When Michael Jackson released Bad in 1987, the world was already expecting magic. After all, he had just conquered the globe with Thriller, the best-selling album of all time. But what came next was not just a follow-up—it was a cultural explosion that proved Jackson wasn’t just a phenomenon of the early ’80s. He was a legend in the making, determined to surpass his own impossible standards. Behind the beats, the choreography, and the dazzling music videos, Bad hides stories that reveal the soul, the struggles, and the genius of the King of Pop. Here are 25 amazing facts that make Bad unforgettable.

1. Bad Was Originally Planned as a Duet With Prince

One of the biggest what-ifs in pop music is the fact that Michael Jackson wanted Prince to sing on the title track Bad. Imagine the two giants of the ’80s colliding on the same record. They even met to discuss it, but Prince ultimately turned it down, reportedly telling Jackson, “The first line of the song says ‘Your butt is mine.’ Who’s singing that to who?” The collaboration never happened, but the story itself still thrills fans decades later.

2. Quincy Jones Almost Walked Away

Quincy Jones had already worked with Jackson on Off the Wall and Thriller. By the time Bad came around, he wasn’t sure if he wanted to keep producing. The sessions were long, intense, and filled with pressure. Yet he stayed, and together they created one of the most iconic albums in history. Without Jones, Bad would have sounded very different.

3. Michael Wanted Bad to Outsell Thriller

Jackson wasn’t just ambitious—he was relentless. His vision was that Bad would top Thriller and sell 100 million copies worldwide. While it didn’t reach that astronomical figure, it still sold over 35 million copies, becoming one of the best-selling albums ever. Jackson’s drive shows just how high he always set the bar for himself.

4. The Album Was Recorded in Michael’s Home Studio

Unlike Thriller, which was created in big professional studios, much of Bad came to life in Michael’s private home studio at Hayvenhurst. Here, he worked tirelessly, often recording late into the night, chasing perfection in every note.

5. Bad Produced a Record-Breaking Five Number-One Singles

For decades, this record seemed untouchable. Songs like Bad, The Way You Make Me Feel, Man in the Mirror, Dirty Diana, and Another Part of Me all topped the Billboard Hot 100. It was the first time an album had achieved such a feat.

6. “Smooth Criminal” Was Almost Left Off the Album

It’s almost unthinkable, but Smooth Criminal, one of Jackson’s signature songs, was nearly cut. Some argued it didn’t fit the album’s mood. Thankfully, Michael fought for it, and it became one of his most iconic performances ever, especially with the legendary anti-gravity lean.

7. “Man in the Mirror” Wasn’t Written by Michael

Although Michael performed it with unmatched passion, the track was penned by Glen Ballard and Siedah Garrett. Jackson instantly connected with the song’s message of personal responsibility and transformation. His performance turned it into one of the greatest anthems of change in music history.

8. Michael Rewrote the Rules of Music Videos

With Bad, Jackson elevated music videos into cinematic experiences. The short film for Bad, directed by Martin Scorsese, ran over 18 minutes long and featured a dramatic storyline inspired by real-life street tensions. It wasn’t just a music video—it was art on screen.

9. Wesley Snipes Got His Big Break in “Bad”

Before becoming a Hollywood action star, Wesley Snipes appeared in the Bad video as Jackson’s rival in the subway scene. The role helped launch his acting career. Imagine—without Bad, Snipes’ rise might have been very different.

10. The Album’s Original Title Was Decade

Jackson considered calling the project Decade, as it was meant to showcase his growth and dominance over the years. But in the end, the single word Bad—short, sharp, and rebellious—captured the attitude he wanted to project.

11. “Dirty Diana” Sparked Rumors About Princess Diana

When Jackson performed “Dirty Diana” in London, fans speculated it was about Princess Diana. Michael clarified it wasn’t—it was about groupies. Yet when he met Princess Diana herself, she admitted she loved the song, even joking about it with him.

12. Michael Studied Films to Perfect His Dance Moves

To bring fresh energy to Bad, Jackson watched classic films and studied actors like James Cagney to inspire his sharp movements. This is why his dance style during the Bad era has a cinematic intensity, blending music and film.

13. The Album Took More Than Three Years to Finish

Recording began in 1985, but perfection took time. Jackson was a known perfectionist, recording hundreds of takes and experimenting with different sounds. Some songs were scrapped entirely, leaving fans to wonder what other gems were left unheard.

14. Stevie Wonder Almost Appeared on the Album

Michael loved collaborating, and at one point, he planned to feature Stevie Wonder. While it didn’t make the final cut, the possibility of two legends singing together during the Bad era remains an exciting thought.

15. Michael Designed His Own Stage Costumes

From the black leather jackets to the buckled belts, Jackson had a hand in creating his stage outfits. He wanted every detail to reflect power, rebellion, and style. Those costumes are now some of the most recognizable in music history.

16. “Another Part of Me” Came From Captain EO

The upbeat anthem was originally featured in Jackson’s 3D sci-fi film Captain EO, which played at Disney theme parks. Fans loved it so much that it found a permanent place on Bad.

17. The Tour Became the Biggest of Its Time

The Bad World Tour spanned 123 concerts across 15 countries, drawing over 4.4 million fans. It was the largest tour ever attempted by a solo artist at the time, proving Jackson’s unmatched global reach.

18. Princess Diana and Prince Charles Attended a Concert

In 1988, Jackson met Princess Diana and Prince Charles backstage in London. Diana even asked him if he’d perform “Dirty Diana” that night. Jackson, worried it might offend her, had originally cut it from the setlist—but upon her request, he put it back in.

19. Michael Wrote Over 60 Songs for the Album

Only 11 tracks made it onto Bad, but Jackson reportedly wrote more than 60 during the process. Imagine the vault of unreleased music still waiting to be discovered.

20. “Leave Me Alone” Was a Fierce Response to the Media

Although not included on the original vinyl release, “Leave Me Alone” became a sharp commentary on tabloid rumors. Its surreal video, filled with carnival imagery, showed Jackson fighting back against invasive press coverage.

21. Michael Set a Guinness World Record With Bad

The Bad World Tour entered the Guinness Book of World Records as the highest-grossing tour by a solo performer at the time. It cemented Jackson’s place not only as a recording legend but also as a live-performance king.

22. “Speed Demon” Was Inspired by Michael’s Love of Driving

Few people knew that Jackson loved cars and driving fast. “Speed Demon” was his playful way of channeling that thrill into music. The video even featured Claymation and quirky characters, showing his lighter side.

23. Michael’s Pet Chimpanzee, Bubbles, Was Around During Sessions

Bubbles was more than just a pet—he was often by Michael’s side in the studio. Imagine a chimpanzee sitting in the corner while history was being made. It added a quirky, human touch to Jackson’s intense work ethic.

24. Michael Wanted Each Song to Stand Alone as a Masterpiece

Jackson once said he wanted every track on Bad to be a potential single. That’s why so many became hits—it was an album designed to be all killer, no filler.

25. Bad Redefined Pop Stardom

Beyond the numbers and the records, Bad showed that Michael Jackson wasn’t just a superstar—he was an artist with vision, courage, and determination to evolve. It cemented his title as the King of Pop and continues to inspire musicians and fans alike.

Michael Jackson’s Bad wasn’t just an album—it was a statement. It was the sound of a man at the height of his power, daring the world to follow him into new creative territories. From the unforgettable music to the stories behind the scenes, Bad remains not just a piece of history, but a living, breathing legacy. Every time those beats play, we’re reminded of a genius who wanted nothing less than perfection—and who gave us a gift that still feels alive decades later.