Getty Images
Less than 24 hours after Michael Jackson’s "This Is It" was released, singer Paul Anka came out and said the song was a rip-off.
And judging by the quick resolution by the special administrators of Jackson’s estate, Anka was telling the truth.
The former teen idol claimed he co-wrote a song titled "I Never Heard" with Jackson in 1983 and the track was originally recorded for Anka’s album, Walk a Fine Line.
After the song was recorded, Jackson allegedly took the tapes according to Anka and as a result, threatened to sue the King of Pop.
Anka eventually got the tapes back along with documentation that says both men shared the copyright for the song.
He would eventually give the song to Safire, who recorded the track in 1990.
Estate administrator John McClain contacted Anka and offered to give him 50 percent of the profits from the song. The song will be featured on a two-disc soundtrack and is the closing number in the This Is It movie when it hits theaters on October 27.
"The song was picked because the lyrics were appropriate because of the name Michael gave his tour," said John Branca, co-executor of Jackson’s estate. "We are thrilled to present this song in Michael's voice for the first time, and that Michael's fans have responded in unprecedented numbers. The song was co-written by the legendary Paul Anka."
There’s no denying the fact that the two songs sound the same. But when do you remember the last time a legal dispute involving a superstar of Jackson’s magnitude was resolved in a matter of hours?
Which version of the song do you think is better? Michael Jackson’s "This Is It" or Safire’s "I Never Heard?" Chime in below!
