Harry Styles has been hailed by some as the “new King of Pop,” taking over a title long associated with Michael Jackson.
Michael Jackson, the legendary “Billie Jean” singer who tragically passed away at the age of 50 in 2009, remains one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century.
Over his illustrious career, Jackson earned an impressive array of accolades, including 13 Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and 24 American Music Awards.
Michael Jackson also holds 20 Guinness World Records, further cementing his legendary status.
In contrast, Harry Styles, 29, first rose to fame on The X Factor as a member of the boyband One Direction. Since then, he has transitioned into a successful solo career, releasing three studio albums to date.
Although Harry Styles boasts a massive fanbase and has won three Grammy Awards during his career, many fans are unhappy with him being labeled the “new King of Pop,” a title synonymous with Michael Jackson’s legacy.
Although Harry Styles boasts a massive fanbase and has won three Grammy Awards during his career, many fans are unhappy with him being labeled the “new King of Pop,” a title synonymous with Michael Jackson’s legacy.
The headline read, “Harry Styles: How the new King of Pop set the music world aflame.”
While younger audiences may feel Styles has earned the title, the claim has sparked controversy. Michael Jackson’s own family has publicly condemned the use of the title, defending his unmatched legacy.
Retweeting the cover on X (formerly known as Twitter), Michael Jackson’s nephew, Taj Jackson, declared: “There is no new King of Pop.”
Taj Jackson continued his post, addressing Rolling Stone: “You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it—my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired.”
He clarified there was no ill will toward Styles, adding: “No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega-talented.”
Taj then proposed that Harry Styles should be given his own distinctive title rather than inheriting his uncle’s.
“There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it—my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title.” [Link]
Taj’s tweet has been shared over 11,600 times, with thousands of people commenting in support of his message.
One person tweeted: “I’m a huge Harry Styles fan, but no. He is not the new King of Pop. There is no new King of Pop.”
Another responded, “100% agree. When Michael Jackson left this world, the title of King of Pop left with him.
“It’s an insult to give that label to anyone, considering the struggles the Jackson family went through to get to where they are. The title is retired.”
A third person commented, “Well said, Taj!! The King of Pop title is owned by your uncle and him only.”
However, some have defended Styles being given the title, with one person arguing, “I mean… let’s use context clues… The NEW King of Pop… which means there was/is a FIRST King of Pop… which is your uncle. We all know this. Let people also shine.”
Another user chimed in, saying, “He is the new King of Pop, deal with it.”
