
BTS reportedly recorded an unreleased Michael Jackson song for a tribute album, sparking fan excitement and praise for what many call an iconic musical crossover.
Good news for BTS fans! Iconic K-pop band 'BTS' has recorded an unreleased songs that was initially written for Michael Jackson. The group collaborated with Grouse Lodge Studios in Ireland where the song was originally created for Jackson's 'The Next Thriller' album, according to the Irish Sun.
Paddy Dunning of Grouse Lodge Studios clarified that the special project involves BTS and they have recorded one of the unreleased tracks. He said, “The sessions started last year and we have already had the Korean boy band BTS over with us in Grouse Lodge, recording one of the songs.”
Dunning further added that the album will have more unreleased tracks written for MJ during his time in Ireland. “There’s about ten more, written especially for Michael by the collaborators he worked with in Ireland, including producer Rodney Jerkins and rapper Nephew, who have signed up for the project,” he said.
Michael Jackson travelled to Ireland in 2006 to work on music at Grouse Lodge Studios but unfortunately, the sessions never got completed. He passed away in LA on June 25, 2009.
Online, fans have been quick to express their awe and admiration. One X (formerly Twitter) user wrote, “Insanely good choice! Especially after Jungkook’s Standing Next To You vocals came out.” Another tweeted, “All the Western pop fans are being upset about this, just mad that Michael would've for sure been in love with BTS.”
A fan also noted, “I just know Michael would be so proud of BTS if he were alive.” Another comment that went viral read, “If true, this is the most iconic crossover since moonwalk met mic drop.” Someone else added, “From BTS paying homage to MJ in their biggest hit to recording one of MJ's songs, it is insane. Legends.”
This isn’t BTS’s first nod to the pop legend. Their 2020 hit Dynamite was widely regarded as a tribute to Michael Jackson, particularly in its styling and choreography.
Meanwhile, BTS is currently working on their first full-group album in four years, scheduled for release next spring. The septet, comprising RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook began production in the U.S. in July. The upcoming record will mark their return as a group since 2022’s Proof. Their last live performance together was Yet to Come in Busan in October 2022.