The music world is buzzing with excitement as reports emerge that global K-pop sensation BTS has recorded an unreleased song originally written for the late Michael Jackson. This project is part of an upcoming tribute album, which fans are already calling the “most iconic crossover” in music history.
According to industry insiders, BTS recently collaborated with Grouse Lodge Studios, a famous recording location in Ireland, to bring this special track to life. The song was one of several created for an album Michael Jackson had been working on in the mid-2000s, which never saw the light of day. At the time, the project was even described as the “next Thriller,” referencing the King of Pop’s legendary 1982 album that changed the course of music forever.
A Long-Lost Project Revived
Paddy Dunning of Grouse Lodge Studios revealed that the idea for the tribute album began last year, with the studio inviting multiple international artists to record the unreleased tracks. He confirmed that BTS had already completed their recording for one of the songs, adding that around ten more tracks remain in the vault.
These songs were created by Michael’s collaborators during his 2006 stay in Ireland. Notable names such as producer Rodney Jerkins and rapper Nephew contributed to the project. Unfortunately, Michael’s sessions at Grouse Lodge were left unfinished, and his sudden death on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles meant that the world never got to hear the music he had been creating at that time.
Now, nearly two decades later, these tracks are being reimagined and recorded by a new generation of artists — and BTS’s involvement has made headlines worldwide.
Fans Call It a Dream Collaboration
The news of BTS recording a Michael Jackson song has sent fans into a frenzy. Social media has been filled with posts calling it one of the most exciting music collaborations ever, even though it is technically posthumous. One fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Insanely good choice! Especially after Jungkook’s Standing Next To You vocals came out.”
Another wrote, “All the Western pop fans are upset about this, but Michael would’ve been in love with BTS.” Many shared their belief that the King of Pop would be proud of the Korean group for carrying forward his musical legacy.
One particularly viral comment read, “If true, this is the most iconic crossover since moonwalk met mic drop,” referencing Michael’s signature dance move and BTS’s hit song Mic Drop.
BTS’s History of Honoring Michael Jackson
This isn’t the first time BTS has paid tribute to Michael Jackson. Their 2020 chart-topping single Dynamite, their first full English track, was inspired in part by Michael’s music and performance style. The group has openly discussed how Michael influenced their artistry, particularly his stage presence, choreography, and ability to connect with audiences worldwide.
BTS has also referenced Michael Jackson in their performances and music videos over the years, sometimes subtly incorporating elements of his dance routines or styling into their own work. For fans, the idea of BTS recording a song originally intended for Michael feels like the natural next step in that artistic connection.
A Major Year Ahead for BTS
In addition to this tribute project, BTS is preparing for a massive comeback. The group — consisting of members RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook — is working on its first album in four years, expected to release in spring 2026.
Production for the album began in the United States in July 2025, marking their first group project since Proof in 2022. The release will be especially meaningful, as it comes after a period where several members were focusing on solo projects and mandatory military service.
Their last full-group concert, Yet to Come in Busan, took place in October 2022, drawing fans from around the globe. With their return to the stage and new music on the horizon, 2026 is shaping up to be one of BTS’s most important years yet.
Why This Collaboration Matters
The pairing of BTS and Michael Jackson’s unreleased work symbolizes a meeting of two musical eras — the King of Pop’s groundbreaking influence and the global dominance of K-pop. Michael Jackson revolutionized pop music in the 1980s and 1990s, setting standards in performance, production, and artistry. Similarly, BTS has broken records, redefined global music success, and brought Korean pop to mainstream Western markets.
For both fanbases, this collaboration represents more than just a song. It’s a cultural handshake between two generations of music legends, and it has the potential to introduce Michael’s unreleased material to a whole new audience while allowing BTS to further cement their status as world-class performers.
The anticipation is now at an all-time high, with fans eager to hear the final track. While the release date for the tribute album has not been officially announced, the combination of BTS’s modern sound and Michael Jackson’s timeless artistry is expected to make it one of the most talked-about music projects of the decade.
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