Michael Jackson tops UK albums chart for second week, fueled by biopic success, beating Westlife's new No. 2 debut.
- May 17, 2026
AceShowbiz - Michael Jackson continues to dominate the U.K. music scene as his compilation album The Essential Michael Jackson holds the No. 1 spot on the Official Albums Chart for a second consecutive week, dated May 15.
The greatest-hits collection maintains its lead ahead of the new Westlife compilation 25 - The Ultimate Collection, which debuts at No. 2 after initially topping the midweek chart. This release marks the Irish boyband’s 15th top 10 album in the U.K., underscoring their enduring popularity.
The resurgence in sales and streams of Michael Jackson’s catalogue has been largely driven by the success of the recent blockbuster Michael biopic. This renewed interest has propelled The Essential Michael Jackson back to No. 1 for the first time in 17 years on the May 8 chart and now continues its stronghold at the summit.
Other notable entries on the chart include Noah Kahan’s The Great Divide, which climbs one position to No. 3, while Olivia Dean’s The Art of Loving settles at No. 4. Additionally, Michael Jackson places a second album inside the top five, with his iconic 1982 release Thriller rising to No. 5.
Sheffield indie band Reverend and The Makers return to the top 10 with their album Is This How Happiness Feels?, debuting at No. 7. This marks the band’s third U.K. Top 10 entry following their 2007 album The State of Things and 2023’s Heatwave in the Cold North. Frontman Jon McClure shared with the Official Charts Company, "Number 1 Official Independent album and a third Top Ten. Enjoying being a chart veteran!"
Harry Styles’ former chart-topper Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally. re-enters the top 10 at No. 9 ahead of his upcoming Together, Together Tour, which starts this weekend in Amsterdam.
Meanwhile, pop superstar Katy Perry’s greatest hits compilation The One That Got the Plays debuts at No. 13. Her 2010 album Teenage Dream also climbs three spots to No. 36. Billie Eilish’s Hit Me Hard and Soft returns to the top 40, placing at No. 32.
This latest chart update reflects a dynamic mix of legacy artists and rising stars, with Michael Jackson clearly benefitting from the ongoing interest sparked by the Michael film and continuing to capture listeners’ attention across multiple albums.
