Kick streamer Adin Ross has ignited a fierce online debate by claiming that IShowSpeed is more famous than Michael Jackson was during his prime. The comment has divided the streaming and music communities, with fans on both sides flooding social media with reactions.
Ross has consistently praised IShowSpeed’s global reach. He previously called Speed the biggest streamer of all time and a pioneer of the industry. However, comparing a 21-year-old YouTuber to the King of Pop has pushed the conversation into entirely new territory.
What Did Adin Ross Say About IShowSpeed And Michael Jackson?
During his recent stream, Adin Ross pointed to IShowSpeed’s ability to draw massive crowds across multiple continents as evidence that Speed’s fame has surpassed what Jackson achieved. Ross emphasized that no other entertainer today generates the same level of real-world chaos.
This is not the first time Ross has made bold statements about Speed. During a 2024 tier list stream, he placed IShowSpeed in the highest “Pioneer” tier. He called Speed the biggest streamer as far as numbers go and credited him with making soccer popular in America.
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The Michael Jackson comparison adds a new layer to the ongoing conversation. Ross appears to base his argument on visible crowd size and global recognition rather than cultural legacy or artistic output.
How Big Is IShowSpeed’s Global Reach?
The numbers behind IShowSpeed’s fame are staggering. He has over 51 million YouTube subscribers and was named Rolling Stone’s Most Influential Creator of 2025. Forbes estimates his net worth at $20 million.
His Africa tour ran from December 29, 2025, through January 27, 2026, covering 20 countries in 28 days. The tour generated 16 million hours of watch time across 118 hours of streaming. His peak viewership hit 418,000 concurrent viewers during the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
Speed’s 2025 Europe tour shut down city blocks in Athens and Istanbul. His driver in Germany, who once chauffeured Michael Jackson, told Speed on camera that his crowds were bigger than Jackson’s. That clip alone earned nearly 100,000 likes on X.
Why Is The Comparison So Divisive?
Critics argue that Jackson’s fame existed in an era without social media, making it fundamentally different. Jackson sold over 400 million records worldwide and dominated global pop culture for decades. His influence shaped music, fashion, and performance in ways that transcended any single platform.
Supporters of Ross’s take argue that IShowSpeed draws presidents, athletes, and thousands of fans in countries where no streamer has ever set foot. They point out that Speed’s fame is organic and built entirely through livestreaming rather than traditional media.
The debate also reflects a broader generational divide. Older audiences view Jackson’s legacy as untouchable. Younger fans see IShowSpeed’s real-time global impact as a new kind of fame that traditional metrics cannot fully measure.
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IShowSpeed himself has acknowledged the comparison. He told Forbes in December 2024 that streamers build a closer bond with fans than musicians or actors ever could. He said the daily connection of livestreaming is what makes it the dominant form of entertainment now.
