Headlines have prevailed over the holiday weekend sharing that, sadly, the world lost a beautiful talent and person on Christmas day when George Michael passed away at the young age of 53. With many people around the globe celebrating the holiday over the weekend, the loss of a beloved talent is the last thing we expected. But the news broke rapidly over the Christmas holiday taking friends and fans by surprise. According to CNN, “The singer is believed to have died from heart failure, his manager Michael Lippman said.”
Friends and family of the famed Wham! singer took to social media to pay tribute.
God didn’t give it, you did my old friend.
Cleft with grief.
A xx https://t.co/yPzbB3rDGE— Andrew Ridgeley (@ajridgeley) December 26, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael‘s death. He was such a brilliant talent. I’m so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016
Remembering #GeorgeMichael in milestones https://t.co/0vAj8BvKQ7 pic.twitter.com/4SlYwi044O
— USA TODAY Multimedia (@usatodayvideo) December 26, 2016
George Michael had a wildly successful music career, with thousands of fans spanning the globe. Here is a bit more commentary via CNN:
After enjoying early success in the duo Wham! alongside friend Andrew Ridgeley, he built a solo career which catapulted him to further stardom, awards and riches.
The two-time Grammy Award recipient “became one of the most beloved pop craftsmen and respected entertainers,” said Neil Portnow, president/CEO of The Recording Academy, which awards the Grammys.
“From the enormous success he achieved with pop duo Wham! to his influential solo career, his extraordinary talent had a profound impact on countless entertainers worldwide, and his creative contributions will live on forever,” Portnow said in a statement.
It’s a sad day when the world loses such a talent, beloved family member and friend much too young. George Michael will be missed by so many.