Celebs React to George Michael’s Death

Rebecca Detken

·Managing Editor, Yahoo Celebrity

December 26, 2016 at 9:19 AM

George Michael performs on stage on his 'Faith' tour, at Earls Court Arena on June 15th, 1988 in London, England. (Photo: Peter Still/Redferns) — George Michael “passed away peacefully at home,” said his publicist. (Photo: Morena Brengola/Getty Images)

Sadly, it was George Michael’s “Last Christmas.” The singer-songwriter, who rose to fame as part of the British ’80s musical duo Wham! and went on to have a successful solo career, died of heart failure “over the Christmas period” at the age of 53, his publicist told the BBC. The pop star’s friends, fans, and fellow musicians — including his Wham! bandmate, Andrew Ridgeley — immediately took to social media to mourn and remember the man behind such hit songs such as “Faith,” “Careless Whisper,” and “One More Try.”

#GM had a voice that would transport u, he was the finest singer/songwriter of his generation & has left the best of himself 4 us. RIP GM xx pic.twitter.com/Gjcp55Chei
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

God didn't give it, you did my old friend.
Cleft with grief.
A xx https://t.co/yPzbB3rDGE
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

Heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend Yog. Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx https://t.co/OlGTm4D9O6
— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016

I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family, friends and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP
A photo posted by Elton John (@eltonjohn) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:24pm PST

I never told him (mainly because I thought I'd freak him out) but #georgemichael has always been such an influence on me. As a child, his was the first voice I could pick out of the sea of voices I heard on the radio. Before I knew anything about him, I knew his voice. As an adult, I cried when I saw him in concert. His songs and his voice helped to teach me how to sing. I will forever regret not letting him know…Thank you, George, for giving the world your gifts…may you rest in peace.
A photo posted by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on Dec 25, 2016 at 5:05pm PST

RIP @GeorgeMichael ????
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) December 25, 2016

Too soon. #ripgeorgemicheal pic.twitter.com/V8GpSP1UDR
— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) December 26, 2016

George Michael ???????? You were such an inspiration. I'm honored to have not only been your fan, but a friend as well. May you rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/jJKSz22fHH
— Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) December 26, 2016

Omg #GeorgeMichael noooo! No No No No No! We have lost too many beautiful souls this year. #rip you will be greatly missed.
— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) December 25, 2016

2016 has been a rough one. #RIPGeorgeMichael pic.twitter.com/LBzBVDJHlM
— Usher Raymond IV (@Usher) December 26, 2016

I’ve been thinking about George Michael today, and the positive effect he’s had on this world. He was a brilliant artist, talented songwriter, inspiring performer, and did amazing things for the LGBTQ community. He will be missed, but his kind soul will never be forgotten. #RIPGeorgeMichael
A photo posted by Britney Spears (@britneyspears) on Dec 26, 2016 at 5:49pm PST

great music that will always be with us…..RIP
A photo posted by Tim McGraw (@thetimmcgraw) on Dec 26, 2016 at 7:56am PST

Rest in peace George. You were always one of the greatest.
— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) December 26, 2016

Miss you already! Thank you for your radical activism in the LGBTQ community! Love you always! @happyhippiefdn pic.twitter.com/nBCxjEstDo
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) December 26, 2016

Had the pleasure of knowing George Michael in the 80s. Voice of an angel. Now he can sing for them.
— Rob Lowe (@RobLowe) December 26, 2016

Farewell My Friend! ???????? Another Great Artist leaves us. ????Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW? pic.twitter.com/aEGIUNSJbt
— Madonna (@Madonna) December 26, 2016

Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016

This is just too much. https://t.co/07dlV60aSO
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016

Another beautiful voice gone too soon. #ripgeorgemichael
— josh groban (@joshgroban) December 26, 2016

The tenderness of George Michael's version of Miss Sarajevo brought this Irish tenor to his knees… no opera, no histrionics No Irish or Italian melancholy needed George Michael was a beautiful soul made vulnerable by music We'll miss what was but what was next we'll miss even more
A photo posted by U2 Official (@u2) on Dec 26, 2016 at 10:25am PST

So sorry to hear about George Michael's passing. Brilliant icon. "Kissing a Fool" one of my all time favs. Strength & light to his family.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 26, 2016

I don't have it in me anymore to write about our greats. I just knew one day I'd get to work with #GeorgeMichael. Sad Christmas.
— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) December 25, 2016

Freedom.
A photo posted by Questlove Gomez (@questlove) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:12pm PST

