GALLERY: Faith, freedom, and timeless hits… Five Artists Who Covered George Michael Songs
From Careless Whisper to Freedom! ’90, George Michael’s music remains a gold standard for pop perfection. His songs - soulful, honest, and often ahead of their time - have been reimagined by artists across genres, each putting their own spin on the icon’s unmistakable sound. Here are five artists who paid tribute to the late legend with unforgettable covers.
From Careless Whisper to Freedom! ’90, George Michael’s music remains a gold standard for pop perfection. His songs - soulful, honest, and often ahead of their time - have been reimagined by artists across genres, each putting their own spin on the icon’s unmistakable sound. Here are five artists who paid tribute to the late legend with unforgettable covers.
Adele – ‘Fastlove’ (2017 Grammys Tribute)
At the 2017 Grammy Awards, Adele delivered a powerful rendition of Fastlove in memory of George Michael, who passed away just months earlier. Mid-performance, she stopped and restarted, telling the audience, “I can’t mess this up for him.” Her stripped-back, emotional take earned a standing ovation — and cemented her as one of his greatest admirers.
Coldplay Beyoncé – ‘Freedom! ’90’
Coldplay joined forces with Beyoncé to perform Freedom! ’90 during the Global Citizen Festival in New York. Chris Martin’s piano paired with Beyoncé’s powerhouse vocals gave new life to George’s anthem of liberation and self-expression. It was both a celebration and a reminder of how his lyrics still resonate decades later.
Sam Smith – ‘Father Figure’
Known for their soaring voice and emotional delivery, Sam Smith tackled Father Figure in a moving BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge session.
Sam said: “It’s one of the best-written songs ever.” The performance, raw and reverent, felt like a love letter from one soulful voice to another.
James Blake – ‘Careless Whisper’
James Blake stripped Careless Whisper down to its emotional core during a BBC session, replacing the iconic sax riff with haunting piano chords. The result? A melancholic reimagining that showcased the song’s vulnerability. Blake later said, “George Michael’s songwriting was so pure — it doesn’t need dressing up.”
Michael Bublé – ‘Kissing a Fool’
Crooner Michael Bublé included Kissing a Fool on his 2003 debut album, paying homage to one of George’s jazziest hits. The smooth, romantic track proved a perfect fit for Bublé’s style — and introduced a new generation to the sophistication of George Michael’s music.
