US songwriter Claude Kelly says he was left “literally shaking” after being played Akon's new song 'Hold My Hand', which features Michael Jackson.

Kelly, who wrote the track, said he had no idea that Akon intended to employ Jackson to sing on the song.

"I wrote the song and gave it to Akon with the intention of it going to maybe Whitney Houston, but Akon said he wanted to cut it himself. I thought, 'It doesn't get any bigger than this'," producer told Billboard.

"A few months after, Akon plays the song for me and all of a sudden I hear Michael Jackson's voice. I was literally shaking by the time the song was over."

The version of 'Hold My Hand' which features Jackson leaked on the internet earlier this week. It has since been removed from a number of file-sharing websites.

The track is expected to be the lead single to Akon's new album, which is due later this year.

At present, it's unclear as to whether the song will also appear on Jackson's new studio album.

(by Jason Gregory)