RAYE, Sombr, Teddy Swims & Adam Lambert Pay Tribute to George Michael at 2026 VMAs

The late pop icon died on Christmas Day in 2016. Saint Harison, Adam Lambert, Raye, MNEK, Sombr, MEEK and Teddy Swims perform at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards held at Peacock Theater on Sept. 27, 2026, in Los Angeles. Rich Polk/Billboard Trending on Billboard The tribute to the late George Michael stole the show at the 2026 MTV VMAs, which graced the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night (Sept. 27). Nearly 10 years after his Christmas 2016 passing, the MTV VMAs paid tribute to the late pop icon with a star-studded medley featuring RAYE, sombr, Teddy Swims, Adam Lambert, MNEK and Saint Harison. Fittingly, the tribute, which was introduced by enigmatic country cult favorite Orville Peck, also commemorates 30 years of Michael’s Older album, home to pop classics such as “Jesus to a Child” and “Fastlove.” Grammy-nominated alt-pop breakout sombr, who made a cameo during Madonna’s “Danceteria” opener at the top of the show, kicked things off with a medley of “Faith” and “Father Figure.” Delivering a bright vocal performance on the former before singing from a darker, sultrier place on the latter, the 21-year-old star brought every bit of his rock edge to Michael’s signature hits as clips from the late icon’s classic music videos played on the screens behind him. RAYE — who dazzled the packed Peacock Theater with a medley of “I Will Overcome.” and “Where Is My Husband!” — then took the reins with “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me,” Michael’s 1987 Grammy-winning duet with Aretha Franklin. Donning a gorgeous black gown with sheer lace detail, the powerhouse vocalist brought her big band jazz touch to the arrangement, getting the entire crowd hyped ahead of the iconic “Carless Whisper” saxophone riff. Teddy Swims, whose soaring vocals helped “Lose Control” achieve the longest climb by a solo male artist to No. 1 in Billboard Hot 100 history, handled “Whisper,” earning audience approval from the likes of Shaboozey and Sienna Spiro. George Michael was one of the most influent gay men in pop music history, so it’s only fitting that Adam Lambert popped out to lead a closing performance of “Freedom ’90” that brought RAYE, sombr and Teddy Swims back to the stage, alongside appearances by Grammy-nominated dance-pop singer-songwriter MNEK, acclaimed Southampton pop/R&B singer-songwriter Saint Harison and British indie pop singer-songwriter MEEK. Michael won four VMAs throughout his career, including the Video Vanguard honor in 1989. In 2005, he earned a Grammy nomination for best music video for “Flawless (Go to the City).” One-half of Wham!, Michael has also earned eight Hot 100 No. 1 hits, as well as a 12-week Billboard 200 No. 1 album in 1987’s Faith. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox Sign Up