Billboard Global Charts: Justin Bieber Retains #1; These Are Top Artists

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The latest Billboard Global charts (dated May 16, 2026) show a mix of 2010s nostalgia, K-pop dominance, and a massive resurgence for the King of Pop. While Justin Bieber continues his global reign, the real story lies in the “biopic boost” currently fueling Michael Jackson’s legendary catalog.

Global 200: Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj Hold the Crown

Justin Bieber’s “Beauty and a Beat,” featuring Nicki Minaj, celebrates its second consecutive week at No. 1 on the Billboard Global 200.

  • Performance: The track earned 59.2 million streams and 2,000 sales worldwide during the May 1–7 tracking period.
  • The Coachella Factor: The song’s resurgence is largely credited to Bieber’s performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April, reminding global audiences of the 2013 hit.

The “Michael” Biopic Effect

Following the April 24 premiere of the biopic Michael, Jackson’s hits are flooding the charts at levels not seen since the digital era began.

  • “Billie Jean” jumped 8–4 (48.1 million streams).
  • “Beat It” bounded 16–7 (36.9 million streams).
  • Historical Context: These are Jackson’s first-ever Top 10 hits on the Global 200 since the chart’s inception in 2020.

Global Excl. U.S.: BTS Returns to the Top

While Bieber rules the total global tally, BTS has reclaimed the lead outside of the United States.

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  • “Swim” rebounded 2–1 for its fifth non-consecutive week atop the Global Excl. U.S. chart.
  • The track pulled in 50 million streams outside the U.S. this week, proving its massive international staying power even as Bieber’s U.S. numbers keep him higher on the combined chart.

Top 5 Snapshots (Charts dated May 16, 2026)

Billboard Global 200

RankSongArtist(s)Status
1“Beauty and a Beat”Justin Bieber ft. Nicki MinajHolds at #1
2“Swim”BTSHolds at #2
3“Billie Jean”Michael JacksonUp from #8
4“Dracula”Tame Impala & JENNIEHolds at #4
5“Drop Dead”Olivia RodrigoDown from #3

Billboard Global Excl. U.S.

RankSongArtist(s)Status
1“Swim”BTSUp from #2
2“Beauty and a Beat”Justin Bieber ft. Nicki MinajDown from #1
3“Billie Jean”Michael JacksonUp from #6
4“Dracula”Tame Impala & JENNIEDown from #3
5“Beat It”Michael JacksonUp from #12

Analysis & Trends

  • Catalog Dominance: Between Bieber’s 2013 hit and Jackson’s 1983 classics, the Global 200 is currently leaning heavily into “heritage” tracks amplified by live events and film.
  • Collaborations Stay Strong: JENNIE and Tame Impala’s “Dracula” remains a top-tier contender, maintaining a top 5 position for several weeks.
  • Next Update: These charts will officially refresh on Billboard.com on Tuesday, May 12.
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