekend, according to Luminate data.
A biopic-driven comeback
The renewed momentum is closely tied to “Michael,” this year’s biographical film about Jackson’s life and career. The film opened in the US on April 24 and brought the singer’s music back into public conversation across streaming platforms, charts, and social media.
AP reported that the film had a strong opening at the US box office, while Jackson’s catalog saw immediate gains on streaming platforms. The Jackson 5 also benefited from the wave, with their streams rising 85% over the same period.
The comeback is not limited to one song. Jackson had multiple tracks moving across global digital platforms, with “Billie Jean” again emerging as one of the strongest performers. Kworb’s worldwide iTunes song chart listed “Billie Jean” inside the global top 10 today.
The catalog refuses to age out
Jackson’s rise is striking because it comes nearly 17 years after his death in 2009. In a digital market dominated by active stars, viral releases, and fast-moving fanbases, his return to No. 1 shows the staying power of a catalog built around songs such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” “Thriller,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Man in the Mirror.”
His albums are also benefiting from the revival. Kworb’s worldwide iTunes album chart listed “Thriller,” “Number Ones,” and “Michael: Songs From The Motion Picture” among high-ranking releases, showing that listeners are returning to both classic albums and the new film soundtrack.
That matters because Jackson’s current momentum is not built only on nostalgia. Younger audiences discovering him through the film are entering a catalog that already shaped global pop, dance, music videos, fashion, and stage performance.
