Showing posts with label George Michael. Show all posts
Showing posts with label George Michael. Show all posts

Monday, December 27, 2010

Perez Hilton Tops the List of Most Googled Gays

Hollywood gossip blogger Perez Hilton has topped the list of the most Googled Gays compiled by the Advocate based on Google Trends data.

Sir Elton John (4th), Ricky Martin (5) and George Michael (12) appear on the list. Here is the Top 20 list:

1. Perez Hilton
2. Adam Lambert
3. Ellen DeGeneres
4. Sir Elton John
5. Ricky Martin
6. Marc Jacobs
7. Alexander McQueen
8. Rachel Maddow
9. Antoine Dodson
10. Neil Patrick Harris
11. Jane Lynch
12. George Michael
13. RuPaul
14. Suze Orman
15. Portia de Rossi
16. Tom Ford
17. Chris Colfer
18. Jonathan Groff
19. Wanda Sykes
20. Steven Slater (JetBlue Flight Attendant)

Friday, December 17, 2010

George Michael Joining "The X Factor"

Simon Cowell has put his Faith in George Michael, by making him a judge on the forthcoming American version of X Factor.

The former Wham! star, 47, will join the talent show mogul and Cheryl Cole, 27, on the debut series next year.

It will allow the troubled singer to re-launch his career after his jail stint earlier this year for drug-driving.

A source said: "George is going to take the job. It's an amazing opportunity to get back in the limelight and reverse his recent bad spell. Simon knows that Americans love him. He is as big in the US as he is over here.

"He is a true star and has the wit and experience for the job. It's the perfect platform to resurrect his career."

Simon, 51, is believed to have offered him a hefty deal when he visited George at his home in November to discuss the role.

The Freedom star, who sang with winner Joe McElderry on last year's final show of the UK version, is a huge fan of reality TV as well as Coronation Street. George will have to apply for a US work permit - and due to his recent brush with the law it could take longer to obtain.

Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, 67, and Noel Gallagher, 43, have also received calls about a judging role.

The ex-Oasis star is mulling over the offer after his management met show chiefs. Noel has twice refused to allow an X Factor Oasis night because the band were still on the road.

A source said: "Simon is determined to have a panel of amazing judges.

"The show has to go off with a bang especially as Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will be on American Idol."

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

'Fresh Start' for Freed George Michael

George Michael said yesterday that he wanted to make a fresh start and stop "running" from the media.

The 47-year-old was freed yesterday morning after serving half of an eight-week sentence for crashing his car under the influence of cannabis.

Speaking to reporters outside his London home, he said it was "fantastic" to be free.

"I'm coming out here on my own so that you'll realise I just want to start again," he said. "I'm going to try to stop running away from you guys. You'll get sick of me. You'll see me about."

He added: "I just want to say thank you for everybody who has supported me in there, it's quite inspirational."

The singer began his stretch at Pentonville but was moved to Highpoint in Suffolk.

He was convicted of crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis and was slumped over the wheel of his car when police found him on July 4th.

Monday, October 11, 2010

George Michael Freed from Jail

Pop star George Michael was freed from jail today after serving half of his sentence for driving and drug offences.

The 47-year-old was jailed for eight weeks last month and was released from Category C prison Highpoint, in Suffolk, this morning.

He was convicted of crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis and was slumped over the wheel of his car when police found him on July 4th. He had crashed the Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps in north London and pleaded guilty to the offence and to possessing two cannabis joints.

Michael's arrest came not long after the end of a two-year driving ban incurred in 2008 after he was caught in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.

In 2007 he was given 100 hours of community service after being found unconscious at the wheel of his car by police.

He was outed in 1998 when he was arrested for cottaging in Los Angeles and was arrested again in 2008 for being in possession of crack cocaine in public toilets on Hampstead Heath.

Monday, October 4, 2010

George Michael Speaks: 'I'm Not Getting Special Treatment in Prison'

Pop star George Michael has released a statement saying that he is not getting special treatment in prison.

