Sombr's George Michael tribute at MTV VMAs faces backlash

Sombr is facing backlash from George Michael fans who say his performance during a tribute to the late pop icon at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards failed to do the singer's music justice.

The "Back to Friends" singer opened the tribute Sunday, Sept. 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, performing Michael's hits "Faith" and "Father Figure." Raye, Adam Lambert and Teddy Swims also participated in the segment honoring Michael, who died in 2016 at age 53.

Criticism of Sombr's performance began appearing on social media shortly after he took the stage. Some viewers questioned whether the young pop singer was the right choice to open a tribute celebrating an artist known for his commanding vocals and soulful delivery.

"The Late Great George Michael would not be impressed by this mess. Sounds like a random guy at karaoke on a Thursday," @indy2k0 user wrote on X.

"Out of all people to do the George Michael tribute you're telling me they got SOMBR to perform one???! DO NOT piss me off," @zkdculture wrote on X.

Another user on X, @unicornmateria wrote, "The Sombr tribute to George Michael was an absolute disgrace."

The backlash did not begin with Sunday's performance. After MTV initially announced that Sombr, Raye and Teddy Swims would honor Michael, some fans criticized the show for not including an openly LGBTQ artist in the announced lineup.

"George Michael deserves so much better omg im so irritated..." X user @thedeadestdance wrote under the MTV announcement.

Critics suggested performers including Sam Smith, Troye Sivan, Lil Nas X, Adam Lambert and Janelle Monáe would have more directly reflected Michael's importance to LGBTQ culture. Some fans said the original lineup overlooked a defining part of the singer's legacy.

X user @Poniiboi wrote, "Sam smith, Adam Lambert, Durand Bernarr, Troye Sivan literally any gay guy girl get chappel [sic] roan LITERALLY ANY GAY PEOPLE."

Michael publicly came out as gay in a 1998 CNN interview and later became known for embracing his sexuality and supporting LGBTQ rights. He rose to fame as one half of Wham! before launching a successful solo career that included hits such as "Faith," "Freedom! '90," "Father Figure" and "Careless Whisper."

The VMAs tribute came ahead of the 40th anniversary of Michael's landmark solo album "Faith." According to an official CBS and MTV announcement, it also preceded the Nov. 6 release of "George Michael: The Faith Tour" live album and a feature-length concert film scheduled to arrive in theaters Dec. 11.

Michael received 16 nominations across the MTV VMAs and MTV Europe Music Awards during his career. He won four awards and received MTV's Video Vanguard Award in 1989.