While his life ended shrouded in a lot of controversies, there’s no denying that Michael Jackson had a huge impact on the music world. His music defined the 80s and 90s and helped shape the sound of pop music for a whole generation.
And while no one is quite like MJ, if you love his music and want to find some similar artists, where do you look?
Well, in this post, we’ve put together a list of 13 amazing singers like Michael Jackson who have managed to channel his spirit through their talent, musical influence, and the energy of his live performances. Let’s get started!
1. Beyoncé
A powerhouse in the music industry, Beyoncé stands among the greatest performers of all time. With a unique voice and mesmerizing dance moves reminiscent of Michael Jackson, she has become an inspiration for aspiring artists today.
One interesting fact about Beyoncé is that she formed a girl group at just nine years old, where she developed her skills in singing and songwriting. This early exposure set her up for superstardom later on in life.
When it comes to singers who embody both extraordinary vocals and sensational dance abilities like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé unquestionably reigns supreme. Her talent and artistry continue to captivate the world, cementing her legacy as an iconic figure in music.
2. Usher
The American R&B singer Usher rose to fame after being discovered at a local talent show in Atlanta when he was only 13. Known for his smooth moves on stage, Usher attributes much of his dancing prowess to the influences of dance legends like Michael Jackson.
As an artist who values collaboration, Usher has worked with big names in the music industry, like Nicki Minaj and JAY-Z. Notably, one of his most significant achievements was performing alongside Michael Jackson—an experience that undoubtedly profoundly impacted him professionally and personally.
While many artists have drawn comparisons to Michael Jackson over their careers, few can claim as strong a connection as Usher does through direct mentorship and shared experiences within entertainment culture, such as R&B music; Usher shares many similarities with Jackson.
3. Prince
The musical genius and icon from Minnesota Prince have left an indelible imprint on the music world with his unmatched talent and innovative approach. Like the legendary Michael Jackson, Prince was a prodigious artist, displaying remarkable musical abilities from a young age.
Breaking into the scene in the late 1970s, Prince quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with. His distinct sound—blending funk, rock, pop, and R&B elements—defied genre boundaries and captivated audiences worldwide. Hits like “Purple Rain” and “When Doves Cry” showcased his songwriting skills and ability to convey raw emotions through music.
Prince’s musical style was characterized by his virtuosic talent as a multi-instrumentalist and electrifying stage presence. He fused elements of rock guitar solos, soulful vocals, and provocative lyrics, creating a unique sonic experience that resonated with listeners.
4. Justin Timberlake
Another extraordinary force in pop music has undoubtedly solidified his position as one of the most influential artists of our generation: Justin Timberlake. Much like the legendary Michael Jackson, Timberlake showcased his musical talent from a young age.
Drawing inspiration from iconic figures like George Michael and the incomparable Michael Jackson himself, Justin seamlessly weaves elements of their artistry into his distinctive style.
Timberlake has produced numerous chart-topping hits that have captivated audiences worldwide throughout his career. His solo debut single, “Like I Love You,” proved that his music transcends genres and stands the test of time.
5. Bruno Mars
Peter Gene Hernandez, known to the world as Bruno Mars, is a multi-talented performer compared to the late Michael Jackson for his musical talent and performance skills.
Bruno’s music combines elements of pop, R&B, funk, soul, and rock, making him one of the most versatile artists in recent history. Besides his exceptional singing abilities, Mars is known for his iconic fashion sense, often drawing inspiration from Jackson’s style.
Many tribute acts have sprung up worldwide, emulating both Michael Jackson and Bruno Mars’ unique styles, indicating their lasting impact on pop culture today.
6. Madonna
Pop music icon Madonna has etched her name in music history through her unparalleled talent and fearless approach to pushing boundaries. Like the legendary Michael Jackson, Madonna’s journey to superstardom was marked by her relentless drive and transformative impact on the industry.
Ascending to prominence in the 1980s, Madonna quickly captivated audiences with her infectious hits and provocative image. With songs like “Like a Virgin” and “Material Girl,” she became the voice of a generation, challenging societal norms and sparking conversations on gender empowerment.
Her impact on popular music and the pursuit of creative freedom parallels that of Michael Jackson, making her a legend who has shaped music history.
7. Britney Spears
Our next pop culture icon is from Mississippi and is known for her electrifying performances and catchy music. Nicknamed the Princess of Pop, Britney Spears has often been compared to Michael Jackson, with both artists starting their careers young and focusing on dancing in their shows.
