Michael Jackson Trivia
Michael Jackson trivia explores the life and career of the American singer, songwriter, dancer, and philanthropist known worldwide as the "King of Pop." Widely regarded as one of the most culturally significant figures of the 20th century, Jackson reshaped popular music and performance through his recordings, stagecraft, and enduring influence on global pop culture.

Easy Michael Jackson Trivia
13 questions
These easy Michael Jackson trivia questions are great for beginners and kids around age 12 and under.
Question 1
What nickname was Michael Jackson famously known by?
Answer: King of Pop
Michael Jackson was widely known is the "King of Pop.".
Question 2
In what city and state was Michael Jackson born?
Answer: Gary, Indiana
Michael Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana.
Question 3
On what date was Michael Jackson born?
Answer: August 29, 1958
Michael Jackson's birth date was August 29, 1958.
Question 4
What was Michael Jackson's middle name?
Answer: Joseph
Michael Jackson's middle name was Joseph.
Question 5
Michael Jackson was an American what?
Answer: Singer
Michael Jackson was an American singer.
Question 6
Which famous family group was Michael Jackson a member of?
- A.New Edition
- B.Jackson 5
- C.The Temptations
- D.Bee Gees
Answer: Jackson 5
Michael Jackson was a member of the Jackson 5.
Question 7
Who was Michael Jackson's father?
Answer: Joe Jackson
Michael Jackson's father was Joe Jackson.
Question 8
Who was Michael Jackson's mother?
Answer: Katherine Jackson
Michael Jackson's mother was Katherine Jackson.
Question 9
Which 1982 Michael Jackson album became one of his most famous releases?
- A.Bad
- B.Dangerous
- C.Off the Wall
- D.Thriller
Answer: Thriller
Michael Jackson released the album "Thriller" in 1982.
Question 10
What Michael Jackson song released in 1983 begins with the name of a woman?
Answer: Billie Jean
"Billie Jean" was released by Michael Jackson in 1983.
Question 11
Which Michael Jackson hit from 1983 tells you exactly what not to do in the title?
Answer: Beat It
"Beat It" was released by Michael Jackson in 1983.
Question 12
What famous dance move did Michael Jackson perform during a 1983 TV special?
Answer: Moonwalk
Michael Jackson performed the moonwalk during a 1983 TV special.
Question 13
Which Michael Jackson album came out in 1987?
- A.Dangerous
- B.Thriller
- C.Invincible
- D.Bad
Answer: Bad
Michael Jackson released the album "Bad" in 1987.
Michael Jackson Family Trivia
12 questions
These family Michael Jackson trivia questions are built for mixed-age game nights, classrooms, and groups.
Question 1
What birth order did Michael Jackson have among the ten Jackson children?
Answer: He was the eighth child.
Michael Jackson was the eighth of the ten Jackson children.
Question 2
Which set of brothers joined Michael in the Jackson 5?
- A.Jackie, Randy, Jermaine, and Brandon
- B.Tito, Marlon, Randy, and Janet
- C.Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon
- D.Randy, Rebbie, Janet, and La Toya
Answer: Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.
Michael Jackson's brothers in the Jackson 5 were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon.
Question 3
Name one of Michael Jackson's sisters who also became famous in music.?
Answer: Janet Jackson.
Janet Jackson is one of Michael Jackson's sisters.
Question 4
Michael Jackson started performing with the Jackson 5 in which decade?
- A.1980s
- B.1990s
- C.The 1960s.
- D.1970s
Answer: The 1960s.
He began performing with the Jackson 5 in the 1960s is a child.
Question 5
In what year did the Jackson 5 sign with Motown?
Answer: 1968.
The Jackson 5 signed with Motown in 1968.
Question 6
Which Jackson 5 song with a cheerful title became a No. 1 hit: "I Want You Back," "Never Can Say Goodbye," or "Who's Lovin' You"?
Answer: "I Want You Back."
The Jackson 5 had a No. 1 hit with "I Want You Back.".
Question 7
Which three-letter Jackson 5 song reached No. 1?
Answer: "ABC."
"ABC" was one of the Jackson 5's No. 1 hits.
Question 8
Finish the Jackson 5 hit title: "The Love You ____."?
Answer: Save.
The Jackson 5 had a No. 1 hit called "The Love You Save.".
Question 9
Which Jackson 5 No. 1 hit promises support right in its title?
Answer: "I'll Be There."
"I'll Be There" is listed is a Jackson 5 No. 1 hit.
Question 10
What was the title of Michael Jackson's 1972 solo song?
Answer: "Ben."
Michael Jackson released the solo song "Ben" in 1972.
Question 11
Who did Michael Jackson marry in 1996?
Answer: Debbie Rowe.
Michael Jackson married Debbie Rowe in 1996.
