{
  "id": 9178998,
  "title": "George Michael Tribute Set for 2026 VMAs",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/george-michael-tribute-set-for-2026-vmas",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-22T18:34:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Billboard",
    "slug": "billboard",
    "url": "https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/george-michael-tribute-set-2026-vmas-1236344649/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Three young artists—Raye, SOMBR, and Teddy Swims—will join forces for an emotional tribute to George Michael during the 2026 MTV VMAs. These performers, all born after Michael’s peak, demonstrate how his music continues to resonate with new generations. Adam Blackstone will act as music director for the special performance. The tribute comes as fans remember the tragic loss of Michael on Christmas Day 2016, exactly a decade ago, and as the release of his posthumous live album and feature film approaches. To celebrate Michael’s lasting impact, Madonna will open the show for the first time in 23 years, while BTS and other artists received 2026 VMAs nominations in social categories.",
  "summary": "RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims will honor the late pop icon.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}