VMAs 2026: RAYE, sombr and Teddy Swims lead George Michael tribute

Six singers shared one catalogue at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards, performing a George Michael medley to mark 30 years of his album Older.

The tribute took place on Sept. 27 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Country singer Orville Peck introduced it, according to Billboard.

The show aired on CBS on Sunday, Sept. 27. It was simulcast on MTV and streamed on Paramount+.

sombr opened the medley with two early solo hits, “Faith” and “Father Figure”. RAYE followed with “I Knew You Were Waiting for Me”, Michael’s duet originally recorded with Aretha Franklin. Teddy Swims then performed “Careless Whisper”, the ballad first released with Wham!.

The medley closed with “Freedom ’90”. Adam Lambert led that finale, joined by RAYE, sombr, Teddy Swims, MNEK, Saint Harison and MEEK.

Michael had a long history with the ceremony. He won four VMAs in his career, including the Video Vanguard award in 1989, the prize given for lifetime contribution to music video.

The George Michael set was one of two legacy tributes on the night. Kacey Musgraves also performed in honour of Dolly Parton, according to the show’s tip sheet.

For viewers, the structure did the explaining. One singer took one era, then all returned together. No speeches interrupted the music.