Following her successful debut, Spears continued to dominate the music scene with her sophomore album, Oops!… I Did It Again in 2000. The album’s title track became another massive hit, showcasing her ability to deliver catchy pop tunes that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Throughout the early 2000s, Spears released several more successful albums, including Britney in 2001 and In the Zone in 2003, which charting hits like “Toxic” and “Me Against the Music” (featuring Madonna).
8. Chris Brown
A talented musician and dancer from Virginia, Chris Brown often finds himself compared to Michael Jackson. Growing up with Jackson as his idol, Brown drew inspiration from him in developing his unique style.
Even fellow rapper Fivio Foreign acknowledged Brown’s similarities to Jackson by referring to him as the “Michael Jackson of their generation.” This recognition speaks volumes about Brown’s ability to captivate and entertain like his iconic predecessor.
From his breakthrough single “Run It!” to the infectious dance-pop anthem “Forever,” Brown’s music showcases his versatility and ability to deliver memorable tracks that resonate with listeners.
9. Lady Gaga
Known for her boundary-pushing artistry, Lady Gaga has captivated audiences with her mesmerizing performances and fearless approach to music. From her striking fashion choices to her powerful vocals, she has become a symbol of creativity and individuality in the entertainment industry.
Born and raised in New York City, this artist took the world by storm with her debut album, The Fame, released in 2008. The album spawned the chart-topping hits “Just Dance” and “Poker Face,” the latter almost landing a Grammy Song of the Year.
Lady Gaga shares many similarities with Michael Jackson—from their exceptional talent to their status as musical icons revered worldwide. Like Jackson, Lady Gaga has received numerous accolades for her work in music. She has won 13 Grammy Awards with 36 nominations, cementing her place as one of the top singers in the industry today.
10. The Weeknd
The Canadian sensation The Weeknd has taken the music world by storm with his undeniable talent and captivating artistry. Drawing inspiration from music legends like Michael Jackson, Prince, and R. Kelly, his works bear the imprint of these influential artists.
Notably, The Weeknd’s singing style carries echoes of Jackson’s distinctive vocals, showcasing his ability to channel raw emotion and deliver captivating performances. On stage, he commands attention while exuding a charisma that captivates audiences worldwide.
The Weeknd’s music blends genres and seamlessly weaves elements of R&B, pop, and electronic sounds, creating a distinct sonic landscape that’s uniquely his own. He honors the legacy passed down from icons like Michael Jackson while fearlessly carving his own path.
11. Janet Jackson
Michael Jackson’s sister Janet Jackson is also a pop icon and known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious music. She started her career alongside her family in the 1970s on The Jacksons variety show.
Janet quickly made a name for herself with hits like “Nasty” and “Rhythm Nation,” which addressed social issues such as racism and poverty. Moreover, her musical style blended pop, R&B, funk, and rock influences to create something uniquely hers.
Janet Jackson’s remarkable career, marked by socially conscious music, genre-blending artistry, and unwavering resilience, places her in the same echelon as her brother Michael Jackson.
12. Jason Derulo
Our next artist is from Florida, and like Michael Jackson, he is a pop singer, songwriter, and dancer. Jason Derulo was born to Haitian parents and grew up listening to Jackson’s music. Pop, R&B, and hip-hop genres mainly influence his music.
Inspired by Jackson and MC Hammer, Jason started taking an interest in singing and dancing at a very young age. His smooth vocals, combined with his innovative dance routines, make him an electrifying performer on stage.
With hits like “Talk Dirty,” “Whatcha Say,” and “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat),” he has shown that he can deliver chart-topping music consistently while maintaining his unique signature sound.
13. Ne-Yo
Closing this list is Ne-Yo, a successful American singer, songwriter, and record producer. His talent has solidified his position as one of the most accomplished R&B musicians of our time, with chart-topping hits that have resonated worldwide.
Influenced by pop icons like Michael Jackson, Blackstreet, and Usher, Ne-Yo recognizes the profound impact Jackson had on contemporary music. His career has thrived through his hits and noteworthy collaborations with other artists such as Britney Spears, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, and the late Whitney Houston.
Those interested in checking out his discography should “Time of Our Lives,” “Let Me Love You (Until You Learn to Love Yourself),” “Miss Independent,” and “So Sick,” the latter of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Summing Up Our List Of Singers Like Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s influence has inspired many musical performers over the years, from Justin Timberlake to Lady Gaga. As an iconic figure in the music industry, the title of King of Pop that he holds is certainly justifiable.
While no artist can replicate Jackson’s distinctive style, the 13 singers mentioned above have been influenced by his artistry, carving their own paths in the music world. Their work stands as a testament to the enduring impact of Jackson’s musical legacy.
