Michael Jackson’s Smash Single Finally Soars To No. 1
Key takeaways
- Hollywood & Entertainment Michael Jackson’s Smash Single Finally Soars To No. 1By Hugh Mc Intyre,
- Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights.
- Nearly 13 years after it debuted on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales chart — and decades after its release — Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" hits No. 1.
Hollywood & Entertainment Michael Jackson’s Smash Single Finally Soars To No. 1By Hugh Mc Intyre,
Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh Mc Intyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.Follow Author Jun 28, 2026, 12:59pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.Summary Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” finally reaches No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Digital Song Sales chart, nearly 13 years after it first appeared on the ranking. The Thriller classic becomes Jackson’s third leader on the tally, following “Thriller” and his Drake collaboration “Don’t Matter to Me.”
Nearly 13 years after it debuted on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales chart — and decades after its release — Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" hits No. 1. American Pop singer Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) performs on stage at Madison Square Garden during the 'Bad Tour,' New York, New York, March 5, 1988. (Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)Getty ImagesFor decades, several of the singles taken from Michael Jackson's blockbuster album Thriller have been referred to as his biggest, his bestselling and his most popular. Perhaps the most famous of the bunch is "Billie Jean," though many fans may prefer the title track. "Billie Jean" is not just a hit in the singer-songwriter's catalog, but a generation-defining anthem. It's the cut that can more often than not be found on any of Billboard's charts, even during quieter times when it comes to the late musician's work.