His death was a front page story around the world, not just the US. Who, if they died tomorrow, could wipe him off the front page? I think some political leaders could, such as Obama, Queen Elizabeth II, Pope Benedict XVIII, or Osama Bin Laden. Who else in entertainment could?
Madonna? She’s the same age as MJ and she was almost popular at her peak, although she wasn’t famous for as long.
Michael Jordan? How big is basketball internationally? Besides being the “greatest player ever,” he was a huge marketing force.
Tiger Woods? Shaquille O’Neal? Both are big pitchmen who are also larger than life in their sports.
David Beckham? He’s about the only soccer star with household name recognition in the US.
Tom Cruise? Britney Spears? Dunno about them.
Paul McCartney? He’s getting up there in age, but the Beatles are still huge. Although there wasn’t that big a fuss when George died. Paul was bigger than George, though.
Outside of world leaders, it is really hard to say who’s death would be international front page news if they died tomorrow. Michael Jackson is the biggest star death that I can remember. I was born just after Elvis died and was just a kid when Lennon died.
Oddly enough, I am going with Britney Spears. She was one of the most Googled names a few years ago and she is extreme tabloid matter even today. Plus, she is young and has lots of problems like Michael Jackson. All of that makes for a great train wreck story which people are always attracted to.
I honestly don’t think Oprah could do it. She’s not a particularly* international* star, is she? I don’t think the current Pope could. I’m thinking only Obama or Elizabeth II could eclipse Jacko. Paul McCartney is a good candidate, but he’s not nearly as weird. I don’t think any sports stars could do it.
-International reputation
-Multi-generational fanbase, or at least people are aware of him
-Tragic/unexpected death
-Already a mainstay of gossip/tabloid columns
Macca, QE2, the Pope, and bin Laden are up in years. While it might be a surprise to see any of them go, it wouldn’t be a shock. Maybe Becks or Tiger? Still wouldn’t be as big, though.
No political figure can eclipse the death of an entertainer. Music and film are waaaay more personal and “closer” to peoples’ hearts than anyone involved in politics. Especially someone who was as controversial as Michael Jackson.
The death-cults of Elvis, James Dean, Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain and many other artists don’t have any analogous followings among anyone not involved in entertainment. The ONLY person who comes close is John F. Kennedy and even his death-cult is really more about the supposed conspiracy and events surrounding his assassination than about the man himself, so he barely even counts.
And anyway, Mandela, the Pope, etc, are already old and nobody would be shocked if they passed on of old age. Celebrities whose deaths create huge impacts tend to die rather suddenly and relatively young.
If Barack Obama were to die, like, this year, that would certainly eclipse anyone else, though. He’s the one exception. But he is more than a politician - he’s a cultural figure.
Remember when John died, there was 10 minutes of silence observed around the world, including on many radio stations. They broke the silence by playing “Imagine”.
