Celebrities IQ

What Is Michael Jackson's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on September 16, 2024 | Updated on September 18, 2024

Image by Constru-centro, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Michael Jackson Had an IQ of 159

Born in 1958, Michael Jackson, famously known as the King of Pop, was an extraordinary genius who revolutionized the music and entertainment industry. According to various estimates, he has an estimated IQ of 159, which indicates an exceptionally high level of intelligence.

Michael Jackon's musical journey began at a young age as a member of the Jackson 5, but it was his solo career that truly solidified his genius. Albums like Thriller, Bad, and Dangerous set new standards in the music industry. Thriller, in particular, is the second best-selling album of all time, right after The Eagles's "Greatest Hits".

"MJ," as he was known, had a profound influence on pop culture, extending beyond his music to include his iconic dance moves like the unforgettable moonwalk, which mesmerized audiences around the globe. His music videos, particularly "Thriller" and "Beat It," were cinematic masterpieces that redefined the future of music videos.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Jackson was known for his emotional intelligence and deep sensitivity. He was a passionate humanitarian who supported numerous charities and causes, particularly those aimed at helping children. It is estimated that he donated a total of $500 million to various charities throughout his life. MJ's empathy and kindness were as much a part of his legacy as his music.

However, Jackson's life wasn't without its challenges. His childlike innocence and naivety often led him into difficult situations, and his personal struggles were widely publicized. In essence, he was a complex, multifaceted genius whose contributions to music, dance, and pop culture are still felt today.

Michael Jackson's IQ

159

Our Methodology to Estimate Michael Jackson's IQ?

Average Confidence Level

Low

We averaged the IQ scores from two sources to estimate Michael Jackson's IQ, namely Quora and SocioSite.

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Quora

155 IQ

SocioSite

164 IQ

5 Facts That Show Michael Jackson's High IQ

High IQ Score: Michael Jackson possessed an estimated IQ of 159, placing him in the upper echelon of intellectual capability. His score is comparable to geniuses across various fields.
Innovative Music Videos: Jackson revolutionized music videos, turning them into a form of high art. His vidoes combined his musical genius with compelling visual storytelling.
Philanthropic Efforts: Jackson's strategic approach to philanthropy demonstrated his intelligent use of fame and resources to benefit global causes, significantly affecting lives worldwide.
Musical Innovations: His contributions to music include the development of new sound technologies and production techniques. They illustrate his intellectual curiosity and experimental nature.
Record-Breaking Achievements: He earned numerous awards and broke multiple records, evidencing his strategic brilliance in navigating the music industry to unprecedented heights of success.

Image by kronic.it, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

How High was Michael Jackson's IQ Compared to the Rest of the World?

Michael Jackson's IQ of 159 placed him in an elite group, with a score achieved by just 0.004% of the population. This extraordinary intelligence level would have easily qualified him for membership in several high-IQ societies, surpassing the entry requirements for Mensa, Intertel, and the Triple Nine Society. Just one point shy of the Epimetheus Society, Jackson’s intelligence hints at a mind capable of complex problem-solving and innovative thinking. While he didn’t need these accolades, his remarkable mental abilities were clearly reflected in his groundbreaking contributions to music and entertainment

Image by Constru-centro, used under CC BY-SA 4.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Does Michael Jackson Have The Highest IQ Among Musicians?

Michael Jackson's IQ of 159 puts him among some of the most intellectually gifted celebrities, but he's in good company with others who have used their brains to excel in their fields.

For instance, Brian May's 170 IQ is a testament to his genius, not only as Queen's iconic guitarist but also as an astrophysicist. His ability to blend music with science is nothing short of extraordinary.

Meanwhile, Cardi B's IQ, which is believed to have a 95 IQ. Despite this, she has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the rap industry, using her sharp business sense and street smarts to build an empire.

Lady Gaga, with her 166 IQ, showcases her brilliance by seamlessly blending her musical talents with smart entrepreneurship, constantly reinventing herself in the process.

Just below Jackson, Marilyn Manson's 155 IQ drives his provocative art and insightful critiques of societal norms. His intelligence fuels his ability to challenge conventions and stay ahead of the curve.

And then there's the legendary composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, whose 150 IQ helped him reshape classical music centuries ago. His work continues to influence musicians to this day.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by Alan Light under CC BY 2.0, kentarotakizawa under CC BY 2.0, Katie Krause under CC BY 3.0, John Bauld under CC BY 2.0, Sven Mandel under CC BY-SA 4.0, Royal Opera House Covent Garden under Public Domain / Incorporated into an illustration

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