The manager of the singer Safire has weighed in on the growing controversy surrounding the new Michael Jackson single “This Is It.” Sal Abbatiello told EW earlier this evening that “This Is It” is “exactly the same” as the song “I Never Heard,” which was written by Jackson and Paul Anka and released by Safire in the early ’90s.
After “This Is It” was released last night it soon became clear to many listeners that the tune, which features on the soundtrack to the forthcoming movie of the same name and is credited to just Jackson, was very similar to “I Never Heard.” Late this afternoon TMZ reported that Jackson “stole” the tapes of “I Never Heard” after Jackson and Anka had written the song and only returned them once Anka threatened to sue. Meanwhile, the New York Times quoted Anka as saying, “It’s exactly the same song. They just changed the title.”
According to Abbatiello, “I Never Heard” was originally supposed to be duet between Anka and Safire. But the manager claimed that, after Jackson met with Safire, he “gave” her the song and told her to put it out with his blessing. Abbatiello also expressed amazement that no one at Michael Jackson’s record company Sony had seemingly bothered to research the possibility that the song had been been previously released. “This is a terrible mistake,” he told EW. “I’m pretty sure Paul Anka has a big case. I don’t know if Safire has any legal right as the artist. I’ll have to contact my lawyers. But, hopefully. They’re advertising this movie everywhere.” (Sony declined to offer any comment on the controversy.)
Check out the clip from Safire’s “I Never Heard” below and tell us if you agree with Abbatiello’s allegation that it is basically the same song.
UPDATE, October 12, 10pm ET: Jackson’s estate released a statement acknowledging Anka’s work as co-writer of Jackson’s new single and promised him 50 per cent of the profits from the song’s sales. “The song was picked because the lyrics were appropriate because of the name Michael gave his tour,” the statement read. “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.”
More from EW’s Music Mix:
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Lady Gaga gets serious for gay rights, covers Lennon’s “Imagine”
Michael Jackson’s new single, ‘This Is It’: Stream it here
Stephen Gately: Why the Boyzone singer’s death is the biggest story in the UK
Janelle Monae, ‘Come Alive (The War of the Roses)’: Stream it here
Kanye West MIA at BET Hip Hop Awards
Comments (1-30) of 82 Add your comment
Thats sad that pop Icon Michael Jackson isnt Alive Anymore to sort out this problem.If he was Alive Right now.He can Take care of this problem with Paul Anka.But Michael Jackson pop Icon isnt Alive Anymore.His Fans miss him a lot.Also his mom Katherine misses him a lot.Also his sisters Janet/LaToya miss him a lot/his Kids Paris/her two Brothers.No Thanks to Dr Conrad Murray.Pop Icon Michael Jackson isnt Alive Anymore.Dr Murray should be put away for what he did .On June 25th 2009.I liked watching his videos a lot.Bad Back in 1987.Dirty Diana Back in 1988.The way you make me feel Back in 1988.His videos are fun to watch.
Let me guess, you feel that Michael Jackson is a pop icon. True enough, but we got it the first time.
Paul Anka is a pop icon as well — but of a different generation
Excuse me, Michael didn’t steal anything. This song was co-written by him so he can use it whetever he likes. Eitherway, it’s not his fault that his brothers and Sony are exploiting his death by releasing this song without his permission. This song was never part of the rehearsals. it was only added to the closing credits of the upcoming movie which proves my point.
Mark, I think the legal argument is that if Paul Anka co-wrote the original song and music, then he deserves royalties on it regardless of who sings it or a revised version, even Michael Jackson.
Paul has settled for 50% royalties…he’s a happy man….he stated that MJ “stole” the tapes, so yeh, MJ was a thief….I think everybody wins including Safir. And I agree with Tim, this is a better rendition of the song. It sounds more complete and her vocals are good. The arrangement is more ‘popish’.
