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, achieving global recognition as a pop culture icon. His impact stemmed from his creative abilities in songwriting, distinctive vocal style, and innovative visual presentations. He is remembered for his significant contributions to the music industry and enduring influence on popular culture.
1984: British Radio Recognition
During the period 1984–2004, George Michael was recognized as the most played artist on British radio by The Radio Academy.
1984: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio
The Radio Academy stated that George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio during the period 1984–2004.
1985: Ivor Novello Award
In 1985, George Michael received the first of his three Ivor Novello Awards for Songwriter of the Year, recognizing his songwriting talent.
1988: Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance
In 1988, George Michael and Aretha Franklin won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance for their duet "I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me)".
1988: World Tour and Brit Award
In 1988, George Michael embarked on a world tour and received the Brit Award for Best British Male Solo Artist, alongside many other achievements.
1988: "Faith" Became Best-Selling Single of the Year
In 1988, the song "Faith" became the best-selling single of the year in the US, cementing George Michael's solo success.
1989: MTV Video Vanguard Award
In 1989, George Michael received the Video Vanguard Award at the MTV Video Music Awards, 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, acknowledging the album's success.
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 also received the Ivor Novello Award for Songwriter of the Year and performed an MTV Unplugged concert.
2004: British Radio Recognition
During the period 1984–2004, George Michael was recognized as the most played artist on British radio by The Radio Academy.
2004: Most Frequently Played Artist on British Radio
The Radio Academy stated that George Michael was the most frequently played artist on British radio during the period 1984–2004.
October 2011: Songwriter's Hall of Fame Nomination
In October 2011, George Michael was announced as one of the final nominees for the Songwriter's Hall of Fame.
2015: Ranked 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: Tribute at Grammy Awards
At the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2017, Adele performed "Fastlove" in tribute to George Michael.
2019: Greatest Artist of All Time by Smooth Radio
In 2019, George Michael was named as the greatest artist of all time by Smooth Radio.
2020: Mural in Brent
In 2020, George Michael was commemorated with a mural in his native borough of Brent, commissioned to pay tribute to his contribution to the fields of music and entertainment.
January 2021: "Last Christmas" reaches number one
In January 2021, more than 36 years after its initial release, "Last Christmas" finally reached number one in the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its lasting appeal and a tribute to George Michael's songwriting genius. The period of 36 years taken to reach number one was a UK chart record at the time.
May 2023: Induction into the 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.
November 2023: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In November 2023, George Michael was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with Andrew Ridgeley as his induction presenter.
2023: "Last Christmas" becomes UK Christmas number one
In 2023, "Last Christmas" achieved the UK Christmas number one for the first time.
2023: Induction into 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.
February 2024: Royal Mint Unveils Collectable Coin
In February 2024, the Royal Mint unveiled a collectable coin featuring George Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses.
2024: "Last Christmas" tops Christmas chart again
In 2024, "Last Christmas" hit number one again at Christmas, making it the first song to top the Christmas chart in consecutive years.
