UNCAPTIONED: Adam Lambert salutes George Michael during tribute at 2026 MTV VMAs.

Adam Lambert salutes George Michael during tribute at 2026 MTV VMAs. At the ceremony on Sunday night, previously announced performers Sombr, Teddy Swims and RAYE saluted the late British singer-songwriter, who died at the age of 53 in 2016. Musician Orville Peck declared in the introduction. ”George Michael was a pop god. He became an international superstar at only 19, writing and producing hit after hit, ruling the charts and paving the way for so many of us.” "His music and videos were timeless anthems and powerful statements against the establishment. (1987 song) I Want Your Sex was so raw that MTV ran a disclaimer in front of it. Freedom! '90 catapulted the era of the supermodel and the iconic outside was a reclamation of his own narrative.” Sombr began the tribute by performing 1987 tracks Faith and Father Figure, before RAYE launched into I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me). Teddy Swims sang 1984's Careless Whisper, while Adam stunned fans with a rendition of 1990's Freedom! George was honoured with the MTV Video Vanguard Award in 1989. Meanwhile, the 2026 MTV VMAs also included a tribute to the late Dolly Parton. The country music icon died at the age of 80 last month.