Adam Lambert Joins Raye, Sombr, Teddy Swims for George Michael VMAs Tribute

Sombr walked out in George Michael's own leather jacket and opened the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards tribute to the late singer with "Faith," the title track from Michael's 1987 debut solo album. He followed with "Father Figure" as clips from Michael's classic videos played on the screens behind him, according to Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. The tribute at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night marked nearly a decade since Michael died of heart failure at age 53 on Christmas Day 2016, and nearly 40 years since the release of Faith.

It also arrives ahead of a live album and concert film, both titled George Michael: The Faith Tour, due in November and December respectively. Raye took the stage next with "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)," Michael's 1987 Grammy-winning duet with Aretha Franklin. The performance incorporated Michael's original vocals alongside Raye's live singing, according to NME.

Teddy Swims then delivered "Careless Whisper," with its signature saxophone riff earning audience approval from Shaboozey and Sienna Spiro, Billboard reported. Adam Lambert, who had not been announced as part of the performance, walked out from backstage to close the tribute with "Freedom '90." He was joined by Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims, along with MNEK, Saint Harison and MEEK.

Orville Peck introduced the segment, calling Michael "a pop god" who became an international superstar at 19 and created "timeless anthems and powerful statements against the establishment." Michael won four VMAs during his career and received the Video Vanguard Award in 1989, when Madonna presented it to him. The tribute was one of several high-profile moments at the ceremony, which was hosted by Snoop Dogg and aired live on CBS and MTV.

Madonna returned to the VMAs stage for the first time in 23 years, and Taylor Swift premiered the video for "Patient Zero" while becoming the most-awarded artist in VMAs history.