Celebrities express grief over news of George Michael’s death on social media

THE world has been shocked by the news music legend George Michael is dead and a number of celebrities have expressed their grief.

British singer George Michael. Picture: AFP/Leon Neal

THE world has been shocked by the news music legend George Michael is dead.

His name joins the long list of high-profile celebrities who have died in 2016, including Prince and David Bowie.

It’s a Christmas Day tragedy for many in the United Kingdom and America and a number of A-listers have shared their disbelief and sadness on social media, including English singer and actor, Elaine Paige, known for her career in musical theatre.

“Such very sad news to hear on Christmas Day that George Michael has died. So young. Such a talent. RIP,” she wrote on Twitter.

Such very sad news to hear on Christmas Day that @GeorgeMichael has died. So young. Such a talent. RIP pic.twitter.com/dEVFo6t8sk

— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) December 25, 2016

Michael was just 53 and it is believed he died peacefully at his home. British comedian Ricky Gervais simply posted “unbelievable” and popular American TV show host and comedian Ellen Degenerous too shared her sorrow about the death of her friend.

“He was such a brilliant talent. I’m so sad,” she said.

I just heard about my friend @GeorgeMichael's death. He was such a brilliant talent. I'm so sad.

— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) December 25, 2016

Unbelievable.
RIP George Michael.

— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) December 25, 2016

English electronic music duo Disclosure wrote on Twitter it was another incredible talent gone.

“Thank you for all the music Mr George Michael. Thoughts with your family and friends,” the duo said.

Micheal sold more than 100 million album covers and rose to fame as a member of music duo Wham!. He’s won a number of music awards during his 30-year career, including two Grammys.

He performed a duet with Aretha Franklin in 1987, which rose to number one on the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Other hits include Faith and I Want your Sex.

Comedian David Walliams, from little Britain, Come Fly with Me and Britain’s Got Talent, said Michael was a private man.

“I pray George Michael finally finds peace. A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn’t help but make him a superstar,” he said on Twitter.

I pray George Michael finally finds peace. A deeply private man with an awe-inspiring talent that couldn't help but make him a superstar.

— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) December 25, 2016

It’s a shock another tragic death such as this could happen in 2016, with many on social media saying this was the very last thing this year needed.

One wrote “so we get Trump as US President and lose Prince, Bowie, Leonard Cohen and George Michael. F*** you 2016”.

Others have said 2016 is now officially the worst year yet for the entertainment industry.

This year alone Alan Rickman, who starred in Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’s Gene Wilder and Florence Henderson, from the Brady Bunch, have all died.

Joining the list was also singer Leonard Cohen and boxer Muhammad Ali.

I've loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of his time.

— James Corden (@JKCorden) December 25, 2016

Comedian and host of Carpool Karaoke, James Corden, expressed his sadness about the news of Michael’s death on Twitter.

“I’ve loved George Michael for as long as I can remember. He was an absolute inspiration. Always ahead of time,” he said.

Music icon Elton John posted a photograph of himself with Michael in a tribute on Instagram.

“I am in deep shock. I have lost a beloved friend — the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans,” he wrote.

Rock legend Meatloaf was also touched by Micheal and said on Twitter “God bless George Michael, say a prayer for him. A nice human”.

Actor William Shatner said “is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest in peace, George Michael”.

Wham! performed the famous hit, Last Christmas, and pop band OneRepublic said it would be listening to it as a tribute to the dead popstar.

“R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting ‘Last Christmas’ now,” the band wrote on Twitter.

R.I.P George Michael. Beyond sad, you were a legend, and you were far too young. Blasting "Last Christmas" now 🙏

— OneRepublic (@OneRepublic) December 25, 2016

Is this year over yet? Too many people are passing away. Rest In Peace, George Michael. ☹️

— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) December 25, 2016

God Bless George Michael , Say a prayer for him . A nice human .
M

— Meat Loaf (@RealMeatLoaf) December 25, 2016