US rapper Akon has revealed that a collaboration with Michael Jackson was dropped from his new album because the song leaked online.

The song, entitled 'Hold My Hand', was praised by fans when it appeared last summer, with many heralding it as Jackson's comeback.

However, when Akon released the tracklisting for his new album, 'Freedom', the song had been omitted.

Speaking to the Daily Star, the rapper said the decision to remove the song was due to the leak and not because Jackson was reluctant for it to be released.

“Musically we were on the same level and we wanted it to be special. We wanted it so that when people got my album, it was something that was never heard. But the leak stopped those plans,” he said.

“We will be doing more things together in the future, though.”

As previously reported, Akon is said to be producing Jackson's as-yet-untitled new studio album.

He told the newspaper that he wanted the ensure that singer's new material to “put focus on Mike”. He added: “He is the greatest artist ever.”

(by Jason Gregory)