George Michael’s music is about to be remembered as soon as once more because the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards pay tribute to the late singer with a particular efficiency. The tribute comes 40 years after the discharge of his solo debut album Religion and almost a decade after his loss of life.

Because the 2026 VMAs honor his music tonight, here’s what is thought about George Michael’s reason behind loss of life and the tribute deliberate for the singer.
How did George Michael die?
George Michael died of coronary heart failure and liver illness, in accordance with a coroner. He was affected by dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and fatty liver, in accordance with Darren Salter, senior coroner for Oxfordshire, per the BBC. These medical phrases imply his coronary heart was enlarged, weakened, and infected, and wasn’t pumping blood correctly. His liver additionally had unhealthy fats buildup, which may have a number of causes, together with heavy alcohol use.
Michael died at age 53 on Christmas Day, December 25, 2016, at his house in Goring-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. As a result of the reason for loss of life was pure, the coroner stated there was no want for an inquest.
Darren Salter stated in an announcement, “As there’s a confirmed pure reason behind loss of life, being Dilated Cardiomyopathy with Myocarditis and Fatty Liver, the investigation is being discontinued.”
The singer’s former associate, Kenny Goss, had been quoted on the time saying, “I believe his physique simply gave up. All these years, it was simply weak.” He instructed The Sunday Mirror, “We simply need closure, we would like the funeral to occur, it has been a very long time now,” as cited by the BBC.
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2026 VMAs to honor George Michael with tribute tonight
Michael rose to fame with pop group Wham! within the Nineteen Eighties earlier than happening to have a vastly profitable solo profession.
Practically a decade after his loss of life, and 40 years because the launch of his solo debut album “Religion,” the 2026 MTV VMAs are paying tribute to George Michael as we speak. Singers Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims are teaming up for the tribute efficiency, directed by Adam Blackstone.
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The way to watch the 2026 VMAs
The 2026 VMAs are airing stay as we speak, Sunday, September 27, from 7:30 to 9:30pm ET (4:30 to six:30pm PT) on CBS, simulcast on MTV, and streaming on Paramount+ within the US.
The 2026 VMAs mark the present’s forty second version and are being hosted by three-time VMA winner Snoop Dogg.