Jackson's Comeback On Track

What's next for embattled pop star Michael Jackson? More music, of course.

"Access Hollywood's" Billy Bush recently traveled to Ireland and the classic estate outside of Dublin that Jackson now calls home to talk with the King of Pop about his music and his new life.

The reclusive singer allowed "Access Hollywood" to turn on its cameras for what Bush described as an "exploratory mission" in the first part of a two-part exclusive interview that aired on the program Thursday.

Shying away from a sit-down interview, Bush said Jackson allowed the show's cameras to follow him "like flies on a wall."

Those cameras went into Jackson's in-house, state-of-the-art recording studio, where a new album is in the works, and on the grounds of his Irish estate. It is there where Jackson enjoys spending time making breakfast for his children and enjoying the beauty that led him to choose Ireland as his new home.

Latoya Jackson says her brother Michael is "happier than ever."

"I like what he is doing and thought it would be interesting to collaborate or just see how the chemistry worked," Jackson told Bush. "I think he's doing wonderful, innovative, positive, great music."

Will.i.am, a rapper and producer, said he received the call while on his tour bus. "I thought they were joking," he said. "It's a dream come true for me."

Jackson hasn't released a new record since "Invinsible" in 2001. But he says he never stopped creating music.

"I am always writing a potpourri of music," he said. "I want to give the world escapism through the wonder of great music and to reach the masses."

On his blog, Bush described Jackson as nervous and antsy and called the visit a baby step.

"He was truly torn," Bush wrote. "He wanted to stay and keep jamming and have some fun, but he also wanted to leave before, from his perspective, he got crucified by another TV interview."

The King of Pop has made few appearances since being acquitted of child molestation charges in June 2005 and leaving the United States for Bahrain and Ireland. Bush's "interview" is Jackson's first.

Jackson made a rare public appearance on May 23 to receive the Legend Award at the MTV VMAs in Tokyo and is scheduled to attend the World Music Awards in London on Nov. 15. That's where he will receive the Chopard Diamond Award, given to artists who sell more than 100 million albums. The award also coincides with the 25th anniversary of the release of Jackson's "Thriller" — the best-selling album of all time.

Part two of the "Access Hollywood" interview airs Friday.