Skip to main contentSkip to footer

Adele stops midway through George Michael tribute at 2017 Grammys

adele george michael grammys
Gemma Strong
Online Digital News Director
Share this:

Adele struggled to make it through her emotional tribute to late singer George Michael at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. The star had wanted her performance of George's 1996 hit Fastlove to be perfect – and when it wasn't, she abruptly stopped and then started over again on live TV. "I'm sorry. I can't mess this up for him," she told the crowd. "Can we start again?" Her second attempt was flawless, and as she sang, images of George, who passed away unexpectedly on Christmas Day, appeared on the screen behind her.

adele george michael grammys 2© Photo: Getty Images

Adele restarted her tribute performance to George Michael at the Grammy Awards

Adele, 28, looked near to tears as she finished the song, and received a standing ovation from the audience at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles. Her brave decision to restart the song was certainly sell-received, and messages of solidarity poured in from her fellow celebrities and musicians on social media. "@Adele you get every do over you ever need. Ever. #GRAMMYs," wrote Ellen DeGeneres. Singer Charlie Puth added: "I commend @Adele for starting over and making it right! Very good." Bette Midler tweeted: "#Adele just taught us all a great lesson just now. If it's not right? START OVER AND NAIL IT! And she did. Love you, girl."

STORY: Adele confirms marriage during emotional Grammys speech

adele grammys win© Photo: Getty Images

The British star won the top three categories - album, song and record of the year

It was a big night for the British singer. She beat Beyoncé to win all three top categories – album, song and record of the year – but she used her acceptance speech to honour the pregnant Lemonade star. "The way you make my friends feel, the way you make my black friends feel is empowering," she said as she accepted album of the year. "You make them stand up for themselves and I love you and I always have."

Catch up on all the news from this year's GRAMMYs here