Michael Jackson returns to the top spot as Melanie C breaks Spice Girls records
Written by WorldOneFm on May 9, 2026
The legacy of the King of Pop has reached a new milestone this week as The Essential Michael Jackson moonwalks back to Number 1 on the UK Official Albums Chart. This resurgence marks the first time the career-spanning hits compilation has held the top position in seventeen years. The renewed interest follows the release of the highly anticipated biopic Michael, which has sparked a massive surge in streaming and sales across Jackson’s entire discography. Beyond the hits collection, the seminal 1982 album Thriller has climbed to Number 6, while 1987’s Bad has returned to the Top 10 for the first time in over a decade, landing at Number 8.
While Jackson dominates the summit, the chart is alive with contemporary success stories. Belfast trio KNEECAP have secured a career-best with their second studio album, FENIAN, which debuts at Number 2. The project has also claimed the top spot on the Official Vinyl Albums Chart, proving the group’s significant physical appeal among fans.
The week also belongs to Melanie C, who has made Spice Girls history with her ninth studio album, Sweat. Entering the charts at Number 3, the record has become the highest-charting solo album of her career, surpassing the peak of her 1999 debut, Northern Star. This achievement also sets a new benchmark for the Spice Girls as a collective, outperforming the previous solo peaks of Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton. Expressing her gratitude to the Official Charts, Melanie C credited her fans for their unwavering support throughout her journey.
The lower rungs of the Top 40 remain equally competitive. Texan country star Kacey Musgraves earned her fourth Top 10 album with Middle Of Nowhere, while Tori Amos secured her highest placement in twelve years with In Times Of Dragons. Additionally, Nigerian artist Asake and global superstar Billie Eilish both secured fresh Top 40 entries, and Zara Larsson’s Midnight Sun returned to the rankings following the release of a new remix collection. This week’s results highlight a unique intersection of cinematic nostalgia and record-breaking modern pop.
Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
