BTS faces backlash over alleged Michael Jackson collaboration: ‘Literally no one wants this'

Time of India

3 days ago

BTS may be about to enter their most controversial decade to date. According to reports, the South Korean supergroup is working on a top-secret tribute project as they get ready for their reunion: recording an unreleased song that was originally written for
Michael Jackson
.
The song was recorded during Jackson's 2006 stay in Ireland at the Grouse Lodge studio, where he worked on an unfinished album. Paddy Dunning, the owner of the studio, recently disclosed that BTS came to re-record one of those long-lost songs there last year. "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 said in an interview with The Irish Sun.
"There are 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."
In addition to the music, Dunning revealed that a documentary about Jackson's contented life in Ireland with his kids is currently in development. 'Michael's estate told me to plough ahead with this because, like me, they see it as a tribute to Michael.
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And for the documentary, we're going to get everyone's memories of working with Michael in Ireland," he continued. During a trip to the United States, the owner even had the opportunity to meet Prince, Jackson's oldest son.
Prince allegedly stated that he, Paris, and Blanket hope to visit the studio again in the future as they discussed the family's stay at Grouse Lodge.
Netizens are not overjoyed
Although the partnership is being marketed as a tribute, online responses seem to indicate otherwise.
While many fans are excited, many others are suspicious, if not outright annoyed. One user on X questioned, "Have Michael Jackson's family and estate approved of this?" Another user commented, "I don't have anything against them, but their style/sound has nothing in common with MJ... This song will NOT be good.' "They're so desperate, oh my goodness," one fan commented, while another added, "If anyone had the honor of this, it should have been Gaga.
"
One user questioned, "Who asked for this, no shade?" while another said bluntly, "They're not even close to Michael Jackson's level, mind you… so that's a lot of nerve.' Some were even more severe. One person said, "This is so disrespectful; we need to cancel BTS now." Another said, 'They're going to ruin it.' 'Literally no one wants this. K-pop, stop biting off of other artists challenge!', according to another comment.
Another said, 'They're doing anything for a comeback clearly.' "Who are they to even touch Michael Jackson's music?" said another.
It's undeniable that BTS has always admired Jackson, even in spite of the criticism. In many respects, their English hit song Dynamite was a visual and vocal tribute to the King of Pop. In addition, the group has consistently stated that he is an inspiration to them, even receiving an honorary mention in his documentary Thriller 40 (2023). Time (and streaming numbers) will tell if this new project turns out to be a musical misstep or a heartfelt tribute, but it might just be an extension of that same respect.