Raye, Sombr, and Teddy Swims Perform Tribute to Honor George Michael at 2026 VMAs: WATCH

RAYE, SOMBR and Teddy Swims honored George Michael with a special tribute performance at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.

Sombr began with a cover of “Faith.” Videos of Michael played behind him while he belted the tune. Sombr then transitioned into covering “Father Figure.”

Raye then took the stage to perform “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).” Raye took on impressive vocal runs during the tune before it transitioned to Teddy Swims’ moment. Swims covered “Careless Whisper.”

CBS and MTV announced the tribute ahead of the ceremony, which will take place Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Adam Blackstone will serve as music director for the performance, which celebrates one of the most influential artists in pop music history.

The tribute comes 40 years after the release of Michael’s landmark album Faith. The singer, who died on Christmas Day in 2016 at age 53, remains one of the best-selling recording artists of all time. Michael had a significant history with the VMAs, winning four awards during his career and receiving the Video Vanguard Award in 1989.

RAYE Makes Her VMAs Performance Debut

For RAYE, the George Michael tribute will mark her first performance at the VMAs. The singer is also a two-time nominee at the 2026 ceremony, including a Song of the Year nomination for “Where Is My Husband!”

The performance comes during a major year for RAYE, who recently released her sophomore album, This Music May Contain Hope. Following her sold-out North American tour, she is currently touring stadiums with Bruno Mars. She is also preparing to make her film debut in Yann Demange’s upcoming thriller Lineage.

SOMBR Returns to the VMAs Stage

SOMBR returned to the VMAs after making his performance debut at the 2025 ceremony. The rising singer-songwriter is also nominated for three awards this year, including Song of the Summer and Best Alternative, a category he won in 2025.

His George Michael connection is particularly fitting for the tribute. SOMBR has previously performed Michael’s “Careless Whisper” live with Laufey, adding the iconic song to his concert repertoire.

The performance arrives during a breakout year for SOMBR, whose current singles include “Homewrecker” and “My Body Isn’t Ready.” He is also preparing to launch his YOU ARE THE REASON global headline arena tour on Sept. 29 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Teddy Swims Returns to the VMAs

Teddy Swims returned to the VMAs stage for the first time since 2024. At the 2024 ceremony, Swims was a four-time nominee, marking an early milestone in his rapid rise as a vocalist.

Swims enters the 2026 VMAs following the release of his new single “Perfect Man.” He has also announced his upcoming album, UGLY, which is scheduled for release Jan. 22, 2027. His U.S. arena tour, The UGLY Tour, is set to begin in Kansas City ahead of the VMAs.

With RAYE making her performance debut alongside returning performers SOMBR and Teddy Swims, the George Michael tribute will bring together three artists from different points in their careers to celebrate the enduring legacy of the late music icon.