George Michael Honored at 2026 MTV VMAs with Tribute Performances and Retrospective
During the 2026 MTV VMAs, a tribute to George Michael was performed by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert, while Kacey Musgraves delivered a rendition of "I Will Always Love You" in honor of Dolly Parton. The event featured performances from Madonna, Sabrina Carpenter, Lisa, and Shaboozey. This homage comes ahead of the 10th anniversary of Michael's passing on December 25, 2016, at the age of 53, and aligns with the upcoming release of the live album *George Michael: The Faith Tour* in November, along with a restored concert film set for December 11. Michael, born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in 1963, gained fame with Wham! and enjoyed a successful solo career with hits like "Careless Whisper" and "Faith." A collection of 20 vintage photographs showcases his life and achievements.
Key facts
- The 2026 MTV VMAs featured a tribute to George Michael by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert.
- Kacey Musgraves performed a cover of "I Will Always Love You" in honor of Dolly Parton at the 2026 MTV VMAs.
- George Michael died on Christmas Day 2016 at age 53; the 2026 VMAs occur ahead of the 10th anniversary of his death.
- A new live album, George Michael: The Faith Tour, is set for release in November, with a restored concert film out on December 11.
- George Michael was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in North London in 1963.
- He was one-half of the English duo Wham! before launching a solo career with hits like "Careless Whisper," "Faith," "Father Figure," and "Freedom '90."
- The retrospective includes 20 vintage photographs from Getty Images, spanning 1982 to 1992.
- Notable moments in the photos: Wham!'s American TV debut on Solid Gold in 1982, the "Club Tropicana" video shoot in Ibiza in 1983, Live Aid at Wembley Stadium in 1985, and the Freddie Mercury tribute concert in 1992.
Entities
Artists
- George Michael
- Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou
- Andrew Ridgeley
- Elton John
- Liza Minnelli
- Freddie Mercury
- Madonna
- Sabrina Carpenter
- Lisa
- Shaboozey
- Kacey Musgraves
- Dolly Parton
- Raye
- Sombr
- Teddy Swims
- Adam Lambert
- Aretha Franklin
Institutions
- MTV
- Wham!
- Getty Images
- Solid Gold
- Hammersmith Odeon
- Beacon Theatre
- Ivor Novello
- Live Aid
- Wembley Stadium
- American Music Awards
- Bvlgari
- Vogue
- Harley-Davidson
- Diet Coke
Locations
- North London
- England
- United Kingdom
- Ibiza
- Spain
- London
- Harley Street
- Japan
- Sydney
- Australia
- New York
- United States
Sources
- Vogue Arts —
- Vogue Arts —