Michael rebuffs ‘cashing in on Olympics’ claim
George Michael has hit back at criticism that he cashed in on the Olympics by using the closing ceremony as the launchpad for his new single.
In a message to his fans, he said: “I don’t regret it.” Michael raised eyebrows during the showpiece event when he performed new track White Light when other artists were drawing on their biggest hits for the music spectacular, being viewed around the world.
The song was his first new material since his health battle late last year after contracting pneumonia, and his performance on Sunday marked his return to the stage after being in hospital for several weeks in Vienna as a result of the illness.
Michael now looks likely to register his first top 10 hit for eight years.