Why Prince Rejected Michael Jackson—And How It Fueled Their Decades-Long Rivalry

The rivalry between Prince and Michael Jackson was one of the most iconic and well-documented in music history. Like two colossal titans in the pop world, both musicians ruled the charts, defined the music scene, and generated millions of fans worldwide. Yet, despite their similarities, there was an undeniable tension between the two that shaped their careers and public personas.

One of the most pivotal moments in their long-running feud came in 1985, when Michael Jackson made an innocent offer that would forever fuel their rivalry. The offer? A chance for Prince to collaborate with him on Jackson’s landmark charity song, We Are The World. But Prince, true to his unyielding independence, rejected it. For him, the idea of participating in a charity single—especially one with a star-studded ensemble like We Are The World—seemed beneath him. He wasn’t one to simply follow the crowd. This refusal to be part of the charity event set the stage for what would become a much more personal and enduring clash between the two musical legends.

It was not the last time Jackson would attempt to connect with Prince. Two years later, in 1987, Jackson approached him with another offer, this time involving his upcoming single, Bad. Jackson wanted Prince to provide a background vocal for the track—a request that would further entrench their rivalry. This seemingly innocent proposal, as simple as it seemed, deeply offended Prince, and his response would forever remain a symbol of his fierce independence and creative integrity.

Allan Leeds, a longtime collaborator of Prince, revealed to Vibe Magazine that Jackson’s request for Prince to appear on Bad had angered the Purple One. “Michael [Jackson] coming to Prince and wanting him to do ‘Bad,’ that really pissed him off,” Leeds said. “Prince was like, ‘Oh, he wants me to punk out on record. Who does he think I am, crazy?’” For Prince, it wasn’t about turning down a chance to work with a pop legend, but about maintaining his artistic control and identity. He wasn’t interested in being anyone’s backup or playing second fiddle, especially not to Jackson, who had already established himself as the undisputed “King of Pop.”

Leeds suggested that while the collaboration could have benefited both artists, Prince couldn’t see beyond his own principles to understand that it might have helped his career. But that was the beauty of Prince—his staunch refusal to compromise his artistic vision for mainstream success. He wasn’t interested in playing the game according to anyone else’s rules, even if it meant passing up on a golden opportunity.

In the end, Jackson’s Bad went on to become one of the most successful singles of all time, topping charts and cementing Jackson’s place in pop history. Yet, despite the success of the track, Prince’s rejection became part of the ongoing narrative between the two artists.

Prince’s refusal to join Jackson on Bad was more than just about one collaboration—it was about pride, principle, and the constant struggle for individual identity in the face of overwhelming success. While many fans and critics speculate about the potential of what could have been, it’s clear that Prince’s rejection only deepened the rivalry that would last throughout their careers. Their relationship, much like their music, was always full of tension, competition, and, ultimately, admiration from afar.

The world will never know exactly what motivated Michael Jackson’s second offer to Prince—whether it was a genuine desire for collaboration or a calculated attempt to get under Prince’s skin. But one thing is certain: the story of their rivalry remains a defining chapter in the history of pop music. And for Prince, the decision to stay true to himself was more important than any chart-topping success.