"Charting history is longer than his actual life": Netizens amazed as Michael Jackson becomes first artist to earn Top 10 hits in six separate decades

Photo of Michael JACKSON - Source: Getty
Michael Jackson becomes the first artist with Top 10 hits across six decades on the Billboard Hot 100 (Image via Getty)

Michael Jackson has achieved a new record nearly sixteen years after his death. He has become the first artist ever to score Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 hits in six different decades. His 1982 track "Thriller" re-entered the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 following Halloween 2025. It marks Michael Jackson's re-entry at No. 10 after jumping from No. 32 the previous week.

This significant milestone was confirmed on the Billboard Hot 100 chart dated November 15, 2025. It also coincides with the upcoming 2026 biopic Michael, which is being directed by Antoine Fuqua. The project stars Michael Jackson's nephew Jaafar Jackson in the lead role.

Netizens reacted to Michael Jackson's new achievement, saying:

"his charting history is longer than his actual life 💔 very impressive and sad at the same time"

Internet reactions to Michael Jackson becoming the first artist to earn Top 10 hits in six separate decades

Pop Base took to its official X (formerly Twitter) page to announce that,

"Michael Jackson becomes the first artist in history to chart inside the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 in six distinct decades. (the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s, ‘10s and ‘20s)."

Netizens did not wait long before jumping into the comment section of the X post to share their opinions about Michael Jackson's latest charting milestone. Below are some of their remarks:

"7 consecutive decades if you count the Jackson 5. “I Want You Back” hit the Hot 100’s top 10 on December 27, 1969 (and eventually the no. 1 spot).", noted an X user.
"That longevity just proves his commitment to evolving his sound while keeping that undeniable spark. It’s a masterclass in staying relevant, and a real treat for us folks who love seeing true musical greatness endure.", lauded another.
"They tried to bring Michael Jackson to his knees, but look who is standing, if you please? The #MichaelMovie biopic will show the entire industry what other biopics are supposed to do. We are #MJFam, and we’re Invincible.", commented a third.

Others also chimed in:

"This is a clear sign his music is timeless, & that his legacy continues to thrive, despite the industry's attempts to sabotage him. I hope the biopic really educates & introduces his music to the younger generation too ❤️👑", penned a fan.
"This was Michael Jackson’s final rehearsal for his "This Is It" tour at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on June 24, 2009 just one day before he passed away from cardiac arrest after being given an excessive dose of propofol, a strong anesthetic, the concerts were cancelled following Jackson's death on June 25, 2009, 18 days before the first slated performance. He was 50.", shared another.
"That’s incredible... Michael continues to make history even years after his passing. Six different decades in the Billboard Top 10 is unheard of and shows just how timeless his music really is. His influence did not just shape pop culture; it redefined it across generations. Legends don’t fade... they echo through time. Let’s make the world a better place ♥️", commented a third.

According to Luminate data, "Thriller" drew over 14 million official streams during the Oct. 31–Nov. 6 tracking week. This is a 57% increase from the prior week. The track also reached an estimated 9.3 million in radio airplay audience and sold roughly 3,000 digital copies in the United States.

This year's chart run brings the song's total to 26 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. It is now Jackson's longest-charting single, surpassing both "Billie Jean" and "Beat It." With this, Jackson has now had Top 10 hits in the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.

Before Jackson's new record, the previous benchmark was held by Andy Williams, who achieved Top 10 hits across five decades before he died in 2012.


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Edited by Gourab Kundu