Stars pay tribute to the late George Michael
During 2016, we have lost a number of iconic stars from the entertainment world. On Christmas Day, the world was once again rocked by the loss of another, when it was announced that legendary performer George Michael had passed away at the age of 53.
Following the news, many stars took to social media to pay their tributes to the late, great George Michael. Leading the tributes was Sir Elton John, who was close friends with George. The pair recorded ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ together in 1991, after first performing the song together in 1985 at the Live Aid concert.
Andrew Ridgeley, who formed one half of Wham! with George, took to Twitter to share his heartbreak over the loss of his beloved friend.
Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
God didn't give it, you did my old friend.
Cleft with grief.
A xx https://t.co/yPzbB3rDGE
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
Producer Mark Ronson posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, recalling how George’s ‘Praying For Time’ inspired him. He also re-lived a phone call he had with the late star.
The Late Late Show host James Corden also paid tribute to George, calling him an “absolute inspiration”. Many will remember George being James’ first Carpool Karaoke companion during a comedy sketch for Comic Relief in 2011.
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
Sam Smith made a brief return to social media to pay his tribute to George. He called him “one of the most magical, talented, bravest & important figures in music & life as I know it”.
@GeorgeMichael. Words can't express how much you and your music meant and means to me. Please play his music as loud as you can today… pic.twitter.com/ojnEircyQM
— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) December 26, 2016
I would not be the artist I am if it wasn't for you. @GeorgeMichael
— SAM SMITH (@samsmith) December 26, 2016
Boy George also took to Twitter to pay tribute, stating that “his music will live on as a testament to his talent.”
I am thinking of @GeorgeMichael‘s family, friends and fans right now. He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating. What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can’t believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms. NMRK.
Country singer Carrie Underwood also shared a beautiful message on Instagram, which talks about how he was a huge influence in her life.
Capital FM DJ Roman Kemp posted his own tribute to George, who was also his godfather. George introduced Roman’s parents, Martin Kemp and Shirlie Holliman to each other.
https://twitter.com/romankemp/status/813333297556258816
George publicly supported charities throughout his career, but he was also a kind soul behind closed doors. Following his passing, it has been revealed that he would often take on secret acts of generosity too. Among them, Pointless host Richard Osman took to Twitter to talk about the time George gave a lady on Deal Or No Deal £15,000 for IVF treatment.
A woman on 'Deal Or No Deal' told us she needed £15k for IVF treatment. George Michael secretly phoned the next day and gave her the £15k.
— Richard Osman (@richardosman) December 26, 2016
A whole host of other celebrities also took to social media to pay their respects, share their tributes and thank him for his music and inspiration.
George Michael was part of the tapestry of my life. His songs his lyrics & his melodies, True pop royalty! Heartbroken, RIP dearest George.
— Matt Goss (@mattgoss) December 25, 2016
Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn pic.twitter.com/nBCxjEstDo
— Miley Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 26, 2016
We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter. Spandau Ballet / Steve Dagger
— Spandau Ballet (@SpandauBallet) December 25, 2016
George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 26, 2016
George Michael could set free your inner diva, your most unapologetic self – and for that, we should be eternally thankful
— Red ? (@QueensChristine) December 26, 2016
So sad to hear my Cypriot brother @GeorgeMichael has passed away.
Will miss him & pray God will have mercy on him. Condolences to his family pic.twitter.com/bTznlladeb
— Yusuf / Cat Stevens (@YusufCatStevens) December 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/GeriHalliwell/status/813173025315164160
Farewell My Friend! ?? Another Great Artist leaves us. ?Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? pic.twitter.com/aEGIUNSJbt
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 26, 2016
George Michael. Rest In Peace. Such heartbreaking news yet on a celebratory day. We are blasting your songs all night!
— Naya Rivera (@NayaRivera) December 26, 2016
I'm very sad about the news of my good friend George Michael. God bless you and may you rest in peace.
— Tito Jackson (@titojackson5) December 26, 2016
https://twitter.com/elliegoulding/status/813377499866472448
Heartbreaking news that we have lost another icon in George Michael. 2016 has been cruel at times. RIP x
— Nathan Sykes (@NathanSykes) December 26, 2016
"Maybe We Should All Be Praying For Time" https://t.co/EiyT21fk9Q #GeorgeMichael #ripgeorgemichael
— Kevin Richardson (@kevinrichardson) December 26, 2016
Rest in peace George. You were always one of the greatest.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 26, 2016
No, not George Michael as well. Another musical great leaves us this year. 2016 can just sod off. #RIPGeorge
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 25, 2016
RIP @GeorgeMichael ?
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) December 25, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) December 25, 2016
George Michael was an incredible talent, with a brilliant 30+ year career to his name. Throughout his time in Wham! and as a solo artist, he sold over 100 million records worldwide. His music is globally recognised and has struck a chord with countless people.
However, he wasn’t just a musical icon. He was a man who lived life to the full and was always unapologetically himself. George pushed boundaries, was a trailblazer for the LGBTQ community and encouraged us to accept love in all its forms.
His legacy will live on through his music and his message – “You’ll never find peace of mind until you listen to your heart.”
Our deepest condolences are with George Michael’s family, friends and fans. Share your memories of George with us on Twitter @CelebMix
ncG1vNJzZmiblaGyo7nIsWWcp51kwLWt0axkqZmpYsGztcGuq55lnJbBpnnGnqarn5Viuqqvx5qcpWc%3D