Adam Lambert Makes Surprise Appearance During George Michael Tribute at MTV VMAs 2026 With Sombr, Raye & Teddy Swims | Just Jared

Adam Lambert surprise closed out the tribute performance for George Michael at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday (September 27) at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The 44-year-old singer was not announced as a part of the performance for the late singer who passed away in 2016 and was a surprise addition at the end.

Adam hit the stage to perform “Freedom,” where he was also joined by fellow queer artists Saint Harison, Meek, and MNEK, as well as Sombr, Raye, and Teddy Swims returning to the stage after their solo tributes.

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Sombr kicked off the tribute performance with “Faith,” followed by “Father Figure.”

Raye then came on stage to sing “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” with Teddy Swims singing “Careless Whisper” next.

Prior to their performances, the tribute was introduced by Orville Peck.

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The George Michael tribute performance comes ahead of the release of the George Michael: The Faith Tour live album on November 6th, as well as the feature-length film George Michael: The Faith Tour, set to hit theaters in the US on December 11th.

George was a four-time VMAs winner during his career, and he also received the Video Vanguard Award in 1989.

See more photos from the George Michael tribute performance at the 2026 MTV VMAs below…

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Posted To:2026 Mtv Vmas Adam Lambert Meek MNEK MTV VMAs Orville Peck Raye Saint Harison Sombr Teddy Swims