'i loved him'
George Michael’s Wham! co-star Andrew Ridgeley reunites with Pepsi & Shirlie at The BRIT Awards 2017 for emotional tribute as Chris Martin duets with the late star from beyond the grave
GEORGE Michael's Wham! co-star Andrew Ridgeley got emotional as he joined Pepsi & Shirlie and Chris Martin to honour the late singer at The BRIT Awards 2017.
The tragic music legend was remembered by his bandmates in a touching eulogy two months after his shock death at Christmas.
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The trio of 1980s pop stars gave an emotional speech to remember their late pal, who was found dead on at his home in Berkshire on Christmas Day at the age of 53.
Andrew said : "On Christmas Day 2016, the greatest singer songwriter of his generation, an icon of his era, George Michael, was lost.
“A supernova in the shining stars had been extinguished and it felt like the sky had fallen in.”
Shirlie then said: “One of my strongest memories is George and I walking to the post box and sending in big brown envelopes to record companies the boys’ first demo cassettes.
"Sadly they were all returned a few weeks later with a letter saying no thank you.
"However, of course, it was their loss. Fortunately one up and coming record label decided to give the boys a chance."
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Pepsi fought back tears as she added: “These three amazing friends took me into their fold and there was so much laughter, fun and kindness. They were truly wonderful times and I will always cherish them.”
They were introducing Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who sang the music legend's track A Different Corner.
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Chris Martin performed a song in tribute to George
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Chris' performance was then cut to footage of George singing the track himself in a haunting moment which allowed the audience to briefly see the star put on a show from beyond the grave.
The incredible moment appeared to show Chris duetting with the late star.
The pair's vocals were combined during the sweet onstage moment, which featured pictures of the late star flashing up onscreen.
The late singer's sisters, Yioda, 57, and Melanie Panayiotou, 55, were in the audience to watch the star-studded tribute.
It marked their first public appearance since their brother's death.
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A source told The Sun: “It’s fitting that George will be remembered in some way tonight.
“And it’s great that his beloved sisters Melanie and Yioda will be there to watch it.
“It’s sure to be an emotional for evening for all involved.”
We revealed in December that George left the bulk of his £105 million fortune to Melanie, with Yioda expected to inherit part of the remainder.
George is also survived by his dad. His mum died in 1997.
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