"Beauty and a Beat" and "Swim" Claim Top Global Chart Positions, Michael Jackson Classics Surge on Billboard Global 200

Justin Bieber’s chart-topping hit "Beauty and a Beat," featuring Nicki Minaj, has secured its second consecutive week at the pinnacle of the Billboard Global 200. Concurrently, BTS’s evocative track "Swim" has reclaimed its dominant position, marking its fifth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart. This week’s charts also highlight a significant resurgence for two iconic Michael Jackson anthems, "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," which have surged into the top 10 of the Billboard Global 200, a phenomenon directly attributed to the widespread critical and commercial success of the recent biopic, Michael.

The robust performance of these tracks underscores the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of global music consumption. While established hits continue to demonstrate enduring appeal, new releases and legacy tracks, amplified by cultural moments, are consistently challenging for chart supremacy. The data, compiled by Luminate and reflecting streaming and sales figures from over 200 territories worldwide, provides a comprehensive snapshot of international music trends.

Bieber and BTS Maintain Global Dominance

"Beauty and a Beat," a track that first achieved mainstream success in 2013, has demonstrated remarkable longevity, holding strong at the summit of the Billboard Global 200. During the tracking period of May 1-7, the song garnered an impressive 59.2 million streams worldwide, alongside 2,000 in sales. Despite a slight week-over-week dip of 15% in streams and 18% in sales, the track’s sustained popularity is undeniable. Bieber’s recent performances at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival on April 11 and April 18, where "Beauty and a Beat" was a featured part of his setlist on the former date, likely contributed to this enduring appeal. The festival appearances, a significant cultural touchstone in the music industry, often translate into renewed interest in artists’ catalogs.

Meanwhile, BTS’s "Swim" continues its impressive run on the Billboard Global 200, holding firm at the No. 2 position. The song previously enjoyed a four-week reign at No. 1 throughout April, establishing itself as a major force in global music. Its consistent presence in the top tier of the chart signifies the continued global adoration for the K-Pop phenomenon and their ability to connect with a vast international audience. The song’s ability to maintain such high performance metrics even after its initial surge speaks to its widespread appeal and dedicated fanbase.

Michael Jackson’s Classics Reignite Interest

The most striking development on this week’s Billboard Global 200 is the ascendance of two of Michael Jackson’s most celebrated tracks: "Billie Jean" and "Beat It." These timeless hits have entered the top 10, a testament to the enduring power of Jackson’s music and the potent impact of the biographical film Michael. Released on April 24, the biopic has captivated audiences and critics alike, driving a significant resurgence in interest in the King of Pop’s extensive discography.

"Billie Jean," originally a seven-week chart-topper on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 in 1983, has jumped an impressive 8-4 on the Global 200. The track accumulated 48.1 million streams worldwide, experiencing a substantial 31% increase in engagement. Similarly, "Beat It," which spent three weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in the same year, has climbed from the 16th position to No. 7. It registered 36.9 million streams, also seeing a significant 31% surge. Both songs, culled from Jackson’s seminal album Thriller, have now achieved their highest-ever positions on the Billboard Global 200 since its inception in 2020. This marks the first time the legendary artist has had two songs simultaneously within the top 10 of this global tabulation, underscoring the profound and lasting legacy of his musical contributions.

The renewed interest in Michael Jackson’s music is not merely a nostalgic phenomenon; it represents a powerful intersection of contemporary media and timeless artistry. The success of Michael has served as a potent catalyst, introducing his iconic sound and storytelling to a new generation of listeners while rekindling a deep appreciation among long-time fans. The ability of these songs, released over four decades ago, to compete with and even surpass contemporary hits on a global scale is a rare and remarkable achievement.

Global Excl. U.S. Chart Dynamics

On the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart, "Swim" by BTS has ascended to the No. 1 spot, reclaiming its top position with 50 million streams and 3,000 sales outside of the United States. Despite a 9% decrease in streams and a 26% drop in sales week-over-week, the song’s powerful performance demonstrates its widespread popularity beyond American borders.

Following closely, "Beauty and a Beat" has moved to the No. 2 position on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, after holding the top spot for the past two weeks. This slight dip indicates a shift in global listening patterns, with BTS’s track now leading the charge in international markets.

Michael Jackson’s enduring hits also made significant gains on the Global Excl. U.S. chart. "Billie Jean" has climbed to No. 3, accumulating 35.9 million streams outside the U.S., a remarkable 30% increase. "Beat It" has also seen a substantial surge, moving to No. 5 with 27.8 million streams, up 29%. Like on the Global 200, these entries represent Jackson’s first top 10 hits on the Global Excl. U.S. chart, highlighting the universal appeal of his music.

Broader Chart Landscape and Analysis

The top five of the Billboard Global 200 also features other notable tracks. Tame Impala and JENNIE’s collaboration "Dracula" holds steady at No. 4, having previously reached a peak position of No. 2. Olivia Rodrigo’s "Drop Dead" has fallen to No. 5 from its previous No. 3 spot, two weeks after debuting at No. 1. This fluctuation within the top tier of the Global 200 demonstrates the competitive nature of the global music market, with tracks constantly vying for audience attention.

The Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts are meticulously constructed, employing a comprehensive methodology to rank songs based on their worldwide popularity. Luminate, an independent data provider, compiles data from over 200 territories, encompassing streaming activity from both subscription and ad-supported tiers of audio and video music services, as well as digital download sales. This rigorous approach ensures that the charts reflect a true measure of global music consumption. Sales from direct-to-consumer (D2C) websites are excluded to maintain chart integrity and a standardized comparison across all markets.

The latest chart rankings, dated May 16, 2026, were scheduled to be updated on Billboard.com on May 12. Billboard offers its readers access to the top 100 titles on both global charts, with the complete 200-title rankings available through Billboard Pro, the publication’s premium subscription service. For ongoing chart updates and news, readers are encouraged to follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.

The integrity of these charts is paramount, and Luminate, in partnership with Billboard, employs a thorough review process to authenticate all submitted data. Any data deemed suspicious or unverifiable is rigorously examined and removed based on established criteria before final chart calculations are published. This commitment to data accuracy ensures that the Billboard charts remain a trusted and authoritative source for tracking global music trends and artist success.

The current chart performance serves as a compelling indicator of the diverse forces shaping the global music industry. The continued success of established artists like Justin Bieber and global powerhouses like BTS, alongside the remarkable resurgence of legacy acts like Michael Jackson, illustrates the complex interplay of current trends, cultural moments, and the enduring power of well-crafted music. As the industry continues to evolve, these global charts will undoubtedly remain a crucial barometer of what resonates with listeners worldwide.