George Michael fans fume over VMAs 2026 tribute within minutes due to one singer
George Michael fans fume over VMAs 2026 tribute within minutes due to one singer
Kathleen O'BoyleMon, September 28, 2026 at 2:47 AM UTC
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MTV VMAs pays tribute to George Michael -Credit:Getty
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are underway, bringing together some of the biggest names in music for one of the year’s major awards shows.
But VMAs fans were left fuming after a handful of singers performed a tribute to the late and great George Michael, specifically due to the inclusion of Sombr. Raye and Teddy Swims were also included in the tribute for the late British singer, who died in 2016 at the age of 53.
Michael was a four-time VMA winner and received MTV’s Video Vanguard Award in 1989. The singer, who ranks among the best-selling artists of all time, released his landmark album Faith 40 years ago. But despite the major honor, fans were left disappointed over the performance. This came after Madonna's performance also drew fan backlash.
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On X, viewers reacted to the moment. One person wrote, "They killed George Michael all over again in his VMA tribute." "Waited to see the MTV tribute to George Michael. Some clown named Sombr started it off singing Faith. To say he sucked would be an insult to sucking," another said, calling out the breakout popstar.
More fans slammed Sombr. "Out of all people to do the George Michael tribute, you’re telling me they got SOMBR to perform one???! DO NOT piss me off," someone added, as a fourth wrote, "Sombr and Teddy Swims being trusted to do the George Michael tribute is borderline offensive… not an ounce of justice being done here."
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VMAs fans were slamming Sombr's performance during the George Michael tribute -Credit:Getty
"I say this very respectfully, stay in your lane, SOMBR. R.I.P. George Michael, and we’re sorry," another fan posted, with one more adding, "Sombr???? This is so disrespectful to George Michael."
Hosted by Snoop Dogg, this year’s ceremony features a mix of live performances, special tributes, and awards recognizing artists across music and music video.
Snoop Dogg has a long history with the VMAs, having received 13 nominations and won three awards. Before the ceremony, he spoke about returning to the show as host.
“MTV and the VMAs have been part of my story since the beginning. Some of the biggest moments of my career happened on that stage and on MTV – they gave hip hop a place to be loud, fearless, and seen by the whole world. So to come back now and host the VMAs, all these years later, that’s a full-circle moment for me.”
A handful of hit making artist honored George Michael -Credit:Getty
Madonna kicked off the show with her first VMAs performance in 23 years.
Other performers appearing throughout the night include Lisa, Raye, Shaboozey, Gunna and Sienna Spiro, as well as Gener8ion and Yung Lean.
There are also several special moments planned for the ceremony. Kacey Musgraves is paying tribute to Dolly Parton, while Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims are performing in honor of George Michael.
Among this year’s major honors, Nirvana is receiving the Video Vanguard Award. Taylor Swift is also being recognized with the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors. Madonna leads this year’s nominations with 11, followed by Swift with nine. Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter each have seven nominations.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
