Across the pond tonight, the 2017 BRIT Awards took place, and predictably there was a lengthy “In Memoriam” tribute to the musicians who had passed in the last year.
Following the piece, which honored Sir George Martin, Prince, David Bowie, and Leonard Cohen, among others, Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael’s former bandmate in Wham!, delivered a eulogy to the singer who died this past Christmas. Fittingly, Ridgeley was supported by the musical pair’s backup singers Pepsi and Shirlie, and the three together provided heartfelt praise for Michael.
Following the moving remembrance, where Shirlie broke down in tears at one point, Ridgeley introduced Chris Martin, who staged what started off as a fairly faithful rendition of Michael’s early solo hit single “A Different Corner.” The Coldplay frontman was backed by footage of the late performer, much like Adele was at the Grammys earlier this month, and then an archival interview is shown of Michael where he says, “I never wanted to be someone else.”
Cut to Michael singing the song in concert, and it turned into a virtual duet. The segment can be viewed below in its entirety, with Martin’s portion beginning at 9:10.