New Michael Jackson single debuts online

LONDON (AP) — Michael Jackson returned to the airwaves today with a new song - the first from an upcoming musical documentary featuring the troubled superstar.

It is the first new material by Jackson to be released since his sudden death in Los Angeles on June 25.

Jackson sounded confident and almost playful on "This Is It," which features his trademark breathy vocal style, perfected over the years since he was a child sensation with the Jackson Five. He is backed by lush vocals from his brothers, giving the recording a nostalgic, familiar feel.

The mid-tempo song with orchestral backing is played during the closing sequences of the documentary of the same name, which opens worldwide Oct. 28 for a limited two-week run. It features rehearsal footage shot shortly before Jackson's death.

"This Is It," goes one verse on the new song. "Here I stand. The light of the world. I feel grand."

The song is available on Jackson's official Web site and was being sent to radio stations. It also will be part of the two-disc CD set that will accompany the movie in a worldwide marketing blitz expected to capitalize on the surge of emotion that followed the singer's death.