New Michael Jackson Album -- and World Tour -- Announced

Even after his untimely death last year, Michael Jackson continues to make waves... and stir controversy. The current announcement that a long-rumored album of recent, unreleased material -- simply titled 'Michael' -- will, in fact, drop on Dec. 14 has already done both.

Rolling Stone reports that at least one of the tracks, 'Breaking News,' was recorded in New Jersey in 2007 and is very likely part of a batch of songs Jackson recorded with producer Eddie Cascio. According to TMZ, Jackson's children dispute the fact that it's their father singing on the track, while others involved with the project claim the children are being intentionally misled by Jackson's mother, Katherine. Jackson's estate, meanwhile, claims that sound experts have confirmed the track's authenticity. All this and yet most details about the album have yet to be unveiled. A trailer for the release will appear on Michael Jackson's official website on Friday, while 'Breaking News' will stream from the site the following week.

Apparently, Jackson was frequently working on -- and recording -- new material in the years following his last studio album, 2001's 'Invincible.' Artists who Jackson collaborated with for the project include Will.i.am, Lenny Kravitz and Akron. An online press release for the album states, "Now, through the unique stories that will be told about the songs that comprise 'Michael,' fans will get mind-blowing insight into how the artist worked, and a chance to hear the songs he most recently created along with tracks that Michael had a desire to bring to fruition."

It's been heavily rumored by credible sources that Jackson left behind a virtual treasure trove of unreleased songs and unfinished material, thereby ensuring tons of potentially controversial releases in the future.

The new tour, which is unrelated to the new album, is a Cirque du Soleil theatrical production that -- in a typical Cirque flight of fancy -- aims to take audience members into the world of Neverland Ranch and on a journey through the mind and legacy of one of the world's most beloved performers. Billed as 'Michael Jackson, the IMMORTAL World Tour,' the show will kick off in October of next year and will initially stretch into 2012, with the potential for an extended run beyond that. Expect all of the hits, remixed material in the vein of Cirque's current Vegas productions (featuring the Beatles and Elvis Presley - both of whom Jackson felt connected to) and, of course, lots of dancing. But do not expect a Jackson impersonator. According to the Associated Press, the show's writer and director Jamie King said, "In no way am I going to use a stand in." Well, that's a relief.

A residential Las Vegas production is also in the works for 2012 and, like the world tour, will be a joint venture between Cirque du Soleil and Michael Jackson's estate. Tickets for the touring version go on sale to the public this Saturday.