News
Soap Stars Share Reaction And Devastation Over The Death Of Pop Icon George Michael
Photo: Reuters
Christmas Day 2016 will be remembered for yet another huge loss in pop culture and the music industry, in a year that has seen so many beloved public figures lives cut too short.
Late Sunday afternoon, the world learned of the death of pop icon, George Michael at the age of 53. The British singer, songwriter, musician, died of what at this point is said to be “heart failure”.
“It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” read a statement sent to USA TODAY by Michael’s London-based publicist, Connie Filippello.
The statement went on to say: “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage.” Michael died in Goring, England. His U.S. publicist, Cindi Berger told the Associated Press he had not been ill. The singer was a fierce champion of LGBT rights and came out in a now famous interview in 1998 on CNN.
The Grammy-winning star sold more than 100 million albums globally. George leaves behind an incredible body of work from his start with Wham to his solo career from: Father Figure to Freedom, to Careless Whisper to Everything She Wants, to Last Christmas to Faith, to Fast Love to One More Try, to Praying For Time and the incredible body of work in the albums: Listen to without Prejudice Pt 1, Older, and Faith, and those are just a small sampling of the songs and works of this artist’s legacy.
Several soap stars, upon learning of the death of George Michael, shared their shock and love for the artist via social media. Below are just a few examples:
Y&R’s Daniel Goddard: “George Michael has passed! Can all the horrible news from 2016 please just stop! #RIPGeorgeMichael #Legend” Then on an Instagram posted, Goddard shared: “Grew up with his music. Loved his lyrics. Was in awe of his voice. What a colossal loss. #RiPgeorgemichael”
DAYS Eric Martsolf: “Ahh dammit”.
Ex-GL, AMC and B&B star Ricky Paull Goldin: “Sad to hear about George Michael’s death. I actually wore out my FAITH album back in the day. He was a Big part of my youth. #RIPGeorge”
GH’s Rebecca Budig: “So sad. A part of my youth…RIP”
Other soap stars such as GH’s Finola Hughes and Laura Wright shared their grief over the loss by simply and effectively posting photos of Michael on Instagram. For Hughes, their was another connnection to George’s career. Her husbandm Russell Young, was the photographer of Michael’s Grammy-winning album cover and massive mainstream hit, Faith.
Let us know your reaction to the passing of George Michael, and your favorite song of his in the comment section below.
All My Children
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
On Thursday, nominations were announced in the Outstanding Talk Show category for the upcoming 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards.
Mark Consuelos (ex-Mateo, All My Children) coming off his first-year as co-host of ‘Live” with real-life wife, Kelly Ripa scored his first Talk Show Host nomination along with Ripa who has been nominated previous times.
Joining Mark and Kelly in the race are: Joy Behar, Whoopi Goldberg, Alyssa Farah Griffin, Sara Haines, Sunny Hostin, Ana Navarro, The View
Kelly Clarkson, The Kelly Clarkson Show, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Amanda Kloots, Natalie Morales, Jerry O’Connell, Sheryl Underwood, The Talk and
Tamron Hall, Tamron Hall.
Photo: CBS
As previously reported, The Talk is coming to its end when its upcoming 15th and final season ends in December of 2024.
The 51st annual Daytime Emmys are slated to be broadcast and stream live on CBS and Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th
Look for the full list of nominations to drop on Friday morning at 12 noon ET/9 am PT.
So, are you rooting for Kelly and Mark to win their first Talk Show host award together? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
On Thursday, the 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards revealed nominations in several key categories via four entertainment news programs: Access Hollywood, E! News, Extra and Access Hollywood.
Three of the four announcements were major categories in the field of Daytime Dramas.
The nominees in the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series category are: The Bay, The Bold and the Beautiful, Days of our Lives, General Hospital, Neighbours and The Young and the Restless.
Photo: JPI
General Hospital won this category last year, and has the most all-time wins for a series in this category. For the first time, the beloved Australian-based soap opera, Neighbours is now eligible for competition due to its reboot which streams on Amazon Freevee.
Photo: AmazonFreevee
The 51st annual Daytime Emmy Awards will be handed out in ceremonies in Los Angeles and broadcast live on CBS and streaming on Paramount+ on Friday night, June 7th.
Previous categories announced tonight via the entertainment news outlet included: Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama Series.
So, what do you think about this year’s nominee for the Outstanding Daytime Drama Series? Who do you think should win? Comment below.
Breaking News
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
The nominations were revealed for the 51st annual Daytime Emmys. in the prestigious Lead Actress in a Drama Series category by Entertainment Tonight.
This comes ahead of tomorrow’s full list that is set to be unveiled at 12noon/9am PST on Friday.
