Sombr Wore George Michael’s Actual Leather Jacket for Tribute Performance at 2026 VMAs

**Sombr Leads Star-Studded Tribute to George Michael at 2026 VMAs**

The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) held in Los Angeles on 27th September 2026 paid a heartfelt tribute to the late musical icon George Michael, marking a decade since his passing. Performing a medley of Michael’s beloved hits, the 21-year-old singer Sombr took centre stage to honour the legacy of the pop superstar, who died at the age of 53.

In a touching gesture, Sombr donned the very leather jacket once worn by Michael during his celebrated Faith Tour and in a prominent 1989 Diet Coke commercial. The jacket, featuring distinctive embellishments and a striking silver chainmail panel on the back, added a poignant flair to the performance, establishing a strong connection to the late singer.

Joining Sombr for the tribute were an array of talented artists, including Teddy Swims, RAYE, Adam Lambert, MEEK, MNEK, and Saint Harison. Their collective performance served to illuminate Michael’s enduring influence on the music industry, with Sombr’s real name, Shane Boose, commanding the audience’s attention from the outset.

Prior to the performance, fellow musician Orville Peck delivered a moving introduction, praising Michael’s monumental impact on pop culture. Peck remarked, “George Michael was a pop god” and highlighted how the singer achieved unprecedented success at a young age, releasing hit after hit and breaking barriers that paved the way for many contemporary artists. He referenced the bold nature of Michael’s music, drawing attention to tracks like “I Want Your Sex,” which was so provocative that it prompted MTV to air a disclaimer alongside it.

The tribute kicked off with Sombr performing “Faith,” setting an uplifting tone before transitioning into “Father Figure.” RAYE followed, bringing her unique vocal prowess to “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” a duet originally recorded by Michael and Aretha Franklin, melding Michael’s timeless vocals into the performance. Teddy Swims then took over, eliciting nostalgia with the beloved tune “Careless Whisper,” accompanied by a saxophone that played the instantly recognisable opening notes.

This tribute is particularly significant as it coincides with the imminent release of a live album, titled *George Michael: The Faith Tour*, which is set to launch in November. A feature-length concert film of the same name is expected to debut in cinemas later in December. Both projects aim to revive the spirit of the Faith Tour and celebrate Michael’s artistic contributions four decades after the original album’s release.

Throughout his career, George Michael garnered numerous accolades, including four awards at the VMAs, culminating in his receipt of the esteemed Video Vanguard Award in 1989. This extensive catalogue of achievements underscores his lasting impact on the music scene, making the tribute at this year’s VMAs all the more fitting.

The performance was well-received by the audience, who were captivated by both the music and the emotion behind it, reflecting on how Michael’s work continues to resonate even a decade after his death. The artists involved not only celebrated the chart-topping hits that characterise Michael’s legacy but also paid homage to the man himself, whose influence on pop music remains profound.

As the evening progressed, it became clear that George Michael’s artistry still inspires a new generation of musicians. The tribute was a reminder of the singing legend’s remarkable contributions to music and culture, ensuring that his memory and legacy will endure through the years.