“Billie Jean” blocks “Beat It” from becoming another No. 1 hit on Billboard’s R&B Streaming Songs chart as it holds in first place for a thirteenth frame. AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – NOVEMBER 10: Michael Jackson performs on stage during is “HIStory” world tour concert at Ericsson Stadium November 10, 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
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Throughout much of the spring and summer of 2026, Michael Jackson has posthumously ruled one Billboard chart more often than not. His music has performed incredibly well following the release of his self-titled biopic, and his name has found its way back to the summit on a handful of rankings. A number of his most famous compositions have also either debuted on lists they had never seen before or risen to previously unknown peaks, as 2026 has been huge for his catalog.
One track, though, has stood out as an especially sturdy leader. “Billie Jean” is once again in control of a streaming tally in America, and as it earns another stay in the highest space possible, it blocks yet another tune from the late superstar from finally hitting No. 1.
Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” Reaches 13 Weeks at No. 1
“Billie Jean” is steady at No. 1 on the R&B Streaming Songs chart this week. The ranking details the most-played R&B tracks in the United States on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music. The decades-old smash has now spent a lucky 13 weeks in charge.
Michael Jackson Blocks “Beat It” From No. 1
Last week, Jackson’s “Chicago,” a non-single that went viral and became a true hit earlier this year, sat at its all-time high of No. 2. This frame, it is replaced in the runner-up space by another favorite from the King of Pop.
“Beat It” rises to No. 2 on the R&B Streaming Songs tally for the first time, establishing a new peak as it surges. The track is now the latest Jackson hit to come within one rung of ruling the ranking, only to be blocked by “Billie Jean.”
Michael Jackson Has Three No. 2-Peaking Hits
“Beat It” becomes the third Jackson track to peak at No. 2 on the R&B Streaming Songs roster. All three of those near-winners — “Beat It,” “Human Nature” and “Chicago” — have missed out on ruling by one space in 2026.
“Human Nature” was the first to reach the runner-up rung, climbing to that position in mid-May. In early June, “Chicago” rose to the same spot, and it has returned to No. 2 multiple times. Now “Beat It” joins that group.
Michael Jackson Has Scored Three No. 1 Hits
Jackson now claims as many No. 1 hits on the R&B Streaming Songs chart as tracks that have stalled at No. 2. “Thriller” spent five weeks in charge of the ranking. “Don’t Matter to Me,” his posthumously-released duet with Drake, debuted in the penthouse during the summer of 2018 before slipping away.
Michael Jackson Lays Claim to Six of 15 Spaces
In many ways, Jackson is the king of the R&B Streaming Songs chart this week. The tally features only 15 spaces, and half a dozen of them belong to the Grammy winner.
As “Billie Jean” and “Beat It” occupy the highest two positions, “Chicago” falls to No. 4. “Human Nature” holds at No. 7, while “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” improves one space to No. 12.
“Rock With You” reenters the roster at No. 15, in last place. The classic previously soared as high as No. 7, and it is counted among Jackson’s even dozen top 10 smashes on the R&B Streaming Songs ranking.