Can Michael Jackson exceed the album sales of the Beatles?

I don't think so.

Michael Jackson, like a number of other acts (e.g., Peter Frampton) has one SUPER MEGA-SELLER and follow-up albums that did not sell as well. The bulk of Jackson's album sales are tied to one album, while the entire Beatles catalog sells fairly consistently across the discography. Similarly, Elvis' albums, both the albums he made in his lifetime and the posthumous collections, sell consistently.

The other thing to remember is that the actual sales figures for both Elvis and the Beatles suffer from the Cold War. As their music was banned behind the Iron Curtain in the 50s and 60s, there is quite literally no way of knowing how many "bootleg" and/or "smuggled" albums sold in the old Soviet Union. With the democracy and freedoms in Russia and other former Soviet nations that began about the time "Thriller" was making its biggest impact, Jackson's sales (especially of his biggest-selling album) don't have that drawback, so I think it would be fair to say that if Jackson does surpass Elvis and/or the Beatles the tally won't be totally correct.

The Beatles do have the advantage of being ahead of him by 20 years. But, Thriller, still remains the #1 selling album of all time.

I'm a die-hard of both but, I don't think Michael would be able to exceed past The Beatles in album sales. The Beatles have more material and honestly, I think more fans as well. The only thing that is really keeping Michael behind in my opinion, are the allegations.

Edit: Yes, and like Mari said, it is still possible. But, I find it highly unlikely of him passing The Beatles in album sales.

Edit: I also agree with isawmarty. Michael's big seller " Thriller " is really what got him most of his sells. Along with his follow-ups, that didn't get nearly as much sales.

I don't know... considering how few albums he released, he's still done remarkably well though...

What we need to remember is, Elvis and the Beatles both came out at least a decade or two before Michael did - they also both produced many more albums - when Michael was around, we were also entering the age of pirating and downloading - because of that, his album sales will not be as high because people don't have to specifically go out and buy a cd or something anymore - they can get copies for free by illegally downloading it.

It's possible, Thriller is a best seller itself.

I'm not so sure though, The Beatles have been in the game much earlier and they can still regain more fans as well. But like I said it's possible.

Even if MJ doesnt make it to #1, he is still the heartthrob of many fans

Michael jackson is best entertainer ever

ant that's it.

dear god I hope the Beatles are still number one