Record label defends Jackson single in voice row

"When I heard these songs, my heart cried hearing Michael again in good spirits. The vocals sounded very polished, very on key and processed. I have no doubts that these are Michael's vocals," Jackson's long-time producer Teddy Riley said .

Breaking News is the first song off Michael, due out in December. It's the first album of unreleased Jackson material since the singer's death.

Epic Records, Jackson's label, said Jackson not only co-wrote the song in 2007 but also co-produced it with Eddie Cascio and James Porte. It made its debut on michaeljackson.com on Monday.

But Jackson's nephews, Taryll, Taj and TJ Jackson, said on Twitter this week their uncle's voice was not the one featured on the song.

"I KNOW my Uncle's voice and something's seriously wrong when you have immediate FAMILY saying it's not him," wrote Taryll Jackson. "Don't you have to wonder why? I have strong, undeniable points. They can't give me answers, yet continue to move forward with lies and deception. Sounding like Michael Jackson and BEING Michael Jackson are two different things."

Michael Jackson's brother Jackie also took to Twitter this week, and while he did not call the song a fraud, he did voice concerns, claiming his and fellow executor John McClain's requests to have certain tracks removed have not been "taken seriously".

Mr Riley, who worked with Jackson on several albums "and other projects, said, however, he had the family's support on the production of the album.

"I did what Michael would expect of me with the tools I had to work with (vocal tracks of Michael). This is his legacy," he said. "Let it live."

Frank Dileo, who had been Jackson's manager years ago and re-entered his career shortly before his death, also vouched for the song's authenticity.