RAYE, Sombr, Teddy Swims & Adam Lambert Pay Tribute to George Michael at 2026 VMAs
The late pop icon died on Christmas Day in 2016.
The 2026 MTV VMAs, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night, honored the late George Michael with a mesmerizing tribute that captivated the audience. The star-studded medley featured a diverse range of artists, including RAYE, sombr, Teddy Swims, Adam Lambert, MNEK, and Saint Harison. The tribute, introduced by enigmatic country artist Orville Peck, also paid homage to the 30th anniversary of Michael's Older album, which includes timeless hits like "Jesus to a Child" and "Fastlove."
GRAMMY-nominated singer sombr kicked off the tribute with a powerful medley of "Faith" and "Father Figure." The 21-year-old artist delivered a brilliant vocal performance, showcasing his rock edge while keeping the spirit of Michael's iconic songs alive. RAYE followed with a captivating medley of "I Will Overcome" and "Where Is My Husband!" before taking the spotlight for Michael's 1987 Grammy-winning duet with Aretha Franklin, "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me."
Donning a stunning black gown with sheer lace detailing, RAYE's big band jazz touch electrified the crowd and set the stage for Teddy Swims' thrilling rendition of "Whisper."
Teddy Swims, known for his soaring vocals that helped "Lose Control" achieve the longest climb to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, delivered a stunning performance of "Whisper." The artist's performance brought the audience to their feet, as they joined him in singing the iconic saxophone riff. In a heartfelt and fitting finale, Adam Lambert led a powerful performance of "Freedom '90," bringing RAYE, sombr, and Teddy Swims back to the stage.
Joined by MNEK, Saint Harison, and MEEK, the tribute celebrated Michael's immense influence and legacy in the world of pop music.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
