Brits 2017: George Michael tribute leaves fans in tears

The 2017 BRIT Awards, on Wednesday, remembered George Michael's legacy with a pair of tributes by the late singer's 'Wham!' bandmates and Chris Martin performance to his 1986 hit track 'A Different Corner.'

Michael's 'Wham!' partner Andrew Ridgeley, Shirlie Holliman and Pepsi De Macque took to the stage at London's O2 Arena, to introduce Coldplay frontman Chris Martin's performance, which had taped vocals from the late star.

Following the In Memoriam portion of the ceremony to eulogize the 'Faith' singer, the 'Wham!' left the audience in tears.

The Telegraph.co.uk quoted Ridgeley saying, "On Christmas Day 2016, the greatest singer-songwriter of his generation, an icon of his era, and my beloved friend, George Michael was lost."

"A supernova in a firmament of shining stars had been extinguished and it felt like the sky had fallen in. It started out ordinarily enough. In 1975 we were two boys who happened to share a mutual sense of humour, a love of life-affirming music, the artists and record it gave birth to, and a shared sense that we understood it," he said.

Pepsi continued, "We always knew George was destined to become a star in his own right. His voice was stunning, pitch-perfect, and his performances spell-binding. George, Andrew, and Shirlie changed my life by choosing me to join Wham!"

Fighting back tears, Shirlie added, "Anyone who asked for George's help eventually got it ... George was like a brother to me and I always be so proud of his incredible achievements."

In no time, Twitter was showered with thoughts on the 'Wham!'s speech.

"What beautiful & moving tribute to #georgemichael #BRITs," wrote one.

"I'm crying at this tribute to the late great George Michael who made my teenage years most memorable with Whams music #80s #BRITs2017," tweeted the other.

Another Twitter user wrote, "Literally crying my eyes out! @coldplay @GeorgeMichael #BRITs2017"

"#BRITs2017 #georgemichael what an amazing tribute to a very special artist. Well done wham and well done Chris Martin, floods of tears," wrote a fan.