Editing George Michael (section)

==Solo career==
===1987–1989===
During early 1987, at the beginning of his solo career, Michael released "[[I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)]]", a duet with [[Aretha Franklin]]. "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)" was a one-off project that helped Michael achieve an ambition by singing with one of his favourite artists. It scored number one on both the [[UK Singles Chart]] and the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] upon its release.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ErKigdCXUwoC&pg=PA249 |page=249 |title=Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul |isbn=978-0-7867-5229-4 |last1=Bego |first1=Mark |date=10 February 2010 |publisher=Hachette Books }}</ref><ref>Lucy Ellis, Bryony Sutherland (1998) ''The complete guide to the music of George Michael & Wham!'' p. 37. Music Sales Group, 1998</ref> For Michael, it became his third consecutive solo number one in the UK from three releases, after 1984's "Careless Whisper" (though the single was actually from the Wham! album ''[[Make It Big]]'') and 1986's "[[A Different Corner]]". The single was also the first Michael had recorded as a solo artist which he had not written himself. The co-writer, [[Simon Climie]], was unknown at the time; he later had success as a performer with the band [[Climie Fisher]] in 1988. Michael and Franklin won a [[Grammy Award]] in 1988 for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Vocal for the song.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20111003160318/http://rockhall.com/story-of-rock/timelines/aretha-franklin/basic/ "Aretha Franklin Timeline"]. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

In late 1987, Michael released his debut solo album, ''[[Faith (George Michael album)|Faith]]''. The first single released from the album was "[[I Want Your Sex]]", in mid-1987. The song was banned by many radio stations in the UK and US, due to its sexually suggestive lyrics.<ref name="MTV banned">[http://www.virginmedia.com/music/features/banned-songs.php?page=15 George Michael: I Want Your Sex – Banned Songs – Music] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001190745/http://www.virginmedia.com/music/features/banned-songs.php?page=15 |date=1 October 2012 }} Virgin Media, 27 January 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> MTV broadcast the video, featuring celebrity make-up artist Kathy Jeung in a [[Torsolette|basque]] and suspenders, only during the late night hours.<ref name="MTV banned"/> Michael argued that the act was beautiful if the sex was monogamous, and he recorded a brief prologue for the video in which he said: "This song is not about casual sex."<ref name="monogamy">{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110807130155/http://gravlee.org/sexuality/2008/08/26/sexy-song-of-the-week-i-want-your-sex/ Sexy Song of the Week: "I Want Your Sex"]}} ANT 2301: Human Sexuality & Culture, Gravlee.org; University of Florida. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> One of the racier scenes involved Michael writing the words "explore monogamy" on his partner's back in lipstick.<ref>[http://george.michael.szm.com/Special/Video/Vtrudi.html Video Review] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809153941/http://george.michael.szm.com/Special/Video/Vtrudi.html |date=9 August 2011 }} George Michael – The Box of Fame, 15 January 2005. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Some radio stations played a toned-down version of the song, "I Want Your Love", with the word "love" replacing "sex".<ref name="sex/love">[https://web.archive.org/web/20110306005855/http://www.total80sremix.com/80s-people/80s-singers/80s-singers-george-michael 80s Singers: George Michael] Total 80s Remix, 22 February 1999. Retrieved 21 April 2011.</ref>

When "I Want Your Sex" reached the US charts, ''[[American Top 40]]'' host [[Casey Kasem]] refused to say the song's title, referring to it only as "the new single by George Michael."<ref name="sex/love"/> In the US, the song was also sometimes listed as "I Want Your Sex (from ''[[Beverly Hills Cop II]]'')", since the song was featured on the soundtrack of [[Beverly Hills Cop II|the movie]].<ref name="Gayicon">[http://www.astabgay.com/Gay_Icons/george.htm George Michael – Gay Icons] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707181258/http://www.astabgay.com/Gay_Icons/george.htm |date=7 July 2011 }} AstaBGay.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Despite censorship and radio play problems, "I Want Your Sex" reached No. 2 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 3 in the UK.<ref name="UKCharts2"/><ref>[http://music.lovetoknow.com/George_Michael_Biography George Michael Biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209030133/http://music.lovetoknow.com/George_Michael_Biography |date=9 December 2010 }} LoveToKnow Music. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The second single, "[[Faith (George Michael song)|Faith]]", was released in October 1987, a few weeks before the album. "Faith" became one of his most popular songs. The song was No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks, becoming the [[Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1988|best-selling single of 1988]] in the US.<ref name="USCharts2"/> It also reached No. 1 in Australia, and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> The video provided some definitive images of the 1980s music industry in the process—Michael in shades, leather jacket, cowboy boots, and [[Levi's]] jeans, playing a guitar near a classic-design jukebox.<ref name="telegarpth">McCormick, Neil [https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8004149/George-Michaels-image-will-outlast-the-scandal.html "George Michael's image will outlast the scandal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170910082141/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8004149/George-Michaels-image-will-outlast-the-scandal.html |date=10 September 2017 }}. ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London), 15 September 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