Actually, this version is more listenable than the one they released for Michael.
uh, disagree.
comment to Samantha Delynne – It was extremely hard reading your comment because of all of the grammatical errors as well as ridiculous repetion of the phrase “miss him a lot.” It reads as though a four year old wrote it. I, however, am guessing that you are about in your late 20s to early 30s by your statement that you liked watching his videos in the late 80s. Since you are of that age, you should know how to write better. Next time have someone proof read your comments.
You are right Kevin. That said, you spelled ‘repetition’ incorrectly.
chill out. What’s it to you?
I’m with Kevin..Samantha’s comment is just one more example that our education system needs an overhaul.
guys, maybe English is not her native language, no need to be mean.
Then maybe she should be posting on whatever-the-heck language that was website for entertainment news.
It’s sad that they used a previously released song as a promitional stint. No one should be blaming Jackson, unless he had intentions of releasing this song. It’s pretty sloppy on the part of sony or whoever’s in charge.
At 944 pm I read that tmz reports a settlement has ALREADY been made with Paul Anka! Wow! This song is gonna make millions for Paul. Good for him. However, this song SUCKS in either version….blech!!!
Just further proof that Michael Jackson is lame and his career was in the toilet when he died. All of this hoopla surrounding him is just redonkulous. Get a life people – he’s dead and really, who cares? I’d rather he just go away peacefully rather than watch his family further milk this cow.
Hey, thanks for contributing! If his career was in the toilet why were his albums flying off the shelves weeks after his death?
Probably because of that sense of nostalgia that we all felt for the days when his music was good and it wasn’t overshadowed by his bizarre appearance and strange choices. I guess some people can’t separate the semi-normal Michael from the one who hired crap doctors to medicate him each night so he could go to sleep. This is just another controversy to add to the trophy shelf…
I don’t mean to be disrespectful here but you pretty much answered your own question. It’s because he was dead. His albums weren’t exactly flying off the shelves this time last year.
For god’s sake, Michael jackson kept this song unfinished in the vault for 26 years. What does that tell you about the song?
When I first heard it, I knew MJ wouldn’t release a bland song like this as his song. So the blame goes to Sony because they produced and released it after his death because otherwise Michael would never allow this song to be released as his song. They never took the time to explore his unreleased songs because they want to profit from his sudden death just like everybody else.
Michael chose that song BEFORE his death as the title of his London concert engagement. I think it’s safe to say he was planning to use it.
This song was renamed by Sony because of the opening lyrics only weeks ago. This NEVER had anything to do with the concert series as far as MJ was concerned.
Michael Jackson was the greatest musician of our time. Greater than Elvis with no question. When I listen to the woman sing,I hear nothin but Mike’s influence all over the song, but what happened to her great albums?
Hey fools, the song was not recorded in the studio by MJ. The song was recorded on the stage during rehersals. This is why it doesn’t sound as good as it would have had it been done in the studio. You know, like sogs that sound great on the radio – and suck during a concert. Studio verses live concert makes a HUGE difference. And personally who cares if it was co written by this Akna person… MJ played a part of writting it- he should be able to sing it and call it whatever he chose. Difference is he is obvioulsy not here to decide what song is going to be the theme song for “this is it”. And for the idiot that said his career was in the toilet… If u don’t care why the heck are u wasting your time writing on this post?? Geez, go get a life if all u can do is bash someone u don’t have any respect for. Seems to me people that didn’t care for his music wouldn’t waste their time reading something let alone clicking on the post comment, then waiting for it to load and type. Poor guy, u need some friends. RIP MJ
You Said it!!! I like the song. And why are they saying MJ “stole” the song? Didn’t he “cowrite” the song? MJ was the Best at what he did. The BEST! Love him, love his music. For the few who critize him, thank God for the million of us who love him and will always love him.
James your comment was so far off base that it is almost laughable.
Michael had absolutely nothing to do with the release of this song. He was however one the greatest performers ever. It is just so sad that you have to disrespect the dead like that, do you even care that his family or his children may see this. The next time you decided to dish dirt on the dead think what your family would think if someone was talking on the Internet disrespectfully about you upon your death.
