George Michael's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of George Michael. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

George Michael was a highly influential English singer-songwriter and record producer, considered a pop culture icon. He achieved fame as part of the duo Wham! in the 1980s before embarking on a successful solo career. Known for his distinctive voice, songwriting talent, and captivating stage presence, Michael sold over 100 million records worldwide. His hit songs include "Careless Whisper," "Faith," and "Freedom! '90." Beyond his music, he was recognized for his philanthropy and later, struggles with personal issues that were often covered by the media. His impact on pop music and culture remains significant.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1983: Wham!'s Album Fantastic Reaches No. 1

In 1983, Wham!'s first album Fantastic reached No. 1 in the UK, launching the band to initial success.

1984: The Radio Academy names George Michael the most played artist

In 1984, George Michael was named the most played artist on British radio during the period 1984-2004 by The Radio Academy. This award recognizes George Michael's extensive radio play and popularity during this time period.

1984: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio

The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.

1985: Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year

In 1985, George Michael received his first Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year, recognizing his talent and success as a songwriter.

1987: Release of Faith

In 1987, George Michael released his debut studio album, Faith, which later won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year and became a best-selling album.

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1988: "Faith" Becomes Best-Selling Single

In 1988, "Faith" became the best-selling single in the US, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for four consecutive weeks. It also reached No. 1 in Australia, and No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

1988: Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance

In 1988, George Michael and Aretha Franklin won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance – Duo or Group with Vocal for their song "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)".

1988: World Tour and Brit Award

In 1988, George Michael embarked on a world tour. He was also joined on stage in Los Angeles by Aretha Franklin for "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)". At the Brit Awards, Michael received the first of his two awards for Best British Male Solo Artist. Also, Faith won the Grammy Award for Album of the Year at the 31st Grammy Awards.

1989: Video Vanguard Award

At the 1989 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, George Michael received the Video Vanguard Award, recognizing his impact on music videos.

1991: Brit Award for Best British Album

In 1991, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 won the Brit Award for Best British Album, recognizing its artistic and commercial success.

April 1992: Performance at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert

On April 20, 1992, George Michael performed with Queen at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert at Wembley Stadium. He sang "'39", "These Are the Days of Our Lives" with Lisa Stansfield, and "Somebody to Love".

1996: Awards and MTV Unplugged concert

In 1996, George Michael was voted Best British Male at the MTV Europe Music Awards and the Brit Awards. He was also awarded Songwriter of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards for the third time and performed a concert for MTV Unplugged.

2004: The Radio Academy names George Michael the most played artist

In 2004, George Michael was named the most played artist on British radio during the period 1984-2004 by The Radio Academy. This award recognizes George Michael's extensive radio play and popularity during this time period.

2004: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio

The Radio Academy reported George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio from 1984 to 2004.

2006: Start of 25 Live Tour

George Michael reportedly earned £48.5 million from his 25 Live tour between 2006 and 2008.

2008: End of 25 Live Tour

George Michael reportedly earned £48.5 million from his 25 Live tour between 2006 and 2008.

October 2011: Nomination for Songwriter's Hall of Fame

In October 2011, George Michael was announced as one of the final nominees for the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.

2011: Michael's Coma During Pneumonia Bout

In 2011, George Michael fell into a coma during a bout with pneumonia, but he later recovered, marking a challenging period in his health.

February 2012: Surprise appearance at the Brit Awards

In February 2012, George Michael made a surprise appearance at the 2012 Brit Awards at the O2 Arena in London, where he received a standing ovation and presented Adele with the award for Best British Album.

2014: Refrained from Cannabis Use

In 2014, George Michael stated he had refrained from using cannabis for one and one half years.

2015: Ranked 45th in Billboard's Greatest Hot 100 Artists

In 2015, George Michael was ranked 45th in Billboard's list of the "Greatest Hot 100 Artists of All Time".

February 2017: Adele's Grammy Tribute

At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, Adele performed a slow version of "Fastlove" as a tribute to George Michael.

2019: Named Greatest Artist of All Time by Smooth Radio

In 2019, George Michael was named as the greatest artist of all time by Smooth Radio.

January 2021: "Last Christmas" reached number one in the UK

In January 2021, more than 36 years after its initial release, George Michael's "Last Christmas" finally reached number one in the UK Singles Chart.

May 2023: Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

On May 3, 2023, George Michael was selected as an inductee to the 2023 class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside Kate Bush, Willie Nelson, The Spinners, Missy Elliott and Rage Against the Machine.

November 2023: Induction Ceremony for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In November 2023, George Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Andrew Ridgeley serving as his induction presenter.

2023: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2023, George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, posthumously honoring his significant contributions to music history.

2023: "Last Christmas" becomes UK Christmas number one for the first time

In 2023, George Michael's "Last Christmas" became the UK Christmas number one for the first time.

February 2024: Royal Mint Collectable Coin Unveiled

In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a collectable coin featuring George Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses.

2024: "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas

In 2024, George Michael's "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years.