The Surprising Ways Michael Jackson Influenced Pop Culture’s Biggest Stars

Michael Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop—he was the spark that ignited the dreams of generations. While his musical genius and revolutionary performances remain legendary, his true impact is best understood through the voices of those he inspired. From Kanye West to Madonna, from The Weeknd to Kobe Bryant, some of the world’s most iconic figures have spoken candidly about how Michael Jackson helped shape their careers, ambitions, and even identities.

Kanye West: “There would be no Kanye without Michael Jackson”
Kanye West has often been regarded as a boundary-pushing force in music and fashion, but even he credits his path to greatness to MJ. “There would be no Kanye West if it wasn’t for Michael Jackson,” Kanye once said, explaining how Jackson’s innovation in music videos and cultural influence gave him a model to emulate. More than a fan, Kanye saw MJ as the blueprint—a figure who showed that Black artists could rule the world and reshape its culture.

The Weeknd: Finding His Voice Through Michael

For The Weeknd, Michael Jackson wasn’t just a hero—he was a vocal inspiration. “Off the Wall made me feel like I could sing,” he said. MJ’s falsetto, style, and genre-blending sound opened a door for The Weeknd to find his voice. From the shimmering suits in “Rock With You” to the emotional depth in every note, Jackson showed that music could be both magical and personal. Today, The Weeknd’s unique fusion of R&B, pop, and synth owes a clear debt to the King of Pop.

Madonna: A Shared Story of Loss and Longing
Madonna, the Queen of Pop, once reflected deeply on MJ’s life, noting how their childhoods shaped their obsessions. “When Michael was six, he became a superstar. He never had a childhood,” she said. Speaking at a tribute, she called him “a hero” whose music “had an extra layer of inexplicable magic.” To her, MJ was more than a peer—he was a soul who shared the pain of fame and the hunger for connection.

Celine Dion: From a Poster on Her Ceiling to Sharing the Stage
Celine Dion grew up with Michael Jackson on her bedroom ceiling—literally. As a young French-speaking girl in Canada, she dreamed of meeting him one day. That dream led her to learn English, chase a singing career, and eventually perform with her idol. When Jackson passed, Dion spoke with raw emotion about honoring his legacy at the Grammys. “We didn’t want to perform. We wanted to carry his message,” she said.

Slash: A Genius Unlike Any Other
Slash, the legendary guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, collaborated with MJ on “Black or White” and “Give In to Me.” Though their relationship was mostly professional, Slash recognized the level of Jackson’s fame—and the isolation that came with it. “There’s famous, and then there’s that kind of famous,” Slash said, describing MJ as a “genius” whose talent was on par with legends like Ray Charles. He admired Michael’s intensity, perfectionism, and drive for excellence.

Kobe Bryant: A Shared Obsession with Greatness
In the world of sports, Michael Jackson also had his fans—none more devoted than Kobe Bryant. The late basketball star spoke about studying MJ’s mindset. “What was he thinking when he created Thriller?” Kobe once asked. He was amazed at Jackson’s 1983 goal of selling 50 million albums—a vision far ahead of its time. Kobe admired Michael’s deliberate study of music’s emotional power, and how he crafted hits not by accident, but by design. “We shared a commitment to greatness,” Kobe said.

More Than a Musician, a Legacy of Inspiration
Each of these stories—whether from music, film, or sports—reveals that Michael Jackson’s reach went far beyond chart-topping hits. He was a role model, a creative benchmark, and a silent mentor to countless stars. His ability to blend artistry with emotion, and to aim for impossible heights, changed the landscape of entertainment forever.

As Kanye pushed the limits of rap, as The Weeknd shaped the sound of modern pop, and as Kobe chased greatness on the court, they all carried a piece of MJ’s legacy with them. They didn’t just admire Michael—they were moved by him, transformed by his vision, and determined to follow in his footsteps.

Michael Jackson’s influence wasn’t just about dance moves or music videos. It was about daring to dream. He showed that greatness was possible, that magic could be real, and that one person could inspire the world. To this day, his legacy lives on—not just in record books, but in the hearts and careers of those he helped to shape.

Michael Jackson didn’t just entertain us. He awakened something in us. And for the biggest names in pop culture, he lit the way.