Rolling Stone has ignited an intense debate by bestowing the title of ‘King of Pop’ upon 30-year-old music sensation Harry Styles, a name that has been synonymous with Michael Jackson for decades. The unexpected coronation has stirred mixed emotions—while some are thrilled to see Styles receive such a prestigious acknowledgment, others, particularly devoted fans of Michael Jackson and his family, are deeply unsettled by the comparison.
The uproar reached new heights when Prince Jackson, the son of the legendary Michael Jackson, addressed the controversy on Good Morning Britain. Expressing his firm stance on the matter, Prince stated, “I do feel that my father is the King of Pop, and he will always be the King of Pop. That’s something you can’t take away.” His words resonated with many who believe that Michael Jackson’s cultural and musical impact remains unparalleled.
The ‘King of Pop’ title was not something Jackson self-proclaimed; rather, it was a hard-earned accolade given to him by Hollywood royalty. At the 1989 Soul Train Music Awards, the renowned actress Elizabeth Taylor honored Jackson with the title while presenting him with the Heritage Award. By then, Jackson had already spent a quarter of a century revolutionizing the music industry, breaking racial barriers, redefining performance artistry, and dominating global charts. His contributions extended beyond music—his philanthropy, innovative music videos, and iconic dance moves had turned him into an immortal figure in entertainment history.
On the other hand, Harry Styles’ journey to stardom has followed a vastly different trajectory. His music career began in 2010 when he, along with four other talented young singers, was brought together to form One Direction during The X-Factor. While the band achieved astronomical success, Styles only embarked on his solo career in 2017. In just six years, he has managed to carve out a distinct identity in the music world, blending rock, pop, and soulful influences to create his signature sound. However, for many critics, the short span of his independent career does not warrant a title that took Jackson decades to cement.
Prince Jackson doubled down on his perspective during his Good Morning Britain interview, acknowledging Styles’ immense talent while making it clear that his father’s impact is in a league of its own. He remarked, “Harry Styles is an incredible artist. But the ‘King of Pop’ is a title my dad earned in an era when fame and popularity weren’t as easily accessible as they are today.” Prince’s words highlight a fundamental difference between the two artists’ journeys—Michael Jackson’s rise to dominance occurred in a time when social media and streaming services were nonexistent. He had to rely purely on his music, groundbreaking performances, and an almost mythical stage presence to captivate audiences worldwide.
Michael Jackson’s legacy is not just a testament to his success but also to his influence across cultures, generations, and musical genres. He is often grouped with historical figures in entertainment like Elvis Presley and Louis Armstrong—artists who not only excelled in their craft but also redefined the boundaries of the music industry.
Fans of Jackson have taken to social media to express their outrage over the comparison. One passionate fan declared, “There will never be another Michael Jackson.” Another voice echoed the sentiment, stating, “Michael Jackson is the King of Pop, and no one comes near him.” The overwhelming consensus among his supporters is that while Harry Styles is undoubtedly talented, bestowing him with a title so closely associated with an artist of Jackson’s caliber feels misplaced.
However, there are also voices in Styles’ defense, arguing that while he may not be Michael Jackson, he has still made significant contributions to the industry in his own right. A fan commented, “Harry Styles may not be the King of Pop, but he’s a good man.” Others critiqued the reasoning behind his coronation, with one remarking, “Harry Styles is pretty cool, but he needs about 10 songs that you can actually remember.”
Ultimately, this debate highlights the shifting nature of the music industry and the evolving definitions of success and influence. While Styles’ fans celebrate his rapid rise to the top, Jackson’s admirers remain steadfast in their belief that there will never be another artist quite like the original ‘King of Pop.’