On 30 October, ''Faith'' was released in the UK and in several markets worldwide.<ref name="Gayicon"/> ''Faith'' topped the [[UK Albums Chart]], and in the US, the album had 51 non-consecutive weeks in the top 10 of [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], including 12 weeks at No. 1. ''Faith'' had many successes, with four singles ("Faith", "[[Father Figure (George Michael song)|Father Figure]]", "[[One More Try (George Michael song)|One More Try]]", and "[[Monkey (song)|Monkey]]") reaching No. 1 in the US.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110306005855/http://www.total80sremix.com/80s-people/80s-singers/80s-singers-george-michael George Michael|80s Singers]. Total 80s Remix, 22 February 1999. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> ''Faith'' was [[RIAA certification#RIAA Diamond certifications|certified Diamond]] by the [[RIAA]] for sales of 10&nbsp;million copies in the US.<ref>[http://www18.ocn.ne.jp/~hbr/us10mal.htm RIAA Certified Diamond Albums] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928154336/http://www18.ocn.ne.jp/~hbr/us10mal.htm |date=28 September 2011 }} HBR Production. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> To date, global sales of ''Faith'' are more than 25&nbsp;million units.<ref name="Upcoming yahoo">{{cite web|url=http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/462423/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602144009/http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/462423/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 June 2008 |title=George Michael at HP Pavilion at San Jose |date=24 March 2008 |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=3 May 2008 }}</ref> The album was highly acclaimed by music critics, with [[AllMusic]] journalist Steve Huey describing it as a "superbly crafted mainstream pop/rock masterpiece" and "one of the finest pop albums of the '80s".<ref>{{cite web|last=Huey|first=Steve|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/faith-mw0000193475|title=Faith – George Michael : Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards|website=AllMusic|date=30 October 1987|access-date=17 December 2012|archive-date=5 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121205055803/http://www.allmusic.com/album/faith-mw0000193475|url-status=live}}</ref> In a review by ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' magazine, journalist Mark Coleman commended most of the songs on the album, which he said "displays Michael's intuitive understanding of pop music and his increasingly intelligent use of his power to communicate to an ever-growing audience."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Mark|last=Coleman|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/faith-19880114|title=Faith &#124; Album Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=14 January 1988|access-date=17 December 2012|archive-date=26 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110426171523/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/faith-19880114|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1988, Michael embarked on a world tour.<ref>[http://www.antimusic.com/reviews/11/George_Michael_-_Faith_Remaster.shtml George Michael – Faith Remaster] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110420003222/http://www.antimusic.com/reviews/11/George_Michael_-_Faith_Remaster.shtml |date=20 April 2011 }} antiMusic.com, 12 April 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> In Los Angeles, Michael was joined on stage by [[Aretha Franklin]] for "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". It was the second highest grossing event of 1988, earning $17.7&nbsp;million.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120322092631/http://www.vanhalenencyclopedia.com/entries/monsters-of-rock-ou812-tour.html Entries – Monsters of Rock / OU812 Tour] The Van Halen Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> At the [[1988 Brit Awards]] held at the [[Royal Albert Hall]] on 8 February, Michael received the first of his two awards for [[Brit Award for British Male Solo Artist|Best British Male Solo Artist]]. Later that month, ''Faith'' won the [[Grammy Award for Album of the Year]] at the [[31st Grammy Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=&title=&year=1988&genre=All|title=1988 Grammy Award Winners|publisher=National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences|access-date=14 December 2014|archive-date=28 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130728121953/http://www.grammy.com/nominees/search?artist=|url-status=live}}</ref> At the [[1989 MTV Video Music Awards]] on 6 September in Los Angeles, Michael received the [[Video Vanguard Award]].<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/winners-by-category.jhtml 1989 MTV Video Music Awards: Video Vanguard Award] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130506080739/http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/winners-by-category.jhtml |date=6 May 2013 }} MTV. Retrieved 7 December 2011</ref> According to Michael in his film, ''A Different Story'', success did not make him happy and he started to think there was something wrong in being an idol for millions of teenage girls. The whole ''Faith'' process (promotion, videos, tour, awards) left him exhausted, lonely and frustrated, and far from his friends and family.<ref>{{cite news |title=George Michael: A Different Story Review |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/george-michael-different-story/review/ |access-date=28 October 2018 |work=Empire |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029031657/https://www.empireonline.com/movies/george-michael-different-story/review/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1990, he told his record company Sony that, for his second album, he did not want to do promotions like the one for ''Faith''.<ref name="GayiconII">[http://www.newmagic949.com/lsp/a556/ George Michael] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118191455/http://www.newmagic949.com/lsp/a556/ |date=18 November 2018 }} NewMagic949.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

===1990s===
''[[Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1]]'' was released in September 1990. The title is an indication of his desire to be taken more seriously as a songwriter.<ref name="listenpre">[http://teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/7424/Listen-Without-Prejudice/ Listen Without Prejudice] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110305131521/http://teenink.com/reviews/music_reviews/article/7424/Listen-Without-Prejudice/ |date=5 March 2011 }} Teen Ink. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The album was released in Europe on 3 September 1990, and one week later in the US. It reached No. 1 in the UK Albums Chart<ref name="UKCharts2"/> and peaked at No. 2 on the US ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="USCharts2"/> It spent a total of 88 weeks on the UK Albums Chart and was certified four-times Platinum by the BPI.<ref name=uk>{{cite web|url=http://www.theofficialcharts.com/artist/_/george%20michael/|title=UK Charts > George Michael|publisher=The Official Charts Company|access-date=5 March 2011}}</ref> The album produced five UK singles, all of which were released within an eight-month period: "[[Praying for Time]]", "[[Waiting for That Day]]", "[[Freedom! '90]]", "[[Heal the Pain]]", and "[[Cowboys and Angels (George Michael song)|Cowboys and Angels]]" (the latter being his only single not to chart in the UK top 40).<ref name="UKCharts2"/> Michael refused to do any promotion for the album.<ref name="GayiconII"/> At the 1991 [[Brit Awards]], ''Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1'' won the award for Best British Album.<ref>[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/10139404/George-Michael-50-years-in-numbers.html "George Michael: 50 years in numbers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130626202548/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/10139404/George-Michael-50-years-in-numbers.html |date=26 June 2013 }}. ''The Daily Telegraph'' (London). Retrieved 15 December 2014</ref>

The album's first single, "Praying for Time", with lyrics concerning social ills and injustice, was released in August 1990. James Hunter of ''Rolling Stone'' magazine described the song as "a distraught look at the world's astounding woundedness. Michael offers the healing passage of time as the only balm for physical and emotional hunger, poverty, hypocrisy, and hatred."<ref>{{cite magazine|first=James|last=Hunter|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/listen-without-prejudice-vol-1-19901004|title=Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 &#124; Album Reviews|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=4 October 1990|access-date=17 December 2012|archive-date=16 October 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071016203015/http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/georgemichael/albums/album/200600/review/5940400/listen_without_prejudice_vol_1|url-status=dead}}</ref> The song was an instant success, reaching No. 1 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 6 in the UK.<ref name="USCharts2"/> A video was released shortly thereafter, consisting of the lyrics on a dark background. Michael did not appear in this video or any subsequent videos for the album.<ref name="listenpre"/> The second single from ''Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1'', "Waiting for That Day", was an acoustic-heavy single, released as an immediate follow-up to "Praying for Time".

