Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims will perform a tribute to George Michael at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday 27 September, with the ceremony taking place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The tribute comes as George Michael’s The Faith Tour live album prepares for release on 6 November 2026.
Raye, Sombr and Teddy Swims join George Michael tribute
Raye will make her MTV VMAs performance debut during this year’s ceremony, appearing both as a solo performer and as part of the George Michael tribute.
The singer is also nominated for two awards in 2026, including Song of the Year for “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”. MTV’s official voting page lists Raye among the nominees for the category.
Sombr will return to the VMAs stage while competing for three awards, including Song of the Summer.
Teddy Swims is also set to perform, returning to the VMAs for the first time since 2024, when he was a four-time nominee.
George Michael’s Faith Tour returns to the spotlight
The tribute arrives 40 years after the era surrounding George Michael’s landmark Faith album, while his previously unreleased The Faith Tour live album is scheduled for release on 6 November 2026.
The 18-track live album was recorded at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy during the European leg of Michael’s 1988 Faith Tour. It features live performances from his solo catalogue as well as songs associated with his work with Wham!.
The official George Michael store confirms that the album will include live versions of “Faith”, “Father Figure”, “One More Try” and “Monkey”.
George Michael’s MTV VMA legacy
Michael was a four-time MTV VMA winner and received the Video Vanguard Award in 1989.
His connection with the VMAs stretches back to the early years of the ceremony, making the 2026 tribute part of a wider celebration of his contribution to pop music and music video culture.
When are the 2026 MTV VMAs?
The 2026 MTV VMAs will take place on Sunday 27 September at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Snoop Dogg hosting the ceremony.
MTV currently lists the live broadcast for 7:30pm ET / 4:30pm PT on CBS and Paramount+.
For UK and Middle Eastern viewers, the local broadcast and streaming times should be checked against the relevant MTV or Paramount+ listings closer to the ceremony.
Nominations this year include major names such as Madonna, Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande and Sabrina Carpenter, while Nirvana are set to receive the Video Vanguard Award.
