Madonna, Elton John lead tributes for George Michael

This file photo taken on August 12, 2012 shows British singer George Michael performing during the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympic Games at the Olympic stadium in London. PHOTO | AFP

What you need to know:

  • Referring to him by his nickname "Yog" (Yours Only George), Wham! co-star Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken" by Michael's death.
  • Canadian musician Bryan Adams tweeted: "I can't believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us."
  • US singer La Toya Jackson wrote: "You have given the world an amazing gift! What a talent! What a loss!".

LONDON

Tributes poured in from the music world Monday after British pop superstar George Michael, who rose to fame with the duo Wham! and a string of smash hits including "Last Christmas", died aged 53.

Michael died of apparent heart failure on Christmas Day at his home in Goring, a village on the River Thames in Oxfordshire, west of London, after an award-winning career spanning more than three decades.

Big names in entertainment like Elton John and Madonna hailed Michael's talent and human qualities, while former Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken at the loss of my beloved friend".

Michael was best known for his 1980s and 1990s hits "Last Christmas", "Freedom", "Careless Whisper", "Faith", "I Want Your Sex" and "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go".

He won a string of awards including two Grammys and three Brits, but run-ins with the law over drugs and a series of bizarre incidents and health scares in his last years often overshadowed his music.

Many tributes referred to the spate of deaths of famous musicians in 2016, including rock legend David Bowie in January, funk icon Prince in April and soulful folk singer Leonard Cohen in November.

"Farewell my Friend! Another Great Artist leaves us. Can 2016 Fuck Off NOW?" Madonna wrote in a post on Instagram accompanied by a video of her presenting Michael with an award.

Elton John also published a picture of himself with Michael, saying: "I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist".

Michael shot to fame with the 1980s band Wham! and sold over 100 million albums in his career, winning two Grammies and three Brit awards.

Referring to him by his nickname "Yog" (Yours Only George), Wham! co-star Andrew Ridgeley said he was "heartbroken" by Michael's death.

Many reactions referred to the spate of music world deaths in 2016, starting with David Bowie in January.

Singers Prince and Leonard Cohen also died this year and Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt passed away on Saturday in a Spanish hospital.

"2016 - loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to George Michael's family," the band Duran Duran, who were 1980s contemporaries of Wham!, said on their official Twitter account.

Spandau Ballet, a British band which formed in the late 1970s, wrote: "We are incredibly sad at the passing of our dear friend George Michael. A brilliant artist & great songwriter."

This file photo taken on August 24, 2010 shows British singer George Michael (C), leaving after appearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court in London. PHOTO | AFP

LAST CHRISTMAS

Newer pop stars also paid tribute to the influential London-born artist, who was planning to release a new album and a documentary next year.

"Oh God no... I love you George... Rest in peace," wrote pop star Robbie Williams, while fellow singer Pixie Lott paid tribute on Twitter to the "beautiful and talented" Michael.

In the United States, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said he was "deeply saddened" by the loss.

"During an influential career that spanned nearly four decades, George became one of the most beloved pop craftsmen and respected entertainers," said Portnow, whose organisation awards the Grammies.

"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," he said.

Canadian musician Bryan Adams tweeted: "I can't believe it. Such an incredible singer and a lovely human being, far too young to leave us."

US singer La Toya Jackson wrote: "You have given the world an amazing gift! What a talent! What a loss!".

Tributes came in from outside the music world too.

Football presenter and former England captain Gary Lineker tweeted: "No, not George Michael as well. Another musical great leaves us this year. 2016 can just sod off."

"Star Trek" actor George Takei referred to some of Michael's greatest hits in a tweet, writing: "Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you."

London Mayor Sadiq Khan said Michael "brought joy to millions of us" and British opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hailed Michael as a "strong supporter" of gay and workers' rights.

Following years of speculation about his sexuality, Michael came out as gay in 1998 after being arrested for committing a lewd act in the public toilet of a Los Angeles park.

The gay rights charity Stonewall said: "You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed."