Michael Jackson’s Classic Hit Single Dances To A New Chart Peak

BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentMichael Jackson’s Classic Hit Single Dances To A New Chart PeakByHugh McIntyre,Senior Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts.Follow AuthorApr 26, 2026, 08:00am EDTMichael Jackson's "Beat It" and his Number Ones compilation both reach new peaks on different Billboard charts before his biopic arrived in theaters. LANDOVER, UNITED STATES: American pop music star Michael Jackson sings 13 October 1988 at the Capital Center in Landover, Maryland. AFP PHOTO/Luke FRAZZA (Photo credit should read LUKE FRAZZA/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesThe next few weeks will likely be huge for Michael Jackson on the Billboard charts. His self-titled musical biopic, the long-awaited Michael, hit theaters on Friday (April 24), and it seems like it's headed for a huge opening weekend at the box office. Michael comes accompanied with a soundtrack of the same name, which may launch on multiple charts after its first full tracking week finishes. Before that title arrives, interest in Jackson's catalog has grown considerably, and multiple songs and albums will likely find their way back to several rosters – and some may even hit new highs or debut on tallies they've never appeared on before. Jackson's fans got a head start on supporting the music he left behind before the movie arrived, and this week, both a smash by Jackson and one of his most beloved compilations climb to never-before-seen peaks on different Billboard charts.Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” Reaches a New PeakOnly two singles by Michael Jackson appear on any tally published by the music magazine and chart compiler, and one which only lives on one roster establishes a new high. "Beat It" reenters the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. at No. 163. In only its third turn on that ranking, the classic Thriller cut sits higher than at any point in the...