Question 12
How many children did Michael Jackson have?
Answer: Three children.
Michael Jackson had three children.
Fun Michael Jackson Trivia
13 questions
These fun Michael Jackson trivia questions highlight surprising moments and playful facts for game-night groups.
Question 1
Who produced Michael Jackson's 1979 album "Off the Wall"?
- A.Quincy Jones produced "Off the Wall."
- B.John Landis
- C.Martin Scorsese
- D.Lionel Richie
Answer: Quincy Jones produced "Off the Wall."
"Off the Wall," released in 1979, was produced by Quincy Jones.
Question 2
In the movie musical "The Wiz," which character did Michael Jackson play?
Answer: He played the Scarecrow.
Michael Jackson starred is the Scarecrow in "The Wiz.".
Question 3
Which song earned Michael Jackson his first solo Grammy?
Answer: "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" earned his first solo Grammy.
His first solo Grammy came from "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough.".
Question 4
Which Michael Jackson hit climbed all the way to No. 1 in the United States: "Rock with You" or "Smooth Criminal"?
- A.Captain EO
- B.Rock with You
- C.Smooth Criminal
- D.Scream
Answer: "Rock with You" was the No. 1 hit in the United States.
"Rock with You" reached No. 1 in the U.S.
Question 5
Who directed the "Thriller" music video, turning it into a mini monster movie?
Answer: John Landis directed the "Thriller" music video.
The iconic "Thriller" video featured director John Landis.
Question 6
What year did the "Thriller" music video premiere?
Answer: It premiered in 1983.
Michael Jackson's "Thriller" music video premiered in 1983.
Question 7
On "Beat It," which rock guitar legend ripped the solo?
Answer: Eddie Van Halen played the guitar solo on "Beat It."
The famous guitar solo on "Beat It" was played by Eddie Van Halen.
Question 8
Michael Jackson co-wrote "We Are the World" with which fellow music star?
Answer: He co-wrote it with Lionel Richie.
"We Are the World" was co-written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie.
Question 9
How many Grammy Awards did Michael Jackson win in one night in 1984, setting a record?
Answer: He won eight Grammy Awards in one night.
In 1984, Michael Jackson won a record eight Grammys in one night.
Question 10
What year did Michael Jackson headline the first Super Bowl halftime show with a single featured performer?
Answer: It was in 1993.
Michael Jackson headlined that milestone Super Bowl halftime show in 1993.
Question 11
Which Michael Jackson short film opened at Disneyland in 1986?
Answer: It was "Captain EO."
"Captain EO" opened at Disneyland in 1986.
Question 12
Who directed Michael Jackson's "Bad" video?
Answer: Martin Scorsese directed "Bad."
The "Bad" video was directed by Martin Scorsese.
Question 13
Which signature move appears in the "Smooth Criminal" video and still makes knees everywhere nervous?
Answer: The anti-gravity lean.
The "Smooth Criminal" video features the anti-gravity lean.
Funny Michael Jackson Trivia
13 questions
These funny Michael Jackson trivia questions highlight playful moments, odd facts, and inside jokes.
Question 1
What was the name of Michael Jackson's famously famous chimpanzee, proving some pets absolutely do steal the spotlight?
Answer: Bubbles
Michael Jackson's pet chimpanzee was named Bubbles.
Question 2
In which "The Simpsons" episode did Michael Jackson appear, crossing over into Springfield with maximum surprise value?
Answer: Stark Raving Dad
Michael Jackson appeared in the "The Simpsons" episode "Stark Raving Dad.".
Question 3
Which playful 1972 Michael Jackson hit sounds like it might have been sung directly to an overexcited bird?
Answer: Rockin' Robin
Michael Jackson sang the playful 1972 hit "Rockin' Robin.".
Question 4
Who teamed up with Michael Jackson on the duet "Say Say Say," creating a pop summit meeting with microphones?
Answer: Paul McCartney
Michael Jackson recorded the duet "Say Say Say" with Paul McCartney.
Question 5
What is the title of the Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney duet that sounds like the beginning of a very dramatic love triangle?
Answer: The Girl Is Mine
Michael Jackson also recorded "The Girl Is Mine" with Paul McCartney.
Question 6
Which Michael Jackson song has a celebrity-filled video, basically turning the screen into a VIP traffic jam?
Answer: Liberian Girl
Michael Jackson's song "Liberian Girl" includes a celebrity-filled video.
Question 7
What single stage accessory became one of Michael Jackson's most recognizable trademarks: one sparkling hint, not a full winter outfit?
Answer: A single white glove
Michael Jackson wore a single white glove is a signature stage accessory.
Question 8
Which hat did Michael Jackson often wear during performances, as if every stage also needed a little detective flair?
