will.i.am. Praised Michael Jackson for His "Birdy"

Wed, 25 July 2007 12:00:00 ET

will.i.am. Praised Michael Jackson for His Michael Jackson sings like a bird, according to rapper-and-producer will.i.am. The Black Eyed Peas star is working with Jackson on the 'Thriller' singer's new album and says he is amazed with his unique voice.

will.i.am. said: "Man, he still sings like a bird. He could go anywhere. We have a real opportunity to do something here. It's either going to be really big or nobody's going to care. Ain't no middle ground on this one."

The music star, who is producing Jackson's first studio album for six years, recently revealed he was completely shocked to be asked to work with the former 'King of Pop'. He said: "Michael called up and I thought someone was joking. I hear, 'Hello, its Michael,' and I was like, 'Yeah right, stop playing!' Then he said, 'I want to congratulate you on all your success. Do you mind if I call you in a couple of days at 4pm?' Then he started ringing me every day at 4pm. So I started working on music for him on the tour bus."