The King of Pop is back on top.
More than 15 years after his passing, Michael Jackson has reclaimed the No. 1 spot on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart with The Essential Michael Jackson, fueled by renewed global interest surrounding the release of the highly anticipated biopic Michael.
The chart-topping compilation climbs back to the summit for the first time since 2009, when it dominated for seven consecutive weeks following Jackson’s death. The renewed surge comes after the biopic opened to record-breaking numbers in theaters, introducing a new generation to MJ’s legendary catalog while longtime fans revisit timeless classics.
And it doesn’t stop there.
Jackson’s iconic 1982 masterpiece Thriller jumps to No. 6, while Bad rockets five places to No. 8 — marking the first time the album has appeared inside the U.K. top 10 in 14 years.
Kneecap Scores Career-Best Chart Position
Irish rap trio Kneecap came close to claiming the top spot with sophomore album Fenian debuting at No. 2. The group — made up of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí — continues its rapid rise after 2024’s Fine Art peaked at No. 42.
Despite narrowly missing No. 1, the trio dominated the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, selling the most vinyl records in the U.K. this week.
Melanie C Achieves Solo Career High
Meanwhile, Melanie C celebrates a major solo milestone as her ninth studio album Sweat debuts at No. 3.
The achievement surpasses the No. 4 peak of her 1999 debut Northern Star, giving the former Spice Girls member the highest-charting solo album among all Spice Girls members to date.
Other Major Movers on the Chart
Last week’s chart champion, Noah Kahan, slips to No. 4 with The Great Divide, while Olivia Dean lands at No. 5 with The Art of Loving.
Country star Kacey Musgraves earns her fourth U.K. top 10 album as Middle of Nowhere arrives at No. 7.
Elsewhere, Tori Amos secures her highest-charting release in over a decade with In Times of Dragons debuting at No. 13.
Afrobeats superstar Asake scores another top 40 entry with M$ney at No. 27, while The Black Keys enter at No. 33 with covers project Peaches!.
Swedish pop favorite Zara Larsson also returns to the top 40 as the remix edition of Midnight Sun pushes the album back up the chart.
A Legacy That Refuses to Fade
Few artists in music history have demonstrated the lasting cultural power of Michael Jackson. Decades after redefining pop music, his catalog continues to dominate streaming platforms, influence modern artists, and unite audiences across generations.
With the Michael biopic reigniting worldwide interest, the King of Pop’s return to No. 1 proves once again that legends never truly leave the spotlight.