Following the death of George Michael this weekend, fans and friends alike have shared their most cherished moments of the iconic artist’s career. In addition to his many contributions to music and his empowering presence as what the Guardiandescribed as a "defiant gay icon," Michael also had a hand in getting James Corden's now-classic Late Late Show segment Carpool Karaoke off the ground.
Michael, as the Hollywood Reporterexplained Monday, was "the one who gave the Late Late Show host the inspiration" for the sketch back in 2011. In a clip for BBC's Comic Relief, Corden and Michael are seen cruising around before eventually launching into some impromptu jams of "Freedom" and "I'm Your Man."
Corden paid tribute to Michael on Twitter Sunday, calling him an "absolute inspiration" and sharing a clip of a classic "Praying for Time" performance:
In a statement to BBC Sunday via Michael's rep, his family asked for the press to respect their need for privacy at this time. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother, and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period," the statement said. "The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage." According to his manager, Michael died of heart failure. He was 53.
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