Answer: A black fedora
Michael Jackson often wore a black fedora during performances.
Question 9
Which Michael Jackson video won the Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video, despite a title that sounds like a request from an introvert?
Answer: Leave Me Alone
Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone" video won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video.
Question 10
Who co-wrote Michael Jackson's short film "Ghosts," making this a very unusual meeting of pop and spooky fiction?
Answer: Stephen King
Michael Jackson's short film "Ghosts" was co-written by Stephen King.
Question 11
Finish this famously bold opening lyric from "Bad": "_____"?
- A.Your butt is mine
- B.Just beat it
- C.Who's bad now
- D.You know I'm bad
Answer: Your butt is mine
Michael Jackson's song "Bad" includes the lyric "Your butt is mine.".
Question 12
Which Michael Jackson song with the full title "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" appears on the album "Thriller"?
Answer: P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)
Michael Jackson's song "P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)" appears on "Thriller.".
Question 13
Which Michael Jackson song repeats the chant "Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa," aka the part everyone suddenly tries to sing confidently?
Answer: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'
Michael Jackson's song "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'" repeats the chant "Mama-se, mama-sa, ma-ma-ko-ssa.".
Hard Michael Jackson Trivia
14 questions
These hard Michael Jackson trivia questions are for expert fans who want a real challenge.
Question 1
How many weeks did "Thriller" remain at No. 1 on the Billboard 200?
- A.27 weeks
- B.47 weeks
- C.17 weeks
- D.37 weeks
Answer: 37 weeks
"Thriller" spent 37 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200.
Question 2
In 1985, Jackson made a major publishing acquisition. What catalog did he buy?
- A.ATV Music
- B.Motown Publishing
- C.Dangerous Music
- D.Northern Songs
Answer: ATV Music
Michael Jackson purchased the ATV Music catalog in 1985.
Question 3
Which Grammy honor did Michael Jackson receive in 1993?
- A.Grammy Living Legend Award
- B.Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction
- C.Grammy Legend Award
Answer: Grammy Legend Award
He won the Grammy Legend Award in 1993.
Question 4
Three years before the 1993 Grammy Legend Award, Jackson accepted which similarly named Grammy distinction?
- A.Brit Award for Artist of a Generation
- B.Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- C.Grammy Living Legend Award
- D.Grammy Legend Award
Answer: Grammy Living Legend Award
Michael Jackson accepted the Grammy Living Legend Award in 1990.
Question 5
Who co-wrote Michael Jackson's 1988 autobiography with him?
- A.Glen Ballard
- B.Siedah Garrett
- C.Mick Jagger
- D.Stephen Davis
Answer: Stephen Davis
His 1988 autobiography was written with Stephen Davis.
Question 6
Name one of the credited writers of "Man in the Mirror."?
- A.Mick Jagger
- B.Siedah Garrett and Quincy Jones
- C.Glen Ballard
- D.Stephen Davis
Answer: Glen Ballard
The song was written by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett; Glen Ballard is one correct answer.
Question 7
What year did "Earth Song" reach No. 1 in the UK?
- A.1989
- B.1995
- C.1992
- D.1990
Answer: 1995
"Earth Song" reached No. 1 in the UK in 1995.
Question 8
"We Are Here to Change the World" was created for which film project?
- A.interns
- B.resident
- C.captain
- D.intern
Answer: Captain EO
The charity single was made for the film "Captain EO.".
Question 9
What was the final part of the name of the organization Jackson founded in 1992: Heal the ______?
Answer: World Foundation
He founded the Heal the World Foundation in 1992.
Question 10
On which album does the track "Heal the World" appear?
- A.Off the Wall
- B.Dangerous
- C.Bad
- D.Thriller
Answer: Dangerous
"Heal the World" appears on the album "Dangerous.".
Question 11
The Dangerous World Tour launched in which city and country?
- A.Munich, Germany
- B.London, England
- C.Los Angeles, United States
- D.Vienna, Austria
Answer: Munich, Germany
The 1992 Dangerous World Tour opened in Munich, Germany.
Question 12
Which Brit Award title did Jackson receive in 1989?
- A.Living Legend Award
- B.Artist of the Decade
- C.Artist of a Generation
- D.Legend Award
Answer: Artist of a Generation
He won the Brit Award for Artist of a Generation in 1989.
Question 13
Which single became the fifth No. 1 hit from the album "Bad"?
Answer: Dirty Diana
"Dirty Diana" became his fifth No. 1 hit from "Bad.".
Question 14
Exactly how many Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles came from the album "Bad"?
- A.Four
- B.Six
- C.Three
- D.5
Answer: Five
The album "Bad" produced five Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles.
Download PDF
Get the generated PDF file for printing, classroom rounds, or offline use.
Download printable trivia PDF