Tonight at the 2026 MTV VMAs, a special tribute performance was held to honor the legacy of George Michael—the late pop star who helped define the 1980s (and still remains one of the best-selling artists of all time).
To honor his incredible life and career, some of the buzziest singers of the moment gathered to perform some of Michael’s biggest hits. Sombr opened the tribute with Michael’s tracks “Faith” and “Father Figure,” while Raye followed it up with “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” his 1987 song with Aretha Franklin. Teddy Swims then sang “Careless Whisper,” and Adam Lambert closed out the set with “Freedom! ’90.”
Photo: Glenn Bryce
For Sombr, getting asked to honor Michael tonight was a special honor. “George’s music is as relevant and timeless as ever. I grew up listening to his music, and he’s been such a big inspiration,” Sombr tells Vogue of being a part of the evening. “The fact he wrote, produced, and performed all his own music is so inspiring to me, because I do the same. He was also 19 when he broke internationally. I wish I could have gotten to meet him.”
To accompany the music, meanwhile, Sombr also chose to honor Michael’s legacy through his performance attire tonight: He wore a leather jacket that was owned and worn by Michael himself. “George was such an icon, not only because of his timeless music and songwriting, but his style,” says Sombr.
