Given the epic year Taylor Swift‘s been having, from her wedding to Travis Kelce at Madison Square Garden to her chart-topping, surprise song in Toy Story 5, it’s no surprise the music megastar ranks as the most buzzed-about star of 2026, according to BetMGM Casino’s Celebrity Cultural Visibility Index.
Released on August 24, the top 10 list is a fascinating look at which stars have dominated online searches, discussions, and media coverage this year, including a star who died 17 years ago. Michael Jackson, who died at age 50 in June 2009, ranked just behind Swift on the 2026 index, thanks in large part to the massive success of Michael. Since hitting theaters in April, the movie has become the highest-grossing music biopic of all time, per Variety.
Michael Jackson, Lebron James, and Bad Bunny are among the top most buzzed about celebrities of 2026.Getty Images
Behind Jackson, NBA superstar Lebron James came in third on the list amid speculation about his future and his eventual decision to play for the Philadelphia 76ers following eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Fourth place on the Celebrity Cultural Visibility Index was Bad Bunny, who made headlines for his Super Bowl LX Halftime Show in early February. Actress Sydney Sweeney landed in fifth place.
To determine the rankings, BetMGM Casino analyzed the buzz around 100 major celebrities, calculating their Google search demand, Wikipedia page views, podcast discussions, and 6.6 million broadcast and online news stories. Rankings were calculated by combining those aspects, with Media Visibility (podcasts, broadcast, and digital news mentions) accounting for 50% of a star’s score and Public Interest (Google searches and Wikipedia views) accounting for the other half.
Rounding out the top 10 most buzzed about celebrities of the year were seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady in sixth place, followed by Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, late night host Jimmy Kimmel, actor Tom Cruise, and NFL superstar (and Swift’s new husband) Travis Kelce.
What About Dolly Parton?
Dolly Parton performs onstage while being honored as the 2019 MusiCares Person of the Year.Getty Images
Dolly Parton’s death on August 25 has dominated entertainment headlines and online searches in the days since. However, the Celebrity Cultural Visibility Index rankings are based on data collected from January 1 through August 1, landing the late entertainment icon in the 33rd spot on the list.
It’s possible Parton’s ranking will rise on the index by year’s end, but a spokesperson for MGMBets Casino told Parade that a “sudden short-term spike” in public interest and media coverage around Parton or any other celebrity isn’t likely to “significantly change the rankings as they currently stand.”
Hence then, the article about star who died 17 years ago is the 2nd most buzzed about celebrity of 2026 just behind taylor swift was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Star Who Died 17 Years Ago Is the 2nd Most Buzzed-About Celebrity of 2026, Just Behind Taylor Swift )
Also on site :
- Chelsea vs Luton Town: Blues Target Strong EFL Cup Start
- 1975 Frank-N-Furter, Secret Weapon Built by Tim Curry From David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust DNA, Earned the Greatest Response Bowie Ever Gave
- Nordstrom Rack’s ‘Stylish’ Sorel Mary Jane Loafers Are ‘Instantly Comfortable’ Out of the Box, and 50% Off