Frankly, I don’t care what his family would say if they saw this. They’ve heard and seen much worse about Michael because he was a huge FREAK. He is so overblown, and his recent rise to popularity is the result of his death, not because of any talent he still may have posessed. And why would anyone say things about me after my death on an EW.com comments board — I’m not famous, I never owned a monkey or slept in an oxygen chamber or molested a whole bunch of kids.
No, but I’m sure you expose yourself as a total tool on a regular basis to those who do know you in your real life…or lack thereof.
If MJ were still alive and were to tour in the US he would have a completely sold out tour and people would feel honored to be able to attend one of his shows. Despite what he may have done or been charged with, he was an amazing musician.
I still can’t believe that the world still has people dumb enough to believe in most of those stupid ‘Wacko Jacko’ rumors. Michael Jackson didn’t buy an oxygen chamber to sleep in, and he certainly didn’t molest a bunch of kids. No pedophile with Jackson’s talent and intelligence would have acted around and towards children in the manner he did.
Oh dear, yet another misinformed ignoramus – do yourself and everyone else a favour and educate yourself before posting drivel.
George, very well said! I couldn’t agree more! Anymore all we here on the radio is sex, pimps and hoes and so on! Michael respected people and didn’t go on and on in every song about knockin boots. The man will never rest in peace because of all the media and idiots that feed into the frenzy. What all of us need to remember is that even being an amazing musician.. He was also a human being that has a family and children that love him. For heavens sake treat people how u want to be treated… and if u don’t know the facts… Shut your trap!
It was not Michael Jackson’s fault. It’s Sony’s fault for doing a rush job without even researching about the song first. It is almost embarrassing to think that not a single person in Sony was aware of that previously released version! I prefer Michael’s version just because the mood is more cheery.
Dag, that is just sad sad sad. Exactly
michael jackson heaters is not welcome here.. if you comment a negative about michael… just get a life
i mean haters im sorry.. hehe i mispelled..
A pedophile & now a thief. It just keeps getting better & better!
ummmm, did you meet him? why do you hate him so much? Could it be you are just jealous of MJ? People like you really need to get a life. YOU, Barry, like all the other haters, will never (NEVER) accomplish anything as GREAT as MJ because, well… YOU ARE A CRITIC!!! A useless CRITIC! MJ was loved by so many people (Critics never get that kind of love)… He inspired and helped so many. Pedophile??? I think not. he was found NOT Guilty. And thieves don’t steal their own songs you idiot…ANd Barry, it will get better and better…For the few who critize him, thank God for the million of us who love him and will always love him.
Thief? Again, since you didn’t understand it the first time mentioned, MICHAEL CO-WROTE THE SONG.
You believe everything you read
Last I checked Jackson was the co-writer of the song. How can you steal your own song?
I hope that if they if they intend to release anything else they get somebody to go through the material who has some knowledge of music and can research the history of what they are releasing. MJ wrote with a lot of people, so it is not surprising that Paul Anka wrote this one with him. They picked an old song just because of the title and not for quality? They really assume that the public is so gullible that they will buy anything with the MJ name on it.
And by the way, this Anka person has been a popular singer since he was sixteen (he was a teen idol), has had a great career and has written many famous songs (including the theme to the old Tonight Show). There are other great performers besides MJ–no need to insult them, either.
Don’t care the song is olnly good because Michael sing’s it!
the man is dead. let him rest in peace. i dont think you sue a dead man so give it a break and lets enjoy the movie tribute to the King of Pop in peace, shall we?
You can sue a dead man’s estate.
