Harry Styles has been labelled "the new King of Pop" and the internet has thoughts

23 August 2022, 16:37

Harry Styles explains what Watermelon Sugar is actually about

By Sam Prance

Michael Jackson's nephew Tai Jackson has even called out people who think that Harry Styles deserves the title.

Harry Styles has been labelled the "new King of Pop" by Rolling Stone UK and it's safe to say that the internet has thoughts.

Throughout music history, Michael Jackson has widely been regarded as the King of Pop. While his career has been plagued by controversy and child sexual abuse allegations, few singers have come close to Michael in terms of commercial success and impact. Michael was dubbed the King of Pop shortly after Thriller came out and the label has stuck with him since.

However, Rolling Stone UK have now published an interview in which they refer to Harry Styles as the "new King of Pop".

READ MORE: Harry Styles says the gay sex scenes in My Policeman are not like other gay sex scenes

In the years since Michael passed away in 2009, there has often been debate as to whether he has a successor as the King of Pop. Some people think that artists like The Weeknd, Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber are worthy of the crown. However, others think that their accomplishments in pop don't really come close to what Michael achieved as a musician.

Yesterday (Aug 22), Rolling Stone UK unveiled their October/November issue with Harry on the cover and the title: "Harry Styles: How the new King of Pop set the music world aflame". Naturally, it wasn't long before the internet noticed the headline and it became clear that many people don't think that Harry can be regarded as Michael's successor.

Michael's own nephew Taj Jackson tweeted: "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."

Another person added: "This title belongs to the black man who worked his ass off since the age of 5, who was a veteran by the age of 15, broke racial barriers and revolutionized the music industry. Michael Jackson is THEE King of Pop of EVERY generation."

A Harry fan also wrote: "and the craziest thing is, if you were to tell harry he’s the new king of pop he would 100% deny it. he didn’t ask for this shit."

While there's no denying that Harry is one of the most successful artists in music right now, it's understandable that people don't think that his achievements compare to Michael's. As it stands, Rolling Stone UK are yet to address the backlash. We'll update you if they do.

Read more Harry Styles news:

• Florence Pugh slams coverage of her sex scenes with Harry Styles in Don't Worry Darling
• Harry Styles becomes first member of One Direction to be nominated for prestigious Mercury Prize
• Harry Styles confirms that he wants to do a One Direction reunion
• Every song on Harry's House ranked
• 59 Harry Styles Harry's House lyrics that would make perfect Instagram captions

WATCH: House of the Dragon cast vs. 'The Most Impossible Game of Thrones Quiz'

House Of The Dragon Cast vs. 'The Most Impossible Game of Thrones Quiz' | PopBuzz Meets