"Freedom! '90" was the second of only two singles from ''Listen Without Prejudice'' to be supported by a music video (the other being the Michael-less "Praying for Time").<ref name="Freedom"/> The song alludes to his struggles with his artistic identity, and prophesied his efforts shortly thereafter to [[Panayiotou v Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.|end his recording contract with Sony Music]]. As if to prove the song's sentiment, Michael refused to appear in the video (directed by [[David Fincher]]), and instead recruited supermodels [[Naomi Campbell]], [[Linda Evangelista]], [[Christy Turlington]], [[Tatjana Patitz]], and [[Cindy Crawford]] to appear in and [[lip sync]] in his stead.<ref name="Freedom">[http://soulbounce.com/soul/2010/11/soulbounces_class_of_1990_george_michael_listen_without_prejudice_vol_i.php SoulBounce's Class Of 1990: George Michael 'Listen Without Prejudice Vol. I'] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110110123829/http://soulbounce.com/soul/2010/11/soulbounces_class_of_1990_george_michael_listen_without_prejudice_vol_i.php |date=10 January 2011 }} Soulbounce.com, 29 November 2010. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> It also featured lyrics critical of his sex symbol status.<ref>[https://ew.com/article/1990/09/14/listen-without-prejudice-vol-1/ Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1]  ''Entertainment Weekly'', 14 September 1990. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> It reached No. 8 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in the US,<ref name="USCharts2"/> and No. 28 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> "[[Mother's Pride (song)|Mother's Pride]]" gained significant radio play in the US during the first [[Persian Gulf War]] during 1991, often with radio stations mixing in callers' tributes to soldiers with the music.<ref name="GayHist">[http://www.circa-club.com/gallery/gay_history_icons_george_michael.php Gay History, Gay Celebrities, Gay Icons – George Michael] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721090659/http://www.circa-club.com/gallery/gay_history_icons_george_michael.php |date=21 July 2011 }} Circa-club.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

In 1991, Michael embarked on the [[Cover to Cover tour]] in Japan, England, the US, and Brazil, where he performed at [[Rock in Rio]].<ref name="NYcover">[https://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/28/news/reviews-pop-george-michael-s-tour-from-motown-to-disco.html Reviews/Pop; George Michael's Tour, From Motown to Disco] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819021134/http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/28/news/reviews-pop-george-michael-s-tour-from-motown-to-disco.html |date=19 August 2016 }} ''The New York Times'', 28 October 1991. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The tour was not a proper promotion for ''Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1''. Rather, it featured Michael singing his favourite cover songs.<ref name="NYcover"/> Among his favourites was "[[Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me]]", a 1974 song by [[Elton John]]; Michael and John had performed the song together at the [[Live Aid]] concert in 1985, and again for Michael's concert at London's [[Wembley Arena]] on 25 March 1991, where the duet was recorded. "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" was released as a single at the end of 1991 and reached No. 1 in both the UK and US.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SzV53dUOF1wC&pg=PA106 |page=106 |title=The Complete Guide to the Music of George Michael & Wham! |isbn=978-0-7119-6822-6 |last1=Ellis |first1=Lucy |last2=Sutherland |first2=Bryony |year=1998 |publisher=Omnibus Press |access-date=12 March 2016 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209163423/https://books.google.com/books?id=SzV53dUOF1wC&pg=PA106 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1991, Michael released an autobiography through [[Penguin Books]] titled ''Bare'', co-written with [[Tony Parsons (British journalist)|Tony Parsons]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Michael|first1=George|last2=Parsons|first2=Tony|title=Bare: George Michael, His Own Story|date=15 July 1991|publisher=Penguin|isbn=978-0-14-013235-9|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9780140132359}}</ref>

An expected follow-up album, ''Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 2'', was scrapped due to Michael's [[Panayiotou v Sony Music Entertainment (UK) Ltd.|lawsuit]] with [[Sony Music Entertainment|Sony]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cope |first1=Michael |title=Inside Story: Sony faces a test of faith: George Michael, who has cast off the leather look for a suit and horn-rimmed glasses, went to court last week for a divorce from his Japanese bosses, Norio Ohga, below left, and Akio Morita. No matter who wins, writes Nigel Cope, the case will put a different spin on the record business |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/inside-story-sony-faces-a-test-of-faith-george-michael-who-has-cast-off-the-leather-look-for-a-suit-and-hornrimmed-glasses-went-to-court-last-week-for-a-divorce-from-his-japanese-bosses-norio-ohga-below-left-and-akio-morita-no-matter-who-wins-writes-nigel-cope-the-case-will-put-a-different-spin-on-the-record-business-1512870.html |website=The Independent |access-date=29 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150916195904/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/inside-story-sony-faces-a-test-of-faith-george-michael-who-has-cast-off-the-leather-look-for-a-suit-and-hornrimmed-glasses-went-to-court-last-week-for-a-divorce-from-his-japanese-bosses-norio-ohga-below-left-and-akio-morita-no-matter-who-wins-writes-nigel-cope-the-case-will-put-a-different-spin-on-the-record-business-1512870.html |archive-date=16 September 2015 |date=24 October 1993 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Instead, Michael donated three songs to the charity project ''[[Red Hot + Dance]]'', for the [[Red Hot Organization]] which raised money for AIDS awareness; a fourth track, "Crazyman Dance", was the B-side of 1992's "[[Too Funky]]". Michael donated the royalties from "Too Funky" to the same cause.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20051220111840/http://gaylife.about.com/od/gaycelebrityprofiles/p/georgemichael.htm George Michael] Gay Life, About.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> "Too Funky" reached No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart<ref name="UKCharts2"/> and No. 10 on the US ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name="USCharts2"/>

