Rumored tribute project sparks intense debate as BTS reportedly records unreleased MJ track amid backlash
August 4, 2025: Reports have surfaced that global supergroup BTS has recorded vocals for an unreleased Michael Jackson song as part of an upcoming tribute album. The news—based on statements from the owner of Ireland’s Grouse Lodge studio—claims BTS visited the site where Jackson worked in 2006 and participated in recording one of his unfinished tracks.
Project Origins & BTS Connection
Studio head Paddy Dunning, who oversaw the 2006 sessions in a converted cow shed where Michael Jackson lived briefly, said the newly unearthed project is reviving about ten songs left unfinished when Jackson passed in 2009. BTS reportedly recorded vocals for one of them in 2025 during their stay in Ireland—part of a broader effort supported by Michael Jackson’s estate.
BTS has previously paid tribute to MJ through their bright choreography and homage-heavy visuals—most notably in their hit “Dynamite” and their cover appearance in the Thriller 40 documentary—making the collaboration a symbolic bridge between eras.
Divided Reactions from Fans
The announcement has triggered heated reactions online, particularly from Michael Jackson purists. Some MJ fans on Reddit and X accused the project of disrespecting his legacy, arguing the unreleased work should be preserved in its original form:
“It pisses me off that the estate continues to disrespect MJ … as if he’s not good enough to release his own versions.”
Another sharply commented:
“Don’t want it … I’d rather hear Michael sing it.”
Some critics didn’t hold back—calling K‑pop a commodified genre and branding the collaboration culturally tone-deaf. Over on Times of India, one reaction summed it up bluntly:
“‘Literally no one wants this.’”
Undying Support from ARMY
Not all reactions were negative. Many BTS fans—known as ARMY—are overjoyed, calling the rumored tribute a historic cultural convergence.
“BTS x MJ isn’t just a collab—it’s history being made.”
“Chills. Absolute chills.”
Online supporters point to BTS’s repeated expressions of admiration for Jackson, from choreography to interviews, seeing the move as a heartfelt tribute rather than exploitation.
Why the Controversy Matters
| Key Issue | Why It’s Controversial |
|---|---|
| Michael Jackson’s Legacy | Critics argue unreleased MJ music should remain his alone—no vocal features. |
| Cultural Friction | Some MJ purists see BTS’s involvement as outsider meddling with a sacred legacy. |
| BTS’s Reputation | The group is praised by their fans but also faces skepticism from some corners over K-pop’s commercialization. |
| Generational Bridge | Supporters argue this project introduces MJ to a younger global audience via BTS’s reach. |
What’s Next?
For now, no official confirmation has come from BTS or the Michael Jackson estate. While BTS is preparing a full-group comeback album slated for spring 2026, details on the tribute project remain unannounced. Whether this collaboration becomes reality—or how it’s received—could define BTS’s next chapter and test the boundaries of posthumous music collaborations.
A rumored BTS–Michael Jackson collaboration ignites fierce debate. While some call it an exciting legacy bridge between two musical icons, others argue it’s unnecessary—or worse, disrespectful. Only time will tell how the project unfolds.
Published by HOLR Magazine