Michael Jackson has been replaced by Harry Style as the ‘new King of Pop’.
The ‘Billie Jean’ singer – who tragically died aged 50 in 2009 – is widely regarded as one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century.
Throughout his career, Jackson was awarded 13 Grammy Awards, six Brit Awards, five Billboard Music Awards, and 24 American Music Awards.
Plus, he holds 20 Guinness Records.
While Styles, 29, shot to fame on The X Factor in the boyband group One Direction.
He’s since gone on to become a solo artist and has dropped three studio albums.
Although Styles has a huge fanbase and has won three Grammy Awards throughout his career, people aren’t happy that he’s now being dubbed the ‘new King of Pop’.
The controversy began when Rolling Stone published an article with a bold headline:
“Harry Styles: How the New King of Pop Set the Music World Aflame.”
While a younger generation may feel Styles has earned the title, not everyone is on board.
In fact, Michael Jackson’s family has voiced their disapproval, condemning the title.
Retweeting the Rolling Stone cover on X (formerly Twitter), Michael Jackson’s nephew Taj responded:
“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.”
He added, “No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega-talented.”
Taj then suggested that Styles should be given “his own unique title” rather than taking on his uncle’s legendary crown.
Taj’s post has been retweeted over 11,600 times, with thousands of people expressing agreement in the comments.
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 added, “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 endured to get to where they are. It’s retired.”
A third commented, “Well said, Taj! The King of Pop title belongs to your uncle and him only.”
However, some are defending Styles’ new title.
“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,” one person argued.
Another user simply said, “He is the new King of Pop, deal with it.”