{{Quote box|width=25em|align=right|quote="George Michael was the best. There's a certain note in his voice when he did '[[Somebody to Love (Queen song)|Somebody to Love]]' that was pure Freddie."|source=—Queen guitarist [[Brian May]] on Michael's performance at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.<ref name="Mercury">{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VyBp_VEiIVYC&pg=PT364|page=364|title=Is This the Real Life?: The Untold Story of Queen|isbn=978-0-306-81973-5|last1=Blake|first1=Mark|date=22 March 2011|publisher=Hachette Books |access-date=14 December 2014|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209163401/https://books.google.com/books?id=VyBp_VEiIVYC&pg=PT364|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
Michael performed with [[Queen (band)|Queen]] at [[The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert]] on 20 April 1992 at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]].<ref>[http://www.mygnr.com/bootleg/Tribute/Freddie_Mercury/freddie_mercury_tribute.html Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130917212424/http://www.mygnr.com/bootleg/Tribute/Freddie_Mercury/freddie_mercury_tribute.html |date=17 September 2013 }} MyGnR.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The concert was a tribute to the life of the late Queen frontman, [[Freddie Mercury]], with the proceeds going to AIDS research.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110326162044/http://www.cineman.ws/films/7333/The-Freddie-Mercury-Tribute-Concert-for-AIDS-Awareness.html The Freddie Mercury Tribute: Concert for AIDS Awareness] Cineman. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Michael performed "[['39]]", "[[These Are the Days of Our Lives]]" with [[Lisa Stansfield]] and "[[Somebody to Love (Queen song)|Somebody to Love]]". Michael's performance of "Somebody to Love" was hailed as "one of the best performances of the tribute concert".<ref name="Queen's Greatest Hits 3">[https://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3818793 Queen's Greatest Hits 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927183627/https://h2g2.com/entry/A3818793 |date=27 September 2020 }} h2g2, BBC, 22 March 2005. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref><ref name="Queen Greatest Vol 3">[http://www.albumlinernotes.com/Queen_Greatest_Vol_3.html Queen Greatest Vol 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726142233/http://www.albumlinernotes.com/Queen_Greatest_Vol_3.html |date=26 July 2011 }} AlbumLinerNotes.com, 17 January 1997. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Michael later reflected, "It was probably the proudest moment for me of my career, because it was me living out a childhood fantasy, I suppose, to sing one of Freddie's songs in front of 80,000 people."<ref>{{cite news |title=Queen's Roger Taylor: George Michael 'Wouldn't Have Suited' Band |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-roger-taylor-george-michael/ |access-date=2 March 2021 |magazine=Ultimate Classic Rock |archive-date=28 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210228012751/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/queen-roger-taylor-george-michael/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

The ''[[Five Live (George Michael and Queen EP)|Five Live]]'' EP<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r177656/review|pure_url=yes}} Five Live (George Michael and Queen EP)]. AllMusic.</ref> featured five live recordings (six in several countries) performed by Michael, Queen, and [[Lisa Stansfield]]. "Somebody to Love" and "These Are the Days of Our Lives" were recorded at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. "[[Killer (Adamski song)|Killer]]", "[[Papa Was a Rollin' Stone]]", and "[[Calling You]]" were recorded during his Cover to Cover tour in 1991.<ref name="Queen's Greatest Hits 3"/><ref name="Queen Greatest Vol 3"/>
All proceeds from the sale of the EP benefited the Mercury Phoenix Trust.<ref>[http://www.shanemcdonald.org/queen/album-detail.php?id=23 5 Live / Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201042331/http://www.shanemcdonald.org/queen/album-detail.php?id=23 |date=1 February 2011 }} Shanes Queen Site. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Sales of the EP were strong through Europe, where it debuted at No. 1 in the UK and several European countries.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> Chart success in the US was less spectacular, where it reached No. 40 on the ''Billboard'' 200 ("Somebody to Love" reached No. 30 on the US [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]]).<ref name="USCharts2"/> The performance would later feature on Queen's compilation album ''[[Greatest Hits III (Queen album)|Greatest Hits III]]''.<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r443580|pure_url=yes}} Queen – Greatest Hits III]. AllMusic. Retrieved 23 September 2021</ref>

During November 1994, after a long period of seclusion, Michael appeared at the first [[MTV Europe Music Awards]] show, where he gave a performance of a new song, "[[Jesus to a Child]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Dominic|last=Pride|title=MTV Euro Awards Get Mixed Response|magazine=Billboard|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18|access-date=21 April 2011|date=10 December 1994|pages=18–|issn=0006-2510|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209163423/https://books.google.com/books?id=ZQgEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA18|url-status=live}}</ref> The song was a melancholy tribute to his lover, Anselmo Feleppa, who had died in March 1993. The song entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 1 and No. 7 on ''Billboard'' upon release in 1996.<ref name="UKCharts2"/><ref name="USCharts2"/> It was Michael's longest UK Top 40 single, at almost seven minutes long. The exact identity of the song's subject—and the nature of Michael's relationship with Feleppa—was shrouded in [[innuendo]] and speculation, as Michael had not confirmed he was homosexual and did not do so until 1998. The video for "Jesus to a Child" was a picture of images recalling loss, pain and suffering. Michael consistently dedicated the song to Feleppa before performing it live.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20010911141631/http://members.fortunecity.com/cheznobby/partone.htm Part one] Chez Nobby, Fortunecity. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

