George Michael will be honored at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. The late singer will be honored by RAYE, Sombr, and Teddy Swims during the show on Sunday in Los Angeles.
RAYE, Sombr and Teddy Swims will honor George Michael during the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards
MTV Video Music Awards 2026 will pay tribute to late singer George Michael. The four-time VMA winner received MTV’s Video Vanguard Award in 1989. This year, his George Michael: The Faith Tour live album and feature-length film George Michael: The Faith Tour would be released.
RAYE, Sombr, and Teddy Swims would honor the late singer. RAYE would debut her VMA performance with Michael’s tribute and also has a solo performance on the show. She is nominated for two VMAs, including her “Where Is My Husband!” song.
Sombr, who is set to tribute George Michael, is nominated for three VMAs. Adam Blackstone is music director for the tribute performance.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Nirvana will get the Video Vanguard award, while Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors.
2026 VMAs will open with Madonna’s performance, and Snoop Dogg will host the show. Madonna leads the VMA nominations with 13 mentions. Other performances on the show include Gener8ion, Yung Lean, Lisa, Shaboozey, Gunna, and Sienna Spiro.
George Michael died at the age of 53 due to heart and liver disease in 2016. He was a well-known British singer who sold more than 100 million records. His most famous hits include “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Everything She Wants,” “Careless Whisper,” and “Last Christmas.” Michael won four out of 12 VMA nominations, including best direction in a video for “Father Figure” in 1988. His tribute at the 2026 VMAs highlights his long-running music career and legacy in the industry.
The MTV Video Music Awards will take place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles and air on September 27.
