VMAs 2026: Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims Honor George Michael

The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) delivered a heartfelt tribute to George Michael, one of pop music’s most influential figures. Held at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater on September 27, the ceremony honored the late singer with a medley of his greatest hits, performed by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and Adam Lambert. The tribute marked nearly a decade since Michael’s passing in 2016 and coincided with the 40th anniversary of his landmark solo debut, Faith, released in 1987.

A Star-Studded Medley

The tribute opened with Sombr, the 21-year-old alt-pop breakout star, who delivered energetic renditions of Faith and Father Figure. His performance blended rock edge with Michael’s signature sound, setting the tone for the evening. Raye followed, bringing her powerhouse vocals to I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me), the Grammy-winning duet Michael originally recorded with Aretha Franklin. Dressed in a striking black gown, she infused the song with a big-band jazz flair, earning cheers from the crowd.

Teddy Swims, known for his chart-topping hit Lose Control, took on Careless Whisper, nailing the song’s iconic saxophone riff. The performance drew praise from fellow artists in the audience, including Shaboozey and Sienna Spiro. The tribute culminated with Adam Lambert leading Freedom ’90, joined by Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims, and surprise guests MNEK, Saint Harison, and Meek. The ensemble performance highlighted Michael’s influence on a new generation of artists.

Why This Tribute Matters

George Michael’s impact on music and culture is immeasurable. As one-half of the duo Wham!, he achieved global fame in the 1980s before launching a solo career that produced eight No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and a 12-week No. 1 album with Faith. His work earned him four VMAs, including the prestigious Video Vanguard Award in 1989, presented by Madonna. Beyond his musical achievements, Michael was a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation in pop, using his platform to advocate for equality and self-expression.

The 2026 VMAs tribute also aligned with several milestones: the 30th anniversary of Michael’s Older album, the upcoming release of The Faith Tour live album on November 6, and the December 11 premiere of George Michael: The Faith Tour, a feature-length film documenting his legendary career.

How to Relive the Moment

Fans who missed the live broadcast can stream the full VMAs, including the George Michael tribute, on Paramount+. The tribute serves as a reminder of Michael’s enduring legacy and his status as an MTV icon, whose music continues to inspire artists across genres.

For those eager to dive deeper into his catalog, the Faith album remains a cornerstone of pop history, while The Faith Tour live album and upcoming film offer fresh perspectives on his artistry. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering his music for the first time, the 2026 VMAs tribute is a fitting celebration of a legend.