Michael released "[[Fastlove]]", an energetic tune about wanting gratification and fulfilment without commitment, in 1996. The single version was nearly five minutes long. "Fastlove" was supported by a futuristic virtual reality-related video. The single reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, spending three weeks at the top spot.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> In the US, "Fastlove" peaked at No. 8.<ref name="USCharts2"/> Following "Fastlove", Michael released ''[[Older (George Michael album)|Older]]'', his third studio album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.albumism.com/features/george-michael-older-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective|title=George Michael's 'Older' Turns 25 &#124; Anniversary Retrospective|website=Albumism|date=12 May 2021 |access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=3 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003104948/https://www.albumism.com/features/george-michael-older-turns-25-anniversary-retrospective|url-status=live}}</ref> In the UK, the album was particularly notable for producing a record six top three hit singles in a two-year span.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classicpopmag.com/2021/07/george-michael-older/|title=Making George Michael: Older|date=19 July 2021|access-date=14 October 2021|archive-date=28 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028170557/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2021/07/george-michael-older/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1996, Michael was voted Best British Male at the [[MTV Europe Music Awards]] and the [[Brit Awards]];<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metrolyrics.com/1996-mtv-europe-awards.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022121526/http://www.metrolyrics.com/1996-mtv-europe-awards.html|archive-date=22 October 2012|url-status=unfit|title=1996 MTV Europe Awards|publisher=MetroLyrics.com|date=14 November 1996|access-date=21 April 2011}}</ref><ref>[http://www.everyhit.com/awardbrit.html The Brit Awards] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419142717/http://www.everyhit.com/awardbrit.html |date=19 April 2012 }} everyHit.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> and at the British Academy's [[Ivor Novello Awards]], he was awarded the title of Songwriter of the Year for the third time.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.femail.com.au/snapshotgeorgemichael.htm|title=George Michael – Star Snapshot|publisher=Femail.com.au|date=27 April 2009|access-date=27 April 2009|archive-date=10 May 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100510151923/http://www.femail.com.au/snapshotgeorgemichael.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael performed a concert at Three Mills Studios, London, for ''[[MTV Unplugged]]''.<ref>[http://www.tv.com/george-michael/person/130286/summary.html George Michael on] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091222080434/http://www.tv.com/george-michael/person/130286/summary.html |date=22 December 2009 }} TV.com, 20 December 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> It was his first long performance in years, and in the audience was Michael's mother, who died of cancer the following year.<ref>[http://popdirt.com/george-michaels-suicidal-thoughts-after-mothers-death/32657/ George Michael's Suicidal Thoughts After Mother's Death] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110617123325/http://popdirt.com/george-michaels-suicidal-thoughts-after-mothers-death/32657/ |date=17 June 2011 }} popdirt.com, 10 September 2004. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

''[[Ladies & Gentlemen: The Best of George Michael]]'' (1998) was Michael's first solo greatest hits collection. The collection of 28 songs (29 songs are included on the European and Australian release) are separated into two-halves, with each containing a particular theme and mood. The first CD, titled "For the Heart", predominantly contains ballads; the second CD, "For the Feet", consists mainly of dance tunes. It was released through Sony Music Entertainment as a condition of severing contractual ties with the label.<ref name=BBCNews1>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3278909.stm George Michael goes back to Sony] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120406214000/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3278909.stm |date=6 April 2012 }} BBC News, 17 November 2003. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> ''Ladies & Gentlemen'' was a success, peaking at No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart for eight weeks.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> It spent over 200 weeks in the UK chart, and is the 45th [[List of best-selling albums in the United Kingdom|best-selling album ever]] in the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/assets/files/top%2040%20albums.pdf|title=BPI Highest Retail Sales|publisher=British Phonographic Industry|access-date=17 January 2011|archive-date=22 November 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091122135241/http://www.bpi.co.uk/assets/files/top%2040%20albums.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is certified seven-times platinum in the UK and multi-platinum in the US, and is Michael's most commercially successful album in his homeland, having sold more than 2.8&nbsp;million copies.<ref name="uk"/> As of 2013, the album had reached worldwide sales of approximately 15&nbsp;million copies.<ref>[http://www.hiponline.com/artist/music/m/michael_george/index.html Artist: George Michael] Hip Online {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130915062553/http://www.hiponline.com/artist/music/m/michael_george/index.html |date=15 September 2013 }}</ref> The first single of the album, "[[Outside (George Michael song)|Outside]]", was a humorous song making a reference to his arrest for soliciting a policeman in a public toilet. "[[As (song)|As]]", his duet with [[Mary J. Blige]], was released as the second single in many territories around the world. Both singles reached the top 5 in the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UKCharts2"/>

Released in 1999, ''[[Songs from the Last Century]]'' is a studio album of cover tracks. The album achieved the lowest peak of his solo efforts, peaking at No. 157 on the American ''Billboard'' 200 albums chart<ref name="USCharts2"/> and at No. 2 in the UK Albums Chart.<ref name="UKCharts2"/>

===2000s===
[[File:George Michael and Garth Brooks (2000).jpg|thumb|left|[[Garth Brooks]] and Michael at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium, Washington, 29 April 2000]]
In 2000, Michael worked on the hit single "[[If I Told You That]]" with [[Whitney Houston]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yb_ghov9uEMC&pg=PA193|title=Michael Jackson the Solo Years|last1=Halstead|first1=Craig|last2=Cadman|first2=Chris|date=1 January 2003|publisher=Authors on Line Ltd|isbn=978-0-7552-0091-7|language=en|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=9 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209163445/https://books.google.com/books?id=yb_ghov9uEMC&pg=PA193|url-status=live}}</ref> Michael co-produced on the single along with [[Rodney Jerkins]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/1430159/whitney-george-michael-to-team-for-duet/|title=Whitney, George Michael To Team For Duet|publisher=MTV News|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=26 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161226145556/http://www.mtv.com/news/1430159/whitney-george-michael-to-team-for-duet/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Michael's first single from his fifth studio album, "[[Freeek!]]", reached the Top 10 in the UK.<ref>[http://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=3580&sort=chartid George Michael Freeek!] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606113017/http://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=3580&sort=chartid |date=6 June 2011 }} Top40-charts.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011.</ref> His next single was "[[Shoot the Dog]]" which was released in July 2002 during the lead-up to the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]]. The video for the song showed [[Tony Blair]] as [[George W. Bush|George Bush]]'s [[poodle]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7444297.stm George Michael's highs and lows] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104181822/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7444297.stm |date=4 November 2011 }} BBC News, 21 September 2008. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The single's cover featured the ''[[Daily Mirror]]'s'' "Howdy Poodle" front page from earlier in the year. Responding to criticism, Michael said, "I am British, I live here, I pay my taxes, and I'm very, very worried that we are now the second most dangerous country in the world thanks to our special relationship with America."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://george.michael.szm.com/Esection/E2002jul.html |title=George Goes Political ''The Daily Mirror'', July 1, 2002 |publisher=george.michael.szm.com/ |date=July 2002 |access-date=5 September 2021 |archive-date=5 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210905091336/http://george.michael.szm.com/Esection/E2002jul.html |url-status=live }}</ref> It reached No. 1 in Denmark and made the top 5 in most European charts.<ref>[http://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=4692&sort=chartid George Michael Shoot The Dog] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606113138/http://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=4692&sort=chartid |date=6 June 2011 }} Top40-charts.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> It peaked at No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="UKCharts2"/>