So what * Mr.Anka, * the song is co-written with Michael in the early ’80s. Now, for a honesty mistake, Sony decided to put this song on Michael`s film “This Is It”. Is a very touching song, and the voice of Michael is fit for this song. Sony made a good job, remastering this song. Mr.Anka, you could, in respect for Michael`s death, to accept the appologize, and not to ask 50% for the song.Don`t be paltry *** Sorry, but with Michael voice, the song sounds much better, it is Michael`s soul…. Mr.Anka, why 18-20 years ago you did not put this song with your voice * and you claim your contribution now * because you know that this song with Michael voice will earn much money and you want 50%, * shame on you Mr.Anka * the voice and passion of Michael is unforgettable .Mr.Anka, In showbiz you resisted few years, Michael resisted 40 years(and will be) because of his talent..Never, no one, (no media, no people like you), will pull down Michael from his throne.He is the king and will be **
Holy cow – could you have made this post more confusing? Paul Anka is entitled to 50% of the earnings of this song because HE WROTE IT you numbskull. All this hooey about “Michael’s soul” – get a life you tool. This song is hardly up to today’s standards and Michael is probably rolling over in his grave that this lame song is being released. What a way to cap off your “legacy”. And to all of you “fans” that loved Michael so much – why did you have to wait until he died to suddenly want to buy his music? Because it wasn’t good past “Thriller” – it was nothing but recycled crap because he was insane.
The released song has no finesse to it. It sounded most incomplete to me when i heard it at first. The song in Safire’s album is listenable.MJ must be having the last laugh at Sony, the wily old Devils, who have troubled him so much. MJ was a perfectionist. No album of his is nothing less than perfect. I was bitterly disappointed when I heard the song.We have to now resign ourselves to imperfect videos in MJ’s name.I have a feeling that the movie will also be an hackneyed job.
And one more thing, It’s unfair of Paul to say that MJ robbed the song.Both Safire and Paul Anton (whom I has never heard of earlier to this) will benefit greatly.Smear MJ’s name in the great USA to make money off him,even in death!
Paul ANKA — you should google him and educate yourself. Just because you’ve never heard of him doesn’t mean you haven’t heard his songs on the radio before or bought his music covered by younger artists. If Michael Jackson were alive, even he would tell you that Paul Anka is a pop music legend.
It’s PAUL ANKA, and not knowing one of the great songwriters of our time shows your ignorance.
I’m sorry…even if you never heard any of Paul Anka’s numberous hits from the 1950’s to the 1970’s…everyone has heard his song “My Way” …(yes…the “I did it my way” song). That song is inescapable….
HE CO WROTE IT MEANING THAT IT IS HIS ASWELL
plus how come we never heard of that so called old version of the song b4 so he owns it 2
face it THE WORLD WILL NEVER want to give him his right ful title
THE EMPEROR OF MUSIC
he moonwalks over elvis beatels and all other he has no quals honest to god!@
PS did ya’ll hear his kids inherited more money than he evey had 5Billion!
You need to educate yourself about other music. It’s not good enough for him to have the self appointed title of King of Pop? Good grief.
You sound jealous of him,Kay
Well, at least now you know how to spell his last name.
No thanks.
To Starsie, I followed your suggestion and googled Paul Anka.Nothing to show he is a LEGEND.A Legend should universally known by dint of his talent.
Legend he is – read on!!
Anka has recorded 125 albums to date including over 10 albums in Japanese, German, Spanish, French, and Italian, composing songs culturally tailored to each country. He has sold close to 15 million albums worldwide. Among his Billboard chart stats in the U.S. are three #1 songs, “Diana,” “Lonely Boy,” and “You’re Having My Baby,” as well as 22 Top 20 hits.
Anka also has a staggering 900 songs to his credit–130 recorded by other artists including Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Linda Ronstadt, and Robbie Williams. He is particularly well-known for penning signature songs for others, notably “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” (Buddy Holly), “She’s a Lady” (Tom Jones), “Puppy Love” (Donny Osmond) and, of course, “My Way” (Frank Sinatra).
Anka has also been the discoverer of an enormous number of talented artists, including U.S. singer/songwriters John Prine, and Steve Goodman; and Canadians Michael Bublé, Corey Hart, and David Clayton-Thomas.
MJ is dead. Can they sell his bones? Song sounds like a Paul Anka song. A snooze.
It is bad when Sony tries to rip off MJ’s music as original and scam millions of vulnerable fans…..it is truly sad…
Even the film This Is It is not truly original…..50 percent of the film depicts previous concert and backstage clips….Total RipOFF folks!!