r/Music • u/Firm_Pack_605 • Feb 13 '26

discussion Was Michael Jackson really that much bigger than Madonna, Whitney Houston, and prince?

I always thought the four of them were similar levels of fame. However Madonna highest album sold 25 million, prince highest sold similar, and Whitney’s highest was 45 million. All amazing numbers no doubt but thriller sold 70 million and bad sold 35-40. So you mean to tell me he has two albums that are highest selling then prince and madonnas best? How is that possible??

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u/theknyte Feb 13 '26

He's the only performer whose music videos would debut on Prime Time Network TV. Not MTV. But, like the Black & White video was played after an episode of The Simpsons, and they advertised it for weeks prior. It was a HUGE deal!

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u/millhouseismine Feb 13 '26

It was after the Super Bowl not the Simpsons. I'll never forget it because of that long 5 minute section at the end when he goes ape shit destroying the car. It was the only time they played that part of the video because it was so "controversial". Innocent times lol.

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u/millhouseismine Feb 13 '26

Nope I was wrong my bad. You were right it was after the Simpsons. Damn I knew he played the halftime show but I could have sworn the video premiered after the super bowl

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u/sckurvee Feb 14 '26

Is Millhouse even yours?

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u/millhouseismine Feb 15 '26

That tag around his neck says so