Mariah Carey Reveals Why Her Unreleased Michael Jackson Collab Didn’t Make the Cut for New Album

Singer says track “should be on it” but estate’s plans for Jackson delayed its release

Mariah Carey has opened up about one of her most highly anticipated unreleased collaborations — a duet with the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen this week to promote her new album Here for It All (out now), the Grammy-winning superstar confirmed that the collaboration exists — but it has yet to see the light of day.

“So there is a Michael Jackson/Mariah Carey collab that is in the vault somewhere?” Cohen asked.

“It’s not in the vault, it’s right there,” Carey replied, clarifying that the delay stems from Jackson’s estate. “But there’s an issue with his estate because they’re doing something really huge for him and, you know, it would sort of usurp the situation.”

Carey admitted she’s disappointed that the track isn’t part of her latest release. “I love it. I’m so upset that it’s not coming out on this album. It should be on it. Every time I would play it for somebody, they’d be like, ‘Wow.’”

The singer added that she recorded new background vocals over what she described as “one of his classics.” Pleading with fans to push for its release, she said: “If someone just calls his management and tells them we want to hear this. Give a call.”

Carey and Jackson shared both a friendship and a musical history. The two previously collaborated on Jackson’s charity single What More Can I Give following the 9/11 attacks, and Carey memorably performed “I’ll Be There” with Trey Lorenz at Jackson’s public memorial in 2009.

Following his death in June 2009 at age 50, Carey praised Jackson as an “unparalleled” artist whose “star will shine forever.”

Jackson’s legacy continues to be honored through new projects. A highly anticipated biopic, directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, is set for release in spring 2026.

For now, fans will have to wait for the long-rumored Carey-Jackson duet — though if the singer has her way, it won’t remain unheard for much longer.