Here’s How SZA Reacted to Her Album Going Toe to Toe With Michael Jackson Magnum Opus 'Thriller'

Published 03/12/2025, 11:47 PM EDT

In a breathtaking display of musical longevity, SZA has revolutionized contemporary R&B with her mesmerizing blend of raw emotional depth and genre-defying soundscapes that captivate listeners across generations. The enigmatic songstress has now ascended to legendary status, reaching a milestone that places her alongside music royalty. Her masterpiece has officially matched a record held by Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' standing tall with an astounding 79 nonconsecutive weeks in Billboard 200's top 10, catapulting her into an exclusive pantheon of artists whose influence transcends their era.

As this achievement etched her name beside 'Thriller,' SZA’s reaction spoke volumes in its silence. The weight of history, the gravity of greatness, it all settled in, shaping a moment beyond words.

SZA hits a historic milestone, and her reaction says it all

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  Matching Michael Jackson’s legacy is no easy feat, but SZA just made it look effortless. Left in awe of this historic achievement, she could hardly find the words to describe her emotions after her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! When approached by TMZ Hip-Hop, she simply said, "My album tying MJ’s Thriller record … Got me speechless." The magnitude of 'SOS' tying with Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' widely celebrated as the best-selling album ever created, left the virtuoso visibly moved. Her manager, Terrence 'Punch' Henderson, distilled the extraordinary moment into a single, powerful word: "Insane." The achievement reverberates through music history, shattering expectations and redefining the possibilities for contemporary artists.

SZA's groundbreaking album has cemented its position among the longest-charting works by a Black artist in Billboard's prestigious top 10, a distinction previously reserved exclusively for 'Thriller.' This milestone cements SZA’s undeniable impact, weaving 'SOS' into the fabric of music history. From 'Ctrl' to now, she is redefining R&B’s essence, an echo of Michael Jackson’s legacy, yet entirely her own.

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Toe to toe with Michael Jackson, SZA steps into legend. This is not just a milestone, it is another jewel in her crown. With a stacked résumé and a powerhouse tour ahead, her reign shows no signs of slowing down.

SZA’s reign continues

SZA's chart dominance extends beyond this singular achievement, as her electrifying collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, 'Luther,' maintains its reign at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive weeks. The dynamic duo's unstoppable momentum synchronizes perfectly with their highly anticipated Grand National Tour, scheduled to commence April 19 in Minneapolis. This additional milestone adorns SZA's already dazzling crown of accomplishments, further crystallizing her status as a transformative force reshaping contemporary music's landscape with her distinctive artistic vision.

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While SZA now shares rarified air with Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' the ultimate record for Billboard 200 top 10 longevity belongs to the original cast recording of My Fair Lady, which dominated for an extraordinary 173 weeks. Yet, considering SZA's relentless artistic evolution and the unwavering devotion of her expanding fanbase, music historians and industry insiders speculate she might eventually challenge even this seemingly untouchable record. Her trajectory suggests a boundless potential to continue etching her name deeper into music's eternal pantheon alongside history's most influential creators.

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What do you think of SZA’s 'SOS' standing toe to toe with 'Thriller'? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

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Shraddha

201 articles

Shraddha is a content chameleon with 3 years of experience, expertly juggling entertainment and non-entertainment writing, from scriptwriting to reporting. Having penned over 2,000 articles, she’s covered everything from Hollywood’s glitzy drama to the latest pop culture trends. With a knack for telling stories that keep readers hooked, Shraddha thrives on dissecting celebrity scandals and cultural moments.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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