In February 2003, Michael recorded another song in protest against the looming Iraq war, [[Don McLean]]'s "The Grave". The original was written by McLean in 1971 and was a protest against the [[Vietnam War]]. Michael performed the song on numerous TV shows including ''[[Top of the Pops]]'' and ''[[So Graham Norton]]''. His performance of the song on ''Top of the Pops'' on 7 March 2003 was his first studio appearance on the programme since 1986. He ran into conflict with the show's producers for an anti-war, anti-Blair T-shirt worn by some members of his band. McLean stated that he was "proud of George Michael for standing up for life and sanity".<ref>{{cite news|title=Michael accuses BBC in war row|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2828485.stm|work=BBC News|access-date=26 December 2016|date=7 March 2003|archive-date=1 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170101052101/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/2828485.stm|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:George Michael at Antwerp (BRAVO).jpg|thumb|upright|Michael performing in Antwerp, Belgium, 2006]]
When Michael's fifth studio album, ''[[Patience (George Michael album)|Patience]]'', was released in 2004, it was critically acclaimed and went to No. 1 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name="UKCharts2"/> The album became one of the fastest-selling albums in the UK, selling over 200,000 copies in the first week alone.<ref>[http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=10894 Analysis: UK albums and singles market] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208050250/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=10894 |date=8 February 2012 }} Music Week, 29 November 2004. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> It reached the Top 5 on most European charts and peaked at No. 12 in the US, selling over 500,000 copies to earn a [[RIAA certification|Gold certification]] from the [[RIAA]].<ref name="USCharts2"/> "[[Amazing (George Michael song)|Amazing]]", the third single from the album, became a No. 1 hit in Europe.<ref>[http://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=9508&sort=chartid&string=George/ George Michael Amazing] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807051143/https://top40-charts.com/song.php?sid=9508&sort=chartid&string=George%2F |date=7 August 2020 }} Top40-charts.com. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> When Michael appeared on ''[[The Oprah Winfrey Show]]'' on 26 May 2004, to promote the album, he performed "Amazing", along with his classic songs "[[Father Figure (George Michael song)|Father Figure]]" and "[[Faith (George Michael song)|Faith]]".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://gmforever.com/george-michael-oprah-winfrey-show-interview/ |title=George Michael's Oprah Winfrey Show Interview (2004) |date=7 May 2019 |website=GM Forever |access-date=25 April 2021 |archive-date=9 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230209163407/https://gmforever.com/george-michael-oprah-winfrey-show-interview/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On the show, Michael spoke of his arrest, the public revelation of his homosexuality, and his resumption of public performances. He allowed Oprah's crew inside his home outside London.<ref>[http://www.oprah.com/home/George-Michaels-House Inside George Michael's Home] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123172444/http://www.oprah.com/home/George-Michaels-House |date=23 January 2011 }} Oprah.com, 1 January 2006. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> The fourth single taken off the album was "[[Flawless (Go to the City)|Flawless]]". It was a dance hit in Europe as well as North America, reaching No. 1 on the ''Billboard'' [[Hot Dance Club Play]] and becoming Michael's last No. 1 single on the US Dance chart.<ref name="UKCharts2"/> ''[[Twenty Five (album)|Twenty Five]]'' is Michael's second greatest hits album, celebrating the 25th anniversary of his music career.<ref>[http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7315902 George Michael – Twentyfive CD Album] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120717002018/http://www.cduniverse.com/productinfo.asp?pid=7315902 |date=17 July 2012 }} CD Universe, 28 November 2006. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Released in November 2006 by [[Sony BMG]], it debuted at no. 1 in the UK.<ref>[http://www.everyhit.com/numberalb6.html Number 1 albums of the 2000s] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516104503/http://www.everyhit.com/numberalb6.html |date=16 May 2011 }} everyHit.com, 16 March 2000. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref>

[[File:George Michael 02 bis.jpg|left|thumb|Michael onstage in Munich, 2006]]
During the 2005 [[Live 8]] concert at [[Hyde Park, London|Hyde Park]], London, Michael joined [[Paul McCartney]] on stage, harmonising on [[The Beatles]] classic "[[Drive My Car (song)|Drive My Car]]".<ref>{{cite magazine|title=George Michael Dead: Photos of His Life|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/7633302/george-michael-photos|magazine=Billboard|date=26 December 2016|access-date=21 April 2020|archive-date=17 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200417235215/https://www.billboard.com/photos/7633302/george-michael-photos|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2006, Michael embarked on his first tour in 15 years, [[25 Live]]. The tour began in [[Barcelona]], Spain, on 23 September and finished in December at [[Wembley Arena]] in England.<ref name="25 Tour"/> On 9 June 2007, Michael became the first artist to perform live at the newly renovated [[Wembley Stadium]] in London.<ref name="Wembley">[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6737693.stm "Michael makes history at Wembley"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080924043852/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/6737693.stm |date=24 September 2008 }}. BBC News. Retrieved 8 April 2015</ref> On 25 March 2008, a third part of the 25 Live Tour was announced for North America, with 21 dates in the US and Canada.<ref name="25 Tour">[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/george-michael-plays-final-major-shows-908094.html "George Michael plays "final" major shows"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211203111343/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/george-michael-plays-final-major-shows-908094.html |date=3 December 2021 }}. ''The Independent''. Monday 25 August 2008</ref>

