Global icons BTS take part in a historic musical collaboration with the King of Pop.
In what fans are calling a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration, global supergroup BTS has reportedly recorded an unreleased song by Michael Jackson for a highly anticipated tribute album scheduled for release in 2026. The project, which has been in the works for years, is being produced in partnership with the Michael Jackson Estate and marks a significant moment in both pop music and K-pop history.
According to reports from multiple international outlets, BTS recorded the track at Grouse Lodge Studios in Ireland — the very same studio where Jackson himself stayed in 2006 while working on a series of unreleased songs. The estate is now reviving those recordings for a tribute album that will also be featured in the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, set to premiere in April 2026.
A Fitting Tribute by Modern Icons
This collaboration comes as no surprise to devoted fans, many of whom have long noted the influence of Michael Jackson on BTS’s music and performance style. The group has previously paid homage to Jackson through their chart-topping hits “Dynamite” and “Butter,” both of which carry the King of Pop’s signature sound — from funk-inspired beats to smooth, high-energy choreography.
Their rendition of Jackson’s unreleased track is said to be part of a broader tribute that celebrates not just his musical genius, but also his creative journey — particularly his lesser-known time in Ireland, where the album’s unreleased material was originally conceived.
Studio owner Paddy Dunning revealed that BTS was among a select group of artists chosen to reinterpret Jackson’s hidden gems. “Michael’s time at Grouse Lodge was a special chapter in his creative life,” Dunning shared in an interview. “It’s incredibly exciting to see artists like BTS bring that legacy forward in a way that connects generations.”
Fans Celebrate a “Historic Moment”
News of BTS’s involvement quickly took over social media, with ARMYs — the group’s passionate fanbase — celebrating what they call “a match made in pop music heaven.” Hashtags like #BTSxMichaelJackson and #PopLegendsUnite have trended globally, with fans expressing pride over BTS’s role in honoring one of their own musical inspirations.
“This is a full circle moment,” one fan tweeted. “BTS, who have always admired MJ, now bringing his unreleased work to life. Absolutely iconic.”
What’s Next?
The tribute album, which will feature select international artists, is expected to coincide with the promotional run of the Michael biopic. While the official release date for the album has yet to be confirmed, industry insiders say it is shaping up to be “the next Thriller” in terms of ambition and artistic scope.
Meanwhile, BTS — now back as a complete group following the conclusion of their military service — is also gearing up for a full-group comeback album in Spring 2026.
With their enduring global influence and deep respect for pop history, BTS’s contribution to this tribute marks not just a career milestone, but a powerful symbol of musical legacy — where past and present legends meet in perfect harmony.
