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Michael Jackson Vocal Controversy Heats Up, Producer Admits Use of Melodyne

Michael JacksonTim Whitby, Getty Images

With Michael Jackson's first posthumous release of new material, 'Michael,' slated to hit stores worldwide this week, the controversy surrounding it continues to make headlines. Immediately following the initial news reports of the album's details, members of the Jackson family -- including his father, Joseph, and several of his children -- questioned the authenticity of the vocals. The accusation was taken seriously enough as to warrant an official response from the record label, Sony, which stated that they took significant steps in certifying that the vocals do, in fact, belong to Jackson.

On Monday, one of the album's producers, Teddy Riley, stepped up to the plate to explain why some of the vocals may appear questionable. Riley admitted that the vocal tracks weren't entirely ready for a finished product at the time of Jackson's death, so he was forced to manipulate them by using technology to make them fit. "We had to do what we had to do to make ... his voice work with the actual music," Riley told Reuters.

This included running some of Jackson's vocals through a Melodyne, which is a pitch modification tool similar to Auto-Tune. "With the Melodyne, we actually move the stuff up, which is the reason why some of the vibrato sounds a little off or ... over-processed," says Riley. "We truly apologize for that happening, but you are still hearing the true Michael Jackson."

Providing additional debate fodder, Riley also admitted to Reuters that Jackson "would never consider it being a final vocal. But because he's not with us, he cannot give us new vocals." Some, such as fellow Jackson collaborator and Black Eyed Peas frontman Will.i.am have suggested that it is precisely because of that detail that releasing any tracks unfinished at the time of Jackson's death is simply "disrespectful."

Riley produced "Hollywood Tonight," "Monster," and "Breaking News" -- the three songs on 'Michael' that raised the initial questions about the authenticity of Jackson's vocals. Riley already told BBC Newsbeat last week that he's excited and "on board" for the next one. Sony currently has a contract with the Jackson Estate to release nine more albums through 2017.

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jaymesbrenda

this is stupid it right here they havn't bring back Michael Jackson back on tv this year whyyyyyyyyyyyyyy? plaes do it am waiting this year com onnnnnn but my real name is Briana Thornton plaes put him back on nowwwwww

May 26 2011 at 11:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
B.S.

I 100% agree with Kat! No fraud, no crap (are you kidding?!), and NO JUDGING -- will the morons of the world EVER learn?!

January 27 2011 at 11:01 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Kat

There is no "FRAUD" behind the album. Anyone who has ever worked in a studio, been an artist, been a producer or understands this type of process would know. First when you "lay" (sing)Vocals USUALLY its a rough, most don't nail it the first time, few do. Then from there you keep working your vocals till your satisfied. A PERFECTIONIST isn't usually satisfied for a long long time (if ever)
The music that makes the tract for the artist to sing over is usually never completed till vocals are. So you can add to the track after vocals are completed. Then there are these wonderful computer tools that have been around since computers, to fix a pitch (when your vocal is off key)
Michael did roughs - they were by far what HE concidered NOT completed. But as you remember, His rehursal is beter then MOST artist actual performace - SO THIS IS IT was AMAZING!!
To watch is process was incredible on EVERY level, entertain, to learn and understand him MORE!!
I have this album (got it as a Christmas gift) It is UNREAL - ONCE AGAIN (LIKE this is it) He would have NAILED IT! Even through the music if you KNOW Michael's voice... IT'S 100% HIM!!!! Crap??? No honey that's what you hear on the radio NOW!!!
Making a buck??? He has already said when he writes an album he writes over 100 songs! Do you know how many all the producers must have in THEIR studio's?? As a TRUE Michael fan I want to HEAR them ALL!!!! Even the "process" cuts!! Before you "Judge" know what you're talking about first! AFTER ALL wasn't that what was done to HIM (Michael)the majority of his life??!!!

January 02 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
obesity in motion

Finally! The fraud behind this new album is hitting mainstream news.

December 14 2010 at 7:39 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
CLEO2U

ANYthing for a buck!
I'm sure the family is salivating just thinking of all the money that will be coming their way soon from anyone sucker enough to buy this crap.

December 13 2010 at 11:35 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to CLEO2U's comment
Nellieo

The "family" is not going to see any of the money from the sale of this CD. It is held in trust for Michael's children and they won't see any of it until they are over 21 and not all of it until they each reach age 40. The "family" as you know them will be long gone by that time. Michael Jackson knew what he was doing and who he was dealing with.

December 14 2010 at 7:45 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Nellieo's comment
jaymesbrenda

I WAS SAYING THE SAMETHINGGGGGGGGGGGGG AT HOMEEEEEEE COME NOWW IT 2011 REPLY BACK TODAY I AGGER WHAT U SAYYYYYY ON HERE

May 26 2011 at 11:41 PM Report abuse rate up rate down