In the running for this year’s Outstanding Lead Actress are Tamara Braun (Ava, Days of our Lives), Katherine Kelly Lang (Brooke, The Bold and the Beautiful), Annika Noelle (Hope, The Bold and the Beautiful), Finola Hughes (Anna, General Hospital), Cynthia Watros (Nina, General Hospital) and Michelle Stafford (Phyllis, The Young and the Restless).
Photo: Getty
Previous winners in this category include GH’s Finola Hughes, Cynthia Watros and Y&R’s Michelle Stafford. Days of our Lives nominee had won in the Supporting Actress category twice in her career.
Earlier, the Lead Actor nominees were revealed and you can find them here.
Make sure to be with us Friday night, April 19th for the Michael Fairman Channel’s 10th annual Daytime Emmy Nominations Special beginning at 5 pm PT where we chat live with some of this year’s nominees.
So, what do you think about this year’s Lead Actress nominees? Comment below.
51st Daytime Emmys: Mark Consuelos and Kelly Ripa Receive Talk Show Host Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Outstanding Daytime Drama Series Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Tamara Braun, Finola Hughes, Katherine Kelly Lang, Annika Noelle, Michelle Stafford, Cynthia Watros Score Lead Actress Nominations
51st Daytime Emmys: Eric Braeden, Scott Clifton, Thorsten Kaye, John McCook and Eric Martsolf Score Lead Actor Nominations
Mark Consuelos Celebrates One-Year Anniversary as Co-Host of ‘Live’ Alongside Kelly Ripa
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Eileen Davidson Delivers the ‘Power Performance of the Week’
Days of our Lives wins WGA Award for Daytime Drama Series
DAYS Alum Tanner Stine to Appear in ‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’ Starring Nicholas Chavez
Matthew Ashford and Melissa Reeves Talk Return to DAYS for Doug’s Funeral, Susan Seaforth Hayes, and Their Enduring Friendship
General Hospital’s Steve Burton Reveals the Emotional Scene He Almost Could Not Get Through
Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
‘The Golden Bachelor’s’ Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist to Divorce Three Months After TV Wedding
‘Tamron Hall Show’ Fire Forces ‘The View’ Hosts to Evacuate Studio
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Days Of Our LivesApril 13, 2024Ron Carlivati Talks on Decision to Make Days of our Lives 15000th Episode About Doug’s Funeral, and Previews Chances for WGA Award
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NewsApril 12, 2024Y&R’s Hayley Erin Previews Her Role in Horror-Thriller ‘New Life’
I first seen Wham on MTV-when MTV was all about music and was great-that channel sure went downhill…so many celebs passing away…On Dec.19th Dick Latessa passed away-he played Noel Douglas No.2 on Edge Of Night in the mid 1970s and was involved with the Whytney Family!!!
Too many songs to ban as my favorites. If I have to choose one, it would be “Cowboys and Angels”. I attended every one of his concerts in the tri-state area, the last being in 2008 when after surgery and in pain I attended his 25th Anniversary concert in what turned out to be the best concert ever! He was my favorite singer/performer and he will be missed. May he rest peacefully.
Sorry, that should read “name”, not “ban”.
George Michael was more than a pop icon. He had the voice, talent and skill to prove it on stage. So many people identify George as a “part of their youth” or a member of Wham but this man was a songwriter, could sing anything and was probably one of the most underrated talents that came from the 80’s pop world. George Michael was just fantastic. He will be sorely missed. RIP sweet man.
Beautiful so true
I agree with you Mateo. I loved him since I first saw him in Wham. The beginning of the ” boy bands “. I played his Faith album so many times, I still remember the order of the songs, and I can probably sing every one of them in my sleep. If you haven’t already, look up the song Somebody to Love by Queen on YouTube. George is singing lead with the original Queen band backing him, and not surprisingly he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. Excellent performance in my opinion. Another wonderful talent gone way to soon. Take care and thanks for listening.
Beautifully said, Mateo and you too, Soapie. George Michael is possibly the only one who could do that song justice as no one could hit the notes the way Frerddy Mercury could.
I saw George in an interview and he said that while rehearsing this song that he had to start over and over because he kept breaking down in tears while singing the first line,”Each morning I get up and die a little.”
We know how you feel, George.
I just watched George Michael, 20/20
“Wham” : definition;
used to express the sound of a forcible impact.
“the bombs landed—wham!—right on target”
“solo acts” branch out to own… first thing that came to mind
from 20 he was a superstar
@26 he’s done with it
after his first solo album… “Faith” to his last… videos featuring female persuasion
he quit with honor… dang it took me this long… he quit and steadfasted for us
to the last.. “don’t let the sun… go down on me”
what a salute
I like this guy so much
@Addison
upon hearing… I went to Youtbe
knowing in my mindset, i’d recognize as soon as I saw it… “kissing a fool”
OMG
classic sophisticate
sophisticated baby
upon real
THANK YOU
i just don’t have any works right now – i am devastated right now……….
