Simon Cowell pays emotional tribute to ‘greatest songwriter’ George Michael
Music mogul Simon Cowell has paid a moving tribute to the late popstar George Michael.
Cowell said he recalled exactly where he was when the news of the singer’s tragic death, aged 53, broke, as he paid tribute to “one of the best songwriters ever”.
Appearing on BBC Radio 2, The X Factor creator told host Ken Bruce: “You always remember where you were when you heard the news and I was on holiday.”
“I was so upset because I’ve met George a couple of times.
“I found him to be really kind, genuine. He was an amazing person and he was one of the best songwriters ever.”
The Got Talent boss said he struggled to decide his favourite George Michael song, having enjoyed so many.
He said it was a “toss-up” between the number one from album Faith and Praying for Time, but selected the former because it “just typifies” Michael.
The tribute comes after the star was laid to rest at Highgate Cemetery, north London, a fortnight ago.
The plot is next to his late mother, Lesley, who died 20 years ago in 1997.
The star had always intended to be buried next to her, buying the burial plot ready for when the occasion came around.
A source told the Mirror: “Lesley was George’s world so it is fitting that they should now be together.”
But there was sad news for fans at the grave, who want to visit the star in his resting place.
Superstar Mariah Carey also paid tribute, revealing she had been a fan and a friend of the Wham! icon during his life.
When he passed, she posted a message about him on her website that reads: “George was not only a great musician, he was an active ambassador in the LBGTQ community, pushing for greater understanding, acceptance, and love for all people.
“He touched so many lives and inspired us all.”
Carey shared a video of her singing that cover of One More Try at a live concert in Dubai, captioning the video, “We miss you, George Michael.”
“I always loved it, I always loved him,” Mariah said before she sang the song.
“He was a really great person. So we’ll make it through this.”