Michael made his American acting debut by playing a guardian angel to [[Jonny Lee Miller]]'s character on ''[[Eli Stone]]'', a US TV series. Each episode of the show's first season was named after a song of his. Michael also appeared on the 2008 finale show of ''[[American Idol]]'' on 21 May, singing "Praying for Time". When asked what he thought [[Simon Cowell]] would say of his performance, he replied "I think he'll probably tell me I shouldn't have done a George Michael song. He's told plenty of people that in the past, so I think that'd be quite funny."<ref>{{cite news|title=George Michael Regains His Faith |url=http://music.aol.ca/article/George-Michael-interview/554/ |work=AOL Music Canada |year=2008 |access-date=13 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080531071913/http://music.aol.ca/article/George-Michael-interview/554/ |archive-date=31 May 2008 }}</ref><ref>[http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/Features/24-Facts-George-Michael-20091127-4 24 Facts: George Michael] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008023218/http://www.channel24.co.za/Music/Features/24-Facts-George-Michael-20091127-4 |date=8 October 2011 }} Channel 24, 14 October 2010</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20120922095231/http://www.spinner.com/2008/05/22/george-michael-reflects-on-his-own-american-idolatry/ George Michael Reflects on His Own American Idolatry] Spinner, 22 May 2008</ref> On 25 December 2008, Michael released a new Christmas-themed track, "[[December Song (I Dreamed of Christmas)]]", on his website for free.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://torrentfreak.com/new-george-michael-track-survives-on-the-pirate-bay-081227/|title=New George Michael Track Survives on The Pirate Bay|publisher=TorrentFreak|date=27 December 2008|access-date=27 April 2009|archive-date=23 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100623002323/http://torrentfreak.com/new-george-michael-track-survives-on-the-pirate-bay-081227/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===2010s===
[[File:George Michael (2011).jpg|thumb|upright|left|Michael at the [[Royal Opera House]] in 2011]]
In early 2010, Michael performed his first concerts in Australia since 1988.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.georgemichael.com/index.php?module=news&news_item_id=215 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091128143845/http://georgemichael.com/index.php?module=news&news_item_id=215 |url-status=dead |archive-date=28 November 2009 |title=2010 Australian Tour Announcement |publisher=GeorgeMichael.com |date=24 November 2009 |access-date=24 November 2009 }}</ref> On 20 February 2010, Michael performed his first show in [[Perth]] at the [[Burswood Dome]] to an audience of 15,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/george-michael-on-australian-stage/story-e6frf96f-1225832582934|title=George Michael on Australian stage|work=Herald Sun|date=21 February 2010|access-date=22 February 2010|archive-date=27 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927183630/https://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/george-michael-on-australian-stage/news-story/318a96664dbc59a508b0db5658a5678d?nk=54567d1e350491230fea6edd93b36ed3-1601231790|url-status=live}}</ref> On 2 March 2011, Michael announced the release of his cover version of [[New Order (band)|New Order]]'s 1987 hit "[[True Faith (song)|True Faith]]" in aid of the UK charity telethon [[Comic Relief]].<ref>[https://www.nme.com/news/george-michael/55243 George Michael covers New Order's 'True Faith' for Comic Relief] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313064254/http://www.nme.com/news/george-michael/55243 |date=13 March 2015 }} ''NME'', 2 March 2011. Retrieved 21 April 2011</ref> Michael appeared on Comic Relief itself, featuring in the first [[Carpool Karaoke]] sketch of [[James Corden]], with the pair singing songs while Corden drove around London.<ref>{{cite news|title=George Michael in 'first' Carpool Karaoke|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38435578|publisher=BBC|date=26 December 2016|access-date=22 June 2018|archive-date=29 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229090320/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-38435578|url-status=live}}</ref> On 15 April 2011, Michael released a cover of Stevie Wonder's 1972 song, "[[You and I (We Can Conquer the World)|You and I]]", as an MP3 gift to [[Prince William]] and [[Catherine Middleton]] on the occasion of [[Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton|their wedding on 29 April 2011]]. Although the MP3 was released for free download,<ref name="gift">[http://www.georgemichael.com/news/news_items.aspx?PostId=323130 George Covers Stevie Wonder for Will & Kate] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902135521/http://www.georgemichael.com/news/news_items.aspx?PostId=323130 |date=2 September 2011 }} GeorgeMichael.com, 15 April 2011</ref> Michael appealed to those who downloaded the track to make a contribution to "The Prince William & Miss Catherine Middleton Charitable Gift Fund".<ref>{{cite news |first=Jane |last=Fazackarley |url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305692 |title=George Michael releases Royal Wedding song |work=[[Digital Spy]] |date=16 April 2011 |access-date=10 January 2017 |archive-date=13 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170113015915/http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/305692 |url-status=live }}</ref>

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| image1    = George Michael London Olympics 2012. by Rory.jpg
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| image2    = George Michael performs Freedom at the Olympic Closing Ceremony (7891237548).jpg
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}}
The [[Symphonica Tour]] began at the [[Prague State Opera]] House on 22 August 2011.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/first-night-george-michael--symphonica-tour-state-opera-house-prague-2342293.html|title=First Night: George Michael – Symphonica Tour, State Opera House, Prague|work=The Independent|location=London|date=23 August 2011|access-date=23 August 2011|first=Ben|last=Walsh|archive-date=1 December 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201092644/http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/first-night-george-michael--symphonica-tour-state-opera-house-prague-2342293.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2011, Michael was announced as one of the final nominees for the [[Songwriter's Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite press release|url=http://songhall.org/news/entry/1281|title=Songwriters Hall of Fame 2012 Nominees For Induction Announced|date=18 October 2011|access-date=18 October 2011|publisher=Songwriters Hall of Fame|archive-date=18 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111018184025/http://songhall.org/news/entry/1281|url-status=live}}</ref> In November, he had to cancel the remainder of the tour as he became ill with [[pneumonia]] in Vienna, Austria, ultimately slipping into a coma.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://viennatimes.at/news/General_News/2011-11-25/27779/George_Michael%27s_condition_worsened_overnight_say_doctors |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127202805/http://viennatimes.at/news/General_News/2011-11-25/27779/George_Michael%27s_condition_worsened_overnight_say_doctors |url-status=dead |archive-date=27 November 2011 |title=George Michael's condition worsened overnight say doctors |work=Vienna Times |access-date=31 December 2011 }}</ref>

