Prince vs Michael Jackson

Prince vs Michael Jackson is the ultimate '80s pop rivalry - two of the greatest entertainers of all time, both at the absolute peak of their powers, battling for the title of the King of Pop.

The Setup

Both were child prodigies who became superstars in the late '70s/early '80s. Both were Black artists who transcended racial barriers and dominated MTV. Both were genius-level talents - incredible performers, dancers, and musical innovators. The comparisons were inevitable, and both were competitive enough to feel them.

The Differences

Michael Jackson was the bigger commercial force - Thriller is the best-selling album of all time. He was more universally beloved, with that childlike persona and broader appeal. He was a performer and collaborator who worked with the best producers (Quincy Jones).

Prince was the musical genius who played all the instruments, produced everything himself, and was more prolific and sexually provocative. He was funkier, weirder, more adult-oriented. Where Michael was PG-rated spectacle, Prince was rated R intimacy.

The Rivalry

There was definitely real competitive tension:

- The famous story: they were at a James Brown concert together in the mid-'80s. James called them both on stage. Prince supposedly started playing guitar, trying to show up Michael, and there was this awkward competitive energy.
- Prince turned down "Bad" - the duet with Michael Jackson that ended up being just an MJ solo track. Prince reportedly thought the lyrics ("Your butt is mine") were too aggressive/gay-coded, but some speculate he just didn't want to share the spotlight or be seen as Michael's sidekick.
- Both were intensely private and competitive. Prince would make sly comments about Michael in interviews, never directly attacking but suggesting his own superiority as a musician.
- Michael's team was aware of Prince as the main threat to MJ's dominance.

Chart Battles

Throughout the '80s, they were constantly compared:
- Thriller (1982) vs 1999 (1982) and Purple Rain (1984)
- Bad (1987) vs Sign o' the Times (1987)

Michael sold more, but Prince had critical respect and was seen as the more complete musician. MJ had the moonwalk and the videos; Prince had the guitar solos and the raw sexuality.

Mutual Respect (Sort Of)

They apparently respected each other's talent but were never friends. There are stories of brief encounters that were polite but awkward - two alphas sizing each other up.

Prince seemed more openly competitive, while Michael's rivalry was quieter but definitely there. Michael wanted to be the biggest; Prince wanted to be recognized as the most talented.

Different Trajectories

Michael's later career was marred by scandals, bizarre behavior, and tragedy, though his legend only grew after his death in 2009.

Prince maintained artistic credibility, continued releasing music prolifically (even if not always commercially successful), and his 2016 death revealed just how beloved and respected he was.

The Verdict

Who won? Depends what you value:

- Commercial success and cultural impact? Michael Jackson
- Musical artistry and versatility? Prince
- Live performance? Both were incredible in different ways

Most fans today acknowledge both as equals - two once-in-a-generation talents who pushed each other and defined an era. The rivalry gave us better music from both.

The real answer: we all won because we got to witness both of them in their prime.

114.3bn all-time streams (2 Nov '25)

13.4bn all-time streams (11 Nov '25)