Here are a few touching tributes to George Michael, who died of heart failure on Sunday.
American Idol season 4 winner and country superstar, Carrie Underwood penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. She credits Michaels with teaching her how to sing.
“I never told him (mainly because I thought I’d freak him out) but George Michael has always been such an influence on me,” said Carrie. “As a child, his was the first voice I could pick out of the sea of voices I heard on the radio. Before I knew anything about him, I knew his voice. As an adult, I cried when I saw him in concert. His songs and his voice helped to teach me how to sing. I will forever regret not letting him know…Thank you, George, for giving the world your gifts…may you rest in peace.”
Here’s Carrie Underwood singing “Praying for Time” on the American Idol charity special Idol Gives Back in 2008.
American Idol season 8 singer Adam Lambert posted a link to his recent performance of “Faith” on the ABC summer show, Greatest Hits. “Dedicated to one of my first pop idols,” Adam wrote, “You will be missed sir.”
Dedicated to one of my first pop idols. You will be missed sir. https://t.co/wJ82GsHyur
— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) December 27, 2016
Former American Idol judge Paula Abdul worked closely with Michael. “I’m grateful I had the honor of choreographing George Michael’s “Faith” tour,” she wrote. “SUCH A KIND MAN- charismatic & SOO talented.”
I’m grateful I had the honor of choreographing @GeorgeMichael‘s Faith tour. SUCH A KIND MAN- charismatic & SOO talented. #RIPGeorge
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) December 26, 2016
American Idol season 5 singer Chris Daughtry posted a Christmas day family photo on Instagram and wrote, “Celebrating Christmas with family dancing to the amazing legacy the late great George Michael left us. His music and voice has and will always bring a smile to my face and put a beat in my step.”
American Idol season 6 alum Blake Lewis posted a tribute photo on Facebook featuring himself in Michael’s 80’s garb. “Rest In Peace George Michael. Hope the sexy sax from “Careless Whisper” is raising your spirit through those pearly gates,” wrote Blake. “I shall be jamming to your tunes while Christmas comes to a merry close and I will look to a better 2017 cause ‘you gotta have faith.'”
The Voice season 2 singer Chris Mann posted a 2010 video of himself singing “I Want Your Sex.” He wrote, “In honor of George Michael passing-a throwback cover I had a blast making years ago. He’ll be missed.”
In honor of #GeorgeMichael passing-a throwback cover I had a blast making years ago. He’ll be missed https://t.co/qgLIb6pHqi #iwantyoursex
— Chris Mann Music (@IamChrisMann) December 25, 2016
Joe McElderry, winner of X Factor UK 2009, had the rare opportunity to sing a duet with Michael on the series finale. The singer posted a sweet message on Instagram, “A moment I will cherish,” he wrote.
Here’s Joe and George Michael singing Elton John’s “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” a song Michaels recorded with John.