In February 2012, two months after leaving hospital, Michael made a surprise appearance at the [[2012 Brit Awards]] at [[The O2 Arena|the O<sub>2</sub> Arena]] in London, where he received a standing ovation, and presented [[Adele]] the award for Best British Album.<ref>[https://www.standard.co.uk/news/standard-pictures/the-brit-awards-2012-7446728.html?action=gallery&ino=2 "2012 BRIT Awards"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181005200634/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/standard-pictures/the-brit-awards-2012-7446728.html?action=gallery&ino=2 |date=5 October 2018 }}. ''London Evening Standard''. Retrieved 16 December 2014</ref> In March, Michael announced that he was healthy and that the Symphonica Tour would resume in autumn.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/george-michael-has-rescheduled-the-tour-dates-767216|title=George Michael reschedules cancelled tour dates after beating pneumonia|first=Jo|last=Usmar|date=20 March 2012|work=Daily Mirror|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=13 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213195309/https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/george-michael-has-rescheduled-the-tour-dates-767216|url-status=live}}</ref> The final concert of the tour—which was also the final concert of Michael's life–was performed at London's [[Earls Court Exhibition Centre|Earls Court]] on 17 October 2012.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Flashback: George Michael Plays Final Encore at Last Concert|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-george-michael-play-final-encore-at-last-concert-w457757|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=21 March 2018|access-date=21 March 2018|archive-date=21 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321193039/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/watch-george-michael-play-final-encore-at-last-concert-w457757|url-status=dead}}</ref>

''[[Symphonica (George Michael album)|Symphonica]]'' was released on 17 March 2014, and became Michael's seventh solo No. 1 album in the UK, and ninth overall including his Wham! chart-toppers. The album was produced by Phil Ramone and Michael; the album was Ramone's last production credit.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26706230 |title=George Michael beats Kylie to top album chart |date=23 February 2014 |publisher=BBC |access-date=22 June 2018 |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029035559/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-26706230 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 2 November 2016, Michael's management team announced that a second documentary on his life, entitled ''Freedom'', was set to be released in March 2017.<ref name="InstagramFreedomDoc">: {{cite web|work=[[Instagram]]|title=George Michael on Instagram|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BMUccRPg4Ow/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BMUccRPg4Ow |archive-date=23 December 2021 |url-access=subscription|access-date=22 January 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>[http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/george-michael-dead-new-album-film_uk_5860f47de4b0f24da6e7b2c6 "George Michael Dead: Star Had Promised Comeback Album For 2017, And Film 'Freedom' About Sony Court Battle"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227130618/http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/george-michael-dead-new-album-film_uk_5860f47de4b0f24da6e7b2c6 |date=27 December 2016 }}. ''The Huffington Post''. Retrieved 27 December 2016</ref> A month after, English songwriter [[Naughty Boy]] confirmed plans to collaborate with Michael, for a new song and album.<ref name="naughtyboy1">{{cite web|work=NME|title=George Michael planned to release new album in 2017|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/george-michael-new-album-2017-1924178|access-date=22 January 2017|date=26 December 2016|archive-date=2 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202091735/http://www.nme.com/news/music/george-michael-new-album-2017-1924178|url-status=live}}</ref> Naughty Boy claimed that the song is "amazing but [...] bittersweet".<ref name="naughtyboy2">{{cite web|work=BBC Newsbeat|title=Naughty Boy 'won't rule out' releasing his George Michael collaboration|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38682665/naughty-boy-wont-rule-out-releasing-his-george-michael-collaboration|access-date=28 February 2017|date=19 January 2017|archive-date=13 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170213024359/http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/38682665/naughty-boy-wont-rule-out-releasing-his-george-michael-collaboration|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 September 2017 (months after Michael's death), the single "[[Fantasy (George Michael song)|Fantasy]]", featuring [[Nile Rodgers]], was released.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/sep/07/george-michael-new-single-fantasy-nile-rodgers|title=George Michael's new single Fantasy – a rework full of sex, funk and fabulousness|first=Ben|last=Beaumont-Thomas|date=7 September 2017|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=10 October 2017|archive-date=10 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010031441/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/sep/07/george-michael-new-single-fantasy-nile-rodgers|url-status=live}}</ref>

Having charted at number two upon its release in 1984 (behind Band Aid's "[[Do They Know It's Christmas?]]" which Michael also performed in), "Last Christmas" finally reached number-one in the UK Singles Chart on New Year's Day 2021 (chart week ending date 7 January 2021), more than 36 years after its initial release.<ref name=Beaumont-Thomas-2021>{{cite web |last=Beaumont-Thomas |first=Ben |date=1 January 2021 |title=Last Christmas by Wham! reaches No 1 for first time after 36 years |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/01/last-christmas-by-wham-reaches-no-1-for-first-time-after-36-years |website=The Guardian |location=London |access-date=6 January 2021 |archive-date=1 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101211212/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/jan/01/last-christmas-by-wham-reaches-no-1-for-first-time-after-36-years |url-status=live }}</ref> Andrew Ridgeley said the chart placing was "a testament to its timeless appeal and charm", adding: "It is a fitting tribute to George's song-writing genius... he would have been immensely proud and utterly thrilled."<ref name=Beaumont-Thomas-2021/> The period of 36 years taken to reach number one was a UK chart record, which would be surpassed by [[Kate Bush]] with "[[Running Up That Hill]]" in June 2022 which took 37 years.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kate Bush's Running Up That Hill is Official Charts Number 1 Single: Singer becomes 3 x Official Charts Record Breaker with Stranger Things success |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kate-bushs-running-up-that-hill-is-official-charts-number-1-single-singer-becomes-3-x-official-charts-record-breaker-with-stranger-things-success__36605/ |access-date=17 June 2022 |publisher=Official Charts Company |archive-date=17 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220617193926/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/kate-bushs-running-up-that-hill-is-official-charts-number-1-single-singer-becomes-3-x-official-charts-record-breaker-with-stranger-things-success__36605/ |url-status=live }}</ref> "Last Christmas" would become the [[List of UK singles chart Christmas number ones|UK Christmas number one]] for the first time in 2023, and it hit number one again at Christmas in 2024, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years, and become only the third song to top the festive chart more than once after Queen's "[[Bohemian Rhapsody]]" and "Do They Know It's Christmas?".<ref>{{cite news |title=Wham! are Christmas number one for a second time |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c9dp6y31qppo |access-date=20 December 2024 |publisher=BBC}}</ref>