Let’s not pretend we didn’t believe it.
BTS, the most powerful group on the planet, teaming up posthumously with Michael Jackson, the King of Pop? Of course we believed it. We clung to that rumor like it was a leaked comeback teaser. And for a moment, it felt like music history was about to repeat itself—with glitter, drama, and seven Korean legends breathing new life into MJ’s lost vocals.
But as it turns out? That magical fantasy? It was never real. Not even a little.
We all got bamboozled. Here’s how it went down.
It All Started with One Wild Statement from Ireland
The fire was lit by Paddy Dunning, the owner of Grouse Lodge Studio in Ireland—a name you probably hadn’t heard until this week. In an interview, he casually mentioned that BTS had recorded vocals for an unreleased Michael Jackson song at his studio. He said MJ had recorded around ten unreleased songs during a stay in 2006, and BTS had supposedly come in to revive one for an upcoming tribute album.
That’s right: a lost Michael Jackson song, found, with BTS on it, and a documentary to match.
Cue the chaos.
The Internet Had a Full Meltdown. Understandably.
ARMYs were losing it. MJ fans were side-eyeing. Journalists were typing like their keyboards were on fire. And the rest of us? Quietly spinning theories in our heads about what kind of masterpiece this would be.
Some people were genuinely touched at the idea. Others found it “weird,” “unnecessary,” or even “disrespectful.” A few accused BTS of clout-chasing. And then there were those of us in the middle—just hoping it wasn’t a hoax because… I mean, imagine.
BTS and BigHit? Silent. Until They Weren’t.
BTS didn’t say a word. Not a tweet, not a wink, not a shadow of a spoiler. And that silence? Should’ve been our first clue.
Then on August 5th, BigHit Music released a crystal-clear statement:
“BTS has never participated in recording songs at Grouse Lodge Studio in Ireland. We are not involved in the tribute album or any related projects.”
Translation: that rumor you believed with your whole chest? Pure fiction. Zero percent reality. Completely made up.
Michael Jackson’s Team Confirmed It Too, Because Apparently We Needed More Closure
Just to make sure the door was not only closed but padlocked and buried, MJ’s official online team also denied everything. The estate hadn’t approved any such project. No tribute album. No BTS feature. No nothing.
The whole thing? A fantasy created from one studio owner’s memory, miscommunication, or maybe just a little too much imagination.
How Did This Spiral So Fast?
Because let’s face it—it sounded perfect. BTS have paid homage to MJ before. Jungkook’s covers, their performances, their dance style—it all carries MJ influence. So the idea that they’d be part of a tribute? Not that far-fetched.
And honestly? We wanted to believe it. Because even though BTS are out there creating their own legacy, the thought of them being connected to MJ in some spiritual music-unites-generations kind of way? It hit the sweet spot.
But Here’s Where It Gets Messy
After the denial, instead of everyone just saying, “Oops, our bad,” some people started turning on BTS—calling them attention-seekers or accusing them of letting the rumor fly too long.
As if BTS had anything to do with this! These men are serving in the military. They haven’t released a group album in years. And somehow they’re supposed to be responsible for controlling tabloid rumors from across the ocean?
BTS didn’t ask to be in this story. They didn’t even know the plot.
Final Thoughts: Okay, We Got Played. But Let’s Move On Gracefully.
So no, there’s no lost BTS x MJ track. No mysterious recording in Ireland. No behind-the-scenes documentary. We got caught up in a fantasy, and we’re walking away empty-handed—with a slightly bruised ego and a few too many saved reaction memes.
But you know what? That’s fine.
Because we don’t need a fake collab to remind us how incredible BTS is.
They’re already shaping history. And when they return in 2026 with real music—music they made, from their hearts, with their hands—it’s going to be better than any tribute could ever dream to be.
And this time, we’ll make sure it’s real before we start planning matching outfits.
