The revelation of British pop star George Michael‘s tragic passing rocked the world of music today, and since the news of his passing was made public tributes to the singer have begun to flow in from across the globe.
This morning it emerged that Michael died peacefully in his home over the weekend, and Michael’s manager has since revealed to Billboard that his cause of death was heart failure.
Now, musicians and celebrities worldwide have begun pouring out their heartfelt tributes online, with Elton John, Mark Ronson, Duran Duran, Corey Feldman, James Corden, Ellen DeGeneres, George Takei and many, many more paying tribute to the Michael who’s influence spanned across generations.
While his friends, contemporaries and fans shared their sadness at the news, actress Sarah Michelle Geller somehow managing to make the crucial error of confusing George Michael with the very much still-alive Boy George.
Geller has since corrected herself, thankfully.
Just as sad when you get the correct information- #ripGeorgeMichael thank you to everyone who corrected me- it's still so sad
— Sarah Michelle (@SarahMGellar) December 25, 2016
At least she wasn’t wrong to call out 2016 for being an unbelievably horrible year – with many others including Duran Duran lamenting the “lost of another talented soul” this year, while Elton John expressed his sorrow at the lost of a “beloved friend” and a “brilliant artist.”
Check out some of the many tributes flooding social media today, below.
2016 – loss of another talented soul. All our love and sympathy to @GeorgeMichael's family. pic.twitter.com/3h4xqEDXR9
— Duran Duran (@duranduran) December 25, 2016
other than a global pop phenom, George Michael was one of the true British soul greats. alot of us owe him an unpayable debt. bye George xx
— Mark Ronson (@MarkRonson) December 25, 2016
Rest with the glittering stars, George Michael. You've found your Freedom, your Faith. It was your Last Christmas, and we shall miss you.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) December 25, 2016
NOOOOOO!! F U 2016!! U have taken ALL R ICONS OF THE 80's!: George Michael, pop superstar, dies at 53 – the guardian https://t.co/MOxNsGx8D8
— Corey Feldman (@Corey_Feldman) December 25, 2016
I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.
— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016
So sorry to hear about George Michael's passing. Brilliant icon. "Kissing a Fool" one of my all time favs. Strength & light to his family.
— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) December 26, 2016
I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@EllenDeGeneres) December 25, 2016
Wow. RIP George Michael pic.twitter.com/sVgRYnfm6J
— Randy Jackson (@YO_RANDYJACKSON) December 25, 2016