Adam Lambert Surprises to Close George Michael Tribute at 2026 VMAs
Adam Lambert unexpectedly closed a George Michael tribute at the 2026 VMAs, joining Sombr, Raye and Teddy Swims in a set that reached beyond the Faith album to include “Careless Whisper” and “Freedom ’90.”
A George Michael tribute at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards culminated in a surprise appearance from Adam Lambert, who closed the segment with a performance of “Freedom ’90.” The three-part tribute — by Sombr, Raye and Teddy Swims — touched on songs from Michael’s 1987 Faith era and beyond, including a sax-led take on “Careless Whisper.” The Hollywood Reporter noted that Sombr performed in Michael’s actual customised Faith-era leather jacket as the segment mixed video imagery of Michael with dramatic staging. The tribute coincides with upcoming Faith-era releases, including a live tour album and a feature-length film.
Surprise finish as Lambert joins Sombr, Raye and Teddy Swims
Fashion, staging and a mix of Faith-era and later hits
The staging emphasised both the Faith era and Michael’s broader catalogue. Sombr’s use of Michael’s actual Faith-era jacket — worn on the Faith tour and in a Diet Coke commercial — was a visual centrepiece. Raye’s performance of “I Knew You Were Waiting,” which was not on the Faith album, featured dramatic lighting choices and archival imagery. Teddy Swims’ take on the Wham! classic “Careless Whisper” began with a saxophone flourish and a searchlight-driven presentation. Lambert’s surprise appearance added a theatrical finish as he performed the later-era anthem “Freedom ’90.”
Tribute timed to nearly 40 years since Faith and tied to new releases
The VMAs tribute arrived nearly 40 years after Faith's 1987 release. The segment coincides with forthcoming Faith-era projects: a live tour album due out Nov. 6 and a feature-length film slated for release in U.S. theatres on Dec. 11. Faith produced multiple hits beyond the title track — including “I Want Your Sex,” “One More Try” and “Father Figure” — all of which form part of the era being celebrated. George Michael died of heart failure in 2016.
VMAs night also marked other tributes and honours
The 2026 VMAs were hosted by Snoop Dogg at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles and aired live on CBS and MTV, with streaming on Paramount+ Premium in the U.S. In addition to the George Michael tribute, the ceremony included a Dolly Parton tribute led by Kacey Musgraves. Nirvana were recognised with the Video Vanguard Award. Individual performers in the Michael segment had ties to the night’s nominations: Raye was nominated for two VMAs this year, Sombr was up for three awards, and Teddy Swims — who last appeared on the VMA stage in 2024 as a four-time nominee — is set to release an album titled Ugly on Jan. 22, 2027. The ceremony also featured Taylor Swift receiving the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honour.