La Toya Jackson On Harry Styles Being Deemed ‘New King of Pop’: ‘No One Can Ever Top’ Michael

Michael Jackson’s older sister, La Toya Jackson, gave her perspective on British singer Harry Styles being labeled the “New King of Pop” by Rolling Stone UK last year.

During the Oct. 23 episode with KIIS FM’s The Kyle and Jackie O Show, following her elimination as Burger Gal on The Masked Singer, the singer made it clear that “no one can ever top” her brother and claim the “King of Pop” title.

“[Harry is] a great entertainer. He’s wonderful. I truly believe that,” she said. “I’m not being biased, but I think that my brother is the greatest of all time. And he always will be.” Michael’s sister said she would love to meet someone who could top her brother, who, according to The Hollywood Reporter, was given the title by the late actress Elizabeth Taylor, as she presented him with the Soul Train Heritage Award in 1989.

La Toya isn’t the only family member who felt some type of way about Rolling Stone’s attempt to slide the title to Styles. On the Aug. 30 episode of Hotboxin’ with Mike Tyson, Michael’s 26-year-old son, Prince Jackson, weighed in on the “King of Pop” discussion.

“What’s frustrating for me is not necessarily like Harry Styles is a great artist, oh I love them. It’s more so about these media publications that try to take away the title that was really worked hard for and earned in a different time than we are today,” Prince said.

Michael’s nephew, Taj Jackson, tweeted his thoughts about Styles’ cover with Rolling Stone after the magazine announced in August 2022.

“There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did,” he wrote.

There is no new King of Pop. You don’t own the title @RollingStone, and you didn’t earn it, my uncle did. Decades of dedication and sacrifice. The title has been retired. No disrespect to @Harry_Styles, he’s mega talented. Give him his own unique title. https://t.co/td6SSSVkfX

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) August 22, 2022

The King of Pop title is not up for grabs. It was bestowed to Michael Jackson through decades of blood, sweat and tears. When Michael Jackson died, the title was cemented with him. King of Pop is synonymous with Michael Jackson, the same way The King is synonymous with Elvis. https://t.co/jkiIeKz7qJ

— Taj Jackson (@tajjackson3) December 20, 2019

Michael died in 2009 at age 50 due to a high intake of propofol used as a sleep aid. In 2019, Forbes listed the King of Pop as one of the highest-earning dead celebrities.