‘Billie Jean’ remains at the top of global charts over 40 years later
“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson has remarkably made its way back to the top of the Billboard charts over 40 years after its original release. The resurgence of this classic song follows the debut of the “Michael” biopic, a film depicting the early career of the King of Pop, played by Jaafar Jackson as he progresses through his “Bad” album.
The biopic has garnered significant attention, dominating the box office for four consecutive weeks since its release. This success has undoubtedly contributed to the renewed popularity of “Billie Jean,” which has seen a resurgence both in streaming numbers and chart rankings. Previously at No. 65, the song has now claimed the top spot on the Billboard charts after accumulating over 51 million global streams in a week, as reported by Luminate, a data and analytics company specializing in music listening trends.
Setting a new record for the longest climb to No. 1 on the Global 200 Billboard chart, “Billie Jean” reached this feat at the 144-week mark, surpassing Djo’s “End of Beginning,” which achieved No. 1 in its 94th week boosted by the “Stranger Things” finale. Upon its initial release, “Billie Jean” secured the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks, solidifying its place as a monumental hit in music history.
The impact of the biopic extends beyond “Billie Jean,” as other Michael Jackson hits have also seen a resurgence. “Beat It,” another track from the iconic “Thriller” album, broke into the Global 200’s top five, with 39.6 million streams worldwide. The traction gained by these songs is indicative of the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson, despite his passing in 2009.
The release of the biopic has fueled a surge in streams of Michael Jackson’s catalog, with a notable 95% increase during the film’s opening weekend compared to the previous weekend. This spike in interest underscores the lasting impact of Michael Jackson’s music on audiences worldwide, cementing his status as a cultural icon across generations.
In this era of digital streaming dominance, the timeless appeal of “Billie Jean” serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring influence of Michael Jackson’s music. As the song continues to captivate global audiences and make its mark on the contemporary music landscape, it stands as a testament to the unparalleled artistry of the King of Pop and his indelible imprint on popular culture.