*words
Complete shock and disbelief when I saw that on the news feed last night.
Great voice ,great talent ….too young 🙁
Please say hello to Michael and Whitney for us, George. RIP
That was another shocker of a famous death this year. I really liked George Michael and Wham growing up. I had many of his albums and singles, in fact I just recently got spotify to have a large amount of music to listen to at work and I added a lot of George Michael and Wham to it the other day. RIP George.
Loved his music
Too much loss, what a miserable year. Especially for those of us who grew up in the 80’s, it feels like 2016 has been an all out assault on our youth. George Michael was a beautiful artist… I’ll never hear ”Last Christmas” the same way again. 🙁
I feel like I have been double sucker punched. I never expected the eternally boyish George Michael to die so young and I never expected it to hit me so hard.
He won my respect with “Kissing a Fool” which played on the television (which was always tunned onto MTV while I hit the books) in my studio apartment in SF back when I was a young undergraduate. I was not a fan of Wham at all so when I heard the throaty alto of the bass strum in conjunction with George Michael’s pitch perfect voice ,coupled with the visual of him filmed in black and white with a jazz quartet, I was like–who IS that?
That’s when he won me over and trust me, I am a really tough music critic.
“You are far, when I could have been your star.”
How can this be? And thank you for posting this, Mr Fairman.
Check the liner notes of your ‘Faith’ album. Finola posted the cover of the ‘Faith’ album, because her husband, photographer Russell Young, shot the cover for it. It wasn’t merely just her posting a pic of him in tribute, shock or love. It meant more than that. She was asked about her husband’s connection to him on twitter and, she typed, ‘Gutted,’ with the same cover.
I love all of George’s music, but what I found myself listening to after hearing the news was his duets: ‘As’ with Mary J Blige, ‘Learn to Say No’ with Jody Watley, ‘I Knew You Were Waiting for Me’ with Aretha Franklin, ‘How do You Keep the Music Playing’ with Tony Bennett, ‘Heal the Pain’ with Paul McCartney, ‘Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me’ with Elton John, ‘Wrap Her Up’ with Elton John, and ‘This is Not Real Love’ with Mutya.
And British soap star, Martin Kemp, from EastEnders (and rock star bassist with Spandau Ballet) was good friends with George because he introduced him to his future wife, Shirlie, who was George’s backup singer in Wham!
‘I was completely obsessed with Shirlie. I’d seen her on Top of the Pops doing, I think it was Wham! Rap, wearing this white dress with a big slit up the side and I was in love with her,’ Martin remembered.
I was in shock and disbelief when my mother told me.
I loved Wham! and George. I am so glad I saw him in concert when he came to the U.S. a few years ago.
George was a very talented songwriter. His lyrics amazed me with his creativity.
Very sad, but his music will live on. RIP
Me too! I was expecting it’d be the last time he toured the US because he comes here so infrequently so was glad I nabbed a seat although I never thought he wouldn’t come back due to an early death. He truly is one of the top 5 standout artists that began their careers in the 80s for me and I will miss the occasional news, videos. and singles overseas from him
I cannot believe that George Michael has passed away. Beyond sad. Rest In Peace, George.
Amen.
I had always wished George would do a follow-up to “Faith” or him and Andrew would reunite and tour. So sad.
“part of my youth”
George’s music is still a part of my life. Yes, I listened to him in my youth, but still do today and it is still FANTASTIC!
Agreed! And I caught that reference to the first Wham! album.
🙂
He had an amazingly good voice, loved his ballad singing, we lost some one really special.
One of my friends told me that her sons and nieces and nephews (who are all adults) don’t know who George Michael is. I find that to be really sad. Just because you’re not alive when maybe a musician is in their heyday doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be aware of them or introduced to them. Granted, I guess pop/R&B isn’t their type of music.
Looking forward to the documentary on his life that he finished up before his death and the reissue of Listen Without Prejudice Vol 1. It’s almost as if both he and Bowie knew they were going to die and had forthcoming projects as a gift to us post-life on Earth.
Master male vocalist, superb songwriter, pop idol, sex symbol….
George Michael showcased such a full spectrum of maleness. One might say he would be treated with similar regard and respect as
The King Of Pop and Prince
Had he suffered through his angsty uneasy feelings about fame and celebrity and calculations of image instead of removing himself too early from
His Popstar aspirations. I Love him so much and im very grateful to the universe for his presence un rgis world . Just like a muse too me