Thriller 2026: Why is Gen Z moonwalking to Michael Jackson?

Michael Jackson's legacy continues to captivate new generations, with his music and influence dominating global charts and cultural conversations. Despite passing away in 2009, Jackson has reached #1 on Spotify's 'Daily Top Artists Global' chart for the first time in history, achieving historic streaming peaks and surpassing contemporary artists like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. The biopic 'Michael', directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jaafar, Jackson's nephew, has accelerated this obsession, focusing on Jackson's intense desire for perfection. The film has grossed over $217 million globally in its opening weekend, becoming the highest-grossing biopic opening ever. It has also crossed $700 million globally in four weeks, challenging the all-time music biopic record previously held by 'Bohemian Rhapsody'. Jackson's music has seen a significant resurgence, with 'Billie Jean' breaking history again by becoming the oldest solo catalog song to top the Billboard Global 200 chart. His compilation album 'The Essential Michael Jackson' has also exploded, shooting from #12 to #1 on the Official UK Albums Streaming Chart for the first time in his career. Gen Z fans talk about Jackson as the ultimate 'triple threat': a singer of exceptional range and technical ability, a dancer of almost impossible physical precision, and a performer of total, consuming commitment. The conversation on social media around Jackson is remarkably consistent in what it identifies, with fans praising his talent and legacy. Jackson's historic 1996 visit to Mumbai marked his only concert in India, held on November 1, 1996, at the Andheri Sports Complex as part of the HIStory World Tour. The meeting with the late Shiv Sena leader Balasaheb Thackeray at his residence, Matoshree, was a major highlight of the trip. Michael Jackson's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations, with his music and influence showing no signs of fading. His impact on popular culture is undeniable, and his story continues to captivate audiences around the world.