Michael Jackson

Put on the opening seconds of “Billie Jean” and watch what happens. Michael Jackson reached the level where a bassline, a glove, a dance move, or a silhouette could announce him before his face even appeared. That’s ridiculous pop-star power.

His case starts with the hits, but it gets scary when you add the performance. The moonwalk. The videos. The choreography. The screaming stadiums. Thriller. He turned a pop release into an event and an event into global hysteria.

Prince fans will argue Michael couldn't touch his musicianship. Madonna fans can point to reinvention and longevity. Fair. But if the question is what a pop star looks like at maximum possible size, everybody eventually runs into Michael.

Is he the GOAT — or simply the guy every challenger has to beat?