George Michael gave us some of the greatest pop songs ever recorded. From Careless Whisper and Faith to Last Christmas and Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go as one half of Wham!, his music has soundtracked breakups, first crushes, questionable dance-floor decisions, and approximately every Christmas party since the beginning of time.
Now, the MTV VMAs are getting ready to celebrate the late pop icon with a tribute featuring Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims, as first reported by The Rolling Stones. And while we already know these three are going to absolutely bring it, we can’t help but wonder: where’s the gay representation? (Note – at the time of publication of our and RollinStone’s piece, Adam Lambert had not been mentioned as one of the performers.)
Give Us the Gay George Michael
Let’s be clear. Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims are all talented performers, and we’re expecting them to give these songs the full superstar treatment.
But George Michael wasn’t simply a phenomenal pop star. He was an openly gay artist whose music and public life became intertwined with his queer identity, especially as he navigated coming out, homophobia, and the intense scrutiny that came with being one of the world’s biggest celebrities.
So when you’re celebrating George Michael, there’s something particularly delicious about imagining what a full-on gay pop tribute could look like.
Sam Smith could absolutely take on Father Figure. Troye Sivan could bring his own brand of dreamy queer pop energy to Careless Whisper. Adam Lambert could have fun with Faith. And Ricky Martin? Let’s just say Everything She Wants suddenly feels like it could become very interesting.
There are options. So many options.
George’s Legacy Was About More Than the Hits
Michael’s connection to LGBTQ+ causes also went beyond his music. In 1991, he and Elton John released their live duet of Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me, with proceeds benefiting HIV and children’s charities, including Terrence Higgins Trust.
Throughout his career, Michael also supported HIV awareness and LGBTQ+ causes, making his legacy particularly meaningful to the communities who saw themselves reflected in his life and music.
That’s why this tribute feels like such a lovely opportunity. Not because Raye, Sombr, or Swims can’t do the songs justice. They absolutely can.
It’s because George Michael gave gay pop culture so much. We just want to see that part of him celebrated with the same energy as the legendary voice, the massive hits, and the unmistakable pop-star charisma.
READ: George Michael’s Final Work Discusses His Musical Legacy, Arrest, & Sexuality
Get Ready for the George Michael Moment
Michael died on Christmas Day in 2016 at age 53, but his music clearly isn’t going anywhere. His legacy is also getting another moment in the spotlight with George Michael: The Faith Tour, a restored and remastered concert film built from long-lost footage of his legendary 1988 tour, arriving in theaters later this year.
First trailer for ‘GEORGE MICHAEL: THE FAITH TOUR.’
A concert film featuring recently rediscovered, never before seen footage of George Michael’s Faith Tour in 1988.
In theaters December 11. pic.twitter.com/6AJCHA0gyg
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) September 1, 2026
Meanwhile, the 2026 MTV VMAs will air live Sunday, September 27, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+.
We’ll be watching.
And we’ll be hoping that somewhere between the leather jackets, the saxophone, and the inevitable Careless Whisper moment, George’s queer legacy gets the big, fabulous celebration it deserves.
I watched the tribute to him and it was very disappointing, maybe cause I wasn’t familiar with half of the performers up there other than Adam (by best friend said that was Sam Smith but I didn’t recognize him at all).
Isabella I. ( *Instinct Magazine*)—of all the LGBTQ publications, yours has gone the furthest in overlooking Adam Lambert. If you don’t have a photo of him, I can provide one. It is as if you aren’t aware of those Instagram posts where George expressed strong approval following Adam’s performance of “Faith” at the *Greatest Hits* live finale on August 4, 2016 (some of the last posts he made while alive), or the 2010 *People* magazine interview: “He’s the guy with the eyeliner and black nails, right? I’ve heard him perform. He certainly seems talented… I didn’t come out until after my mother died, as I was sure the papers would attack me and that would hurt her… Adam is out, so he won’t have that problem. I wish him a lot of success.” George’s sisters, Melanie and Yioda, specifically asked Adam Lambert to perform one of the first tributes for Project Angel ten years ago. At none of the major events over the last decade did I see a single tribute worthy of George-the kind Adam Lambert delivered at Project Angel Food.
Faith,
One More Try,
Knew You Were Waiting for Me with Cynthia Erivo,
even Somebody to Love…
Why are you overlooking all of that???
Here’s our Adam Lambert coverage in the past. https://instinctmagazine.com/?s=Adam+Lambert
You make it sound like we avoid covering him. Thanks for sending in your statement about your approval of him and how you think he should have been included and it was good to see he was included, but his inclusion was not mentioned in the RollingStone piece.