Sombr, Raye Teddy Swims, Raye, and surprise guest Adam Lambert put on their best leather to celebrate the legacy of George Michael with a medley of songs at the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday night. Sombr took on “Faith” and “Father Figure,” Raye sang “Knew You Were Waiting,” Teddy Swims tackled “Careless Whisper,” and Adam Lambert finished the performance off with “Freedom 90,” joined by young U.K. singers Meek and Saint Harison. The tribute to the singer, who died a decade ago on Christmas, commemorates the upcoming 40th anniversary of his 1987 blockbuster debut solo album, Faith.
It also coincides with The Faith Tour, a live album out Nov. 6, and a feature-length film, George Michael: The Faith Tour, which will open in cinemas around the world on Dec. 11. Michael was a VMAs favorite, earning four Moon Persons in his lifetime. He was nominated 16 times and he notably won Best Direction in a Video for co-directing “Father Figure” with Andy Morahan.
Madonna, who made her return to perform on the VMAs stage for the first time in 23 years on Sunday, presented him with the Video Vanguard Award back in 1989. It was Raye’s second performance She was nominated twice this year, including in the Song of the Year category for “Where Is My Husband!” Sombr’s appearance coincided with three VMA nominations. Swims was not nominated for any 2026 VMAs but will release a new album, Ugly, in January.
Adam Blackstone, who put together Dr. Dre’s and Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime shows, among others, served as music director for the George Michael tribute. The Snoop Dogg-hosted VMAs, which also included a Dolly Parton tribute, aired on CBS and MTV.
If you missed it, the whole show will also be available to stream on Paramount+.
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