 " Billie Jean " aided Thriller in becoming the biggest selling album of all time and has been referenced by performers such as Justin Timberlake , Chris Brown and Usher . The Guardian reflected that " more thought went into the production of this single than would go into the entire recording careers of Axl Rose , Coldplay , Shania Twain or Gwen Stefani . " The song and accompanying performances contributed to Jackson 's status as a legendary pop icon . 