George Michael was a kind and gentle soul. #Wham
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) December 26, 2016

I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016

George Michael?!?!? Nooooooo! 2016 has been brutal. Show ppl you love them everyday. Life is too short
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) December 26, 2016

As you can tell from my face, this was one of the best days of my life, meeting #GeorgeMichael the day we filmed video footage for "Feeling Good". I know every single word of every Wham! and George Michael song, I'm a total superfan. He sent me a handwritten letter once that's been in a glass case ever since! I had several "pinch myself" moments with him over the years, one, thanks to Sharon Stone who called to invite me over for an intimate party for his birthday one year, a night I never forgot…and then the time I sat with his dad to watch his concert in Vienna, and the time I brought my family and friends to see his show, and we were all so emotional! And then my heart goes out to his longtime friend my dear @kathyjeung, who always tolerates that I can't help but tell everyone that's she is the goddess in the "I Want Your Sex" video. George was always lovely with me, and I think his voice (especially live in concert) was absolutely incredible and always moved me to tears. I'm so grateful that he gave me some of his time, and mostly grateful for all the ways his music helped me through my life. My heart is broken that he's gone today.
A photo posted by Dita Von Teese (@ditavonteese) on Dec 25, 2016 at 4:49pm PST

Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016

2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016

So sorry to hear of the passing of George Michael. My prayers and condolences go out to his family, friends and fans.
— Gloria Gaynor (@gloriagaynor) December 25, 2016

George Michael RIP damn https://t.co/jG7LNN5sXz
— Talib Kweli Greene (@TalibKweli) December 25, 2016

So saddened to hear about the passing of George Michael today. He was a truly gifted singer and a musical inspiration. #RIPGeorgeMichael
— Nick Lachey (@NickLachey) December 25, 2016

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

George Michael wrote Praying for Time 25 years ago but I truly believe it's message means more now than ever. https://t.co/f03zlWYbLa
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

Wow. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/sVgRYnfm6J
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 25, 2016

George Michael ????
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) December 25, 2016

Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ??
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016

George… you inspired, you filled the room with no apology and filled my childhood with such moments of magnificence… thank you x Stella pic.twitter.com/Tpp3CVpgrx
— Stella McCartney (@StellaMcCartney) December 26, 2016

Sad to hear about the passing of @GeorgeMichael. 'Waiting For That Day' is my all time favorite song. RIPhttps://t.co/0d5PVdvHRM
— Josh Duhamel (@joshduhamel) December 26, 2016

Shocked to hear about #georgemichael. What an amazing voice. Praying for his family.
— Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) December 26, 2016

#rip Geprge MIichael You will be greatly missed.
Unbelievable talent that will serenade the angels.
— Lisa Vanderpump (@LisaVanderpump) December 26, 2016

THIS YEAR HAS GOT TO END!!!!!!!!!! HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE https://t.co/UTFvLoURAJ
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) December 25, 2016

Losing @prince & @GeorgeMichael in the same year is too much to take. They were both such a huge part of my growing up???? #ripgeorgemicheal?
— Kyle Richards (@KyleRichards) December 26, 2016

Thank you #GeorgeMichael for the memories . You will be greatly missed #faith #fatherfigure #freedom #carelesswhisper #onemoretry #wakemeupbeforeyougogo #wham ????
A photo posted by Kyle Richards Umansky (@kylerichards18) on Dec 25, 2016 at 5:07pm PST

r.i.p.
A photo posted by Fergie (@fergie) on Dec 25, 2016 at 9:14pm PST

George Michael. Words can't express how much you and your music meant and means to me. Please play his music as loud as you can today and celebrate one of the most magical, talented, bravest and important figures in music and life as I know it. Your music and message will live on. I would not be the artist I am if it wasn't for you.
A photo posted by Sam Smith (@samsmithworld) on Dec 26, 2016 at 1:41am PST

bye, george… you gave a lot of joy to many through your gifts. including the frequent dance parties my mom, sisters, & i had to your albums. thank you. #ripgeorgemichael
A photo posted by @ryanphillippe on Dec 25, 2016 at 6:29pm PST

Rest In Peace George I'm heartbroken we never got to speak again after so many years, I can't believe this has happened, please watch over me in heaven Godfather. Enjoy paradise I love you. ??
A photo posted by James Kennedy (@itsjameskennedy) on Dec 25, 2016 at 3:47pm PST

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Celebs React to George Michael’s Death