Michael Jackson scores posthumous win 17 years after he died

Music Jornalist Alison Jones 16th October 2026

The King of Pop Michael Jackson Claims Best-Selling Album of 2026 So Far, 17 Years After His Death

Pop Royality Michael Jackson has topped the UK’s best-selling album chart for 2026 so far, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the King of Pop, 17 years after his death.

According to the reported figures, *The Essential Michael Jackson*, the 38-track greatest-hits compilation originally released in 2005, has sold more than 508,000 units across physical sales, downloads and streaming.

The album is leading the race at the end of the third quarter, beating releases by some of today’s biggest artists, including Olivia Dean and Harry Styles. Olivia Dean’s *The Art of Loving* sits in second place, while Harry Styles’ *Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally* occupies third. Fleetwood Mac’s *50 Years – Don’t Stop* ranks fourth, followed by Olivia Rodrigo’s *You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love* in fifth.

The remainder of the top ten includes *The Highlights* by The Weeknd, *+ – = ÷x (Tour Collection)* by Ed Sheeran, *The Great Divide* by Noah Kahan, *You’ll Be Alright, Kid (Chapter 1)* by Alex Warren and Oasis’ *Time Flies: 1994–2009*.

Jackson’s success extends beyond his greatest-hits collection. His iconic 1982 album *Thriller* has climbed to number 16, while his 1987 album *Bad* sits at number 20. The resurgence in Jackson’s music has reportedly been boosted by the release of *Michael*, a biographical film about the singer’s life and career. Released in April, the film stars Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew, in the leading role. The production explores the singer’s journey from his early days with the Jackson Five to his rise as one of the world’s most successful entertainers. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, known for *Training Day* and *The Equalizer*, the film also features Colman Domingo and Miles Teller.

Fuqua praised Jaafar’s performance, highlighting not only his physical resemblance to his uncle but also his ability to capture the late singer’s spirit. The film’s release was reportedly delayed from the previous year following legal issues that required reshoots and script revisions. Although Michael Jackson’s estate approved the project, his daughter Paris Jackson publicly distanced herself from the film, raising concerns about what she described as inaccuracies and fabricated content.

The singer who died in June 2009, aged 50, from acute propofol intoxication. His personal physician, Dr Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the singer’s death. More than 17 years later, Jackson’s continued chart success demonstrates the lasting influence of his music and the ability of renewed public interest to introduce his catalogue to another generation of listeners. With *The Essential Michael Jackson* reportedly leading the UK’s best-selling album race for 2026, the late superstar continues to compete with contemporary artists and remains a major force in the music industry long after his death.