Andrew Ridgeley has spoken to NME about the “enduring” legacy of his former WHAM! bandmate George Michael, and said that his music stands the test of time because it “speaks to core human emotions”.
- READ MORE: George Michael Obituary: 1963-2016
The singer spoke to us on the red carpet at the 2026 Ivor Novellos last week (Thursday May 21), where George Michael posthumously received the Academy Fellowship. The award is the highest honour from The Ivors Academy, and recognises an individual who has created an unforgettable, lasting impact with their music. Previous recipients have included Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Kate Bush, Sting, U2 and Elton John.
Ridgeley accepted the award on Michael’s behalf at the ceremony in London’s Grosvenor Hotel and used his speech to look back at the impact that the late musician has had on a new generation of songwriters.
The pair formed WHAM! in 1981 before releasing hits including ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go Go’, ‘Last Christmas’ and ‘I’m Your Man’, before splitting up in 1986. Michael launched his solo career with the debut album ‘Faith’ the following year. He died on Christmas Day in 2016 due to issues related to heart and liver disease.
Speaking to NME backstage, Ridgeley told us about what Michael would have thought of the honour, and said that that he believes he “would have been immensely proud to have been counted amongst some of the artists and the songwriters, whose music he grew up with and which formed him as a songwriter”.
“It would have meant an awful lot to him over a lot of other awards,” he added.
When asked about why Michael’s music continues to resonate with listeners from all generations and parts of the world, Ridgeley said it was most likely due to “its enduring nature”.
“It speaks to core human emotions. I think it’s fundamentally about how we feel, and therefore that is timeless,” he added. “Whether it’s the type of vibrant vitality that WHAM! represented, or the rather more deep, soulful [songwriting] and the questions that he asked as a more mature songwriter.”
Also in attendance to collect the prestigious Academy Fellowship on behalf of the late songwriter was longtime lawyer and close friend, Chris Organ, who worked with Michael from the early days of WHAM! and is also co-executor of his estate.
Speaking to NME, Organ explained how it was also the personality traits and values that the ‘Freedom’ singer had that sticks with fans, saying that all of those qualities shone through in his songwriting.
“I think those things have something to do with why his music endures as long as it does. People know what he was like. They know that he was a kind, generous, philanthropic, modest and humble man, and genuinely a joy to know,” he explained. “I feel very privileged to have known him over all those years. And I think people recognise that in him.”
Organ continued: “To be in the room tonight and hear the response from so many people… [you notice how] he continues to touch people and resonate with them across all different generations. It was incredibly emotional.
“It’s sad he can’t be with us because I know how much this would have meant to him, had he been here. It is very heartwarming to know that he’s held in such esteem, though. A lot of people love him.”
The recognition of George Michael at this year’s Ivor Novellos came shortly after it was confirmed that live footage from his ‘Faith’ tour in 1988 will be heading to cinemas later this year. George Michael: The Faith Tour, the footage has been restored and remastered, and will drop alongside an 18-track live album of previously unheard performances.
Aside from George Michael, other artists recognised at the 2026 Ivor Novellos included Jacob Alon who won in Best Song Musically and Lyrically and Rising Star categories, as well as CMAT who got Best Album, and Fraser T Smith and Kae Tempest who took home the award for Best Contemporary Song.
Sam Fender secured the Songwriter Of The Year trophy, Rosalía was crowned International Songwriter Of The Year, and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke was handed the Academy Fellowship award by surprise guest Harry Styles.