The 2026 MTV VMAs ended with a George Michael tribute that turned the Peacock Theater into a full-on singalong. Orville Peck introduced the medley, sombr opened with“Faith”and“Father Figure,”RAYE delivered“I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,”and Teddy Swims took on“Careless Whisper.”Then Adam Lambert closed the whole thing with“Freedom’90,”backed by RAYE, sombr, Teddy Swims, MNEK, and Saint Harison.
The timing made it hit harder. It’s been almost 10 years since George Michael died at Christmas in 2016, and this year marks three decades of his album Older, the record behind“Fastlove”and“Jesus to a Child.”Michael racked up eight Hot 100 No. 1s and four VMAs, including the 1989 Video Vanguard Award, and his willingness to live openly as a gay pop star changed what the industry thought was possible.
The tribute also capped a big night for the younger artists onstage. The show opened with Madonna’s“Danceteria”segment featuring a sombr cameo, which means sombr bookended the entire evening. Not bad for a breakout year. Which performance from the tribute would you replay first?
About the Author
Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.