The gay singer is currently serving a short sentence for crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis after London Pride in July.

He was recently moved from the Category C Pentonville Prison in north London to the lower Category D Highpoint Prison in Suffolk.

The former Wham! singer, 47, said he released the statement to counter the "usual rubbish" he had been reading about himself.

Michael said: "Much as I would prefer to rise above the usual rubbish that I'm reading day after day about my time here in prison, I think it's only fair to my fans, family and friends to respond in some way even though I will be home soon.

"So please believe me when I tell you that in the last three weeks, there have been no tears, no anxiety, no bullying – in fact, not so much as a sleepless night for me."

He continued: "On the contrary, I've been treated with kindness by fellow inmates and prison staff alike and, as far as I can tell, have received no special treatment of any kind whatsoever, unless, of course, some of the guys here are letting me win at the pool table.

"Most of my days have been spent reading thousands of letters and post cards of incredible support from people around the world. I promise to repay their kindness with new music as soon as I possibly can."

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

George Michael Branded a Hermit

Pop star George Michael has according to reports begun to behave like a hermit during his jail sentence at Pentonville Prison in North London.

A prison source has revealed that "everyone calls him The Hermit, because he could mix but has chosen not to. He always watches the Jeremy Kyle Show – he's a big fan." The website reports that doesn't use the prison gym and rarely uses communal areas.

Earlier this month, it was reported that the star is having to take prescription medication in order to sleep.

The 47-year-old singer already has a conviction for driving under the influence of drugs and was found slumped over the wheel of his car when police found him on July 4th.

He had crashed the Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps in north London.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and to possessing two cannabis joints.

Last month, he was handed an interim six-month driving ban.

His arrest came not long after the end of a two-year driving ban incurred in 2008 after he was caught in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.

In 2007 he was given 100 hours of community service after being found unconscious at the wheel of his car by police.

Friday, September 17, 2010

Inmates Sang to George Michael at Jail

George Michael is not having a good time in jail. He's serving the first part of his eight-week sentence for driving under the influence of drugs in London, and apparently he was mockingly serenaded by inmates when he entered the premises. What a warm welcome.

A source said: "As soon as he arrived some of the prisoners burst into a rendition of Freedom. And when he was taken to shower they sang, 'Guilty George has got no freedom' to the tune of 'Careless Whisper'. He is sulking. When the cells were unlocked in the morning he just sat there and refused to come out."

Chris Smith, an inmate who was released yesterday, added: "He was in bits. The guards said he was crying in his cell."

The 47-year-old star was left further dismayed after being told his only outside contact for the first 48 hours following his incarceration was to be a three-minute phone call with his partner Kenny Goss. One inmate told The Sun newspaper: "When he went to use a payphone in the communal area he was hunched over it - distraught and in tears. He was whispering and very emotional."

Despite his ordeal, inmates claim George is receiving special treatment and has been housed in a luxury cell dubbed 'The Ritz'. One source explained to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "It's the best cell in the whole prison. It has duvets, cushions, even its own digital TV box. He's being treated like a king and has guards swarming all over him. The last thing they want is for something to happen to him. Pentonville is really tough and some people can't cope with being locked up."

George is expected to be moved to an open prison later this week.

George Michael Cancels Bail Application

THIS IS OUR 4,000TH POSTING!

George Michael has abandoned a bid for freedom, cancelling an application for bail.

The gay singer began an eight-week sentence on Tuesday for crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis after London Pride in July.

His lawyers were due to apply for bail today, arguing that the sentence was excessive and that an appeal would not be completed until after the sentence finishes.

But a spokeswoman from Blackfriars crown court said today that the application had been abandoned.

The 47-year-old singer already has a conviction for driving under the influence of drugs and was found slumped over the wheel of his car when police found him on July 4th.

He had crashed the Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps in north London.

He pleaded guilty to the offence and to possessing two cannabis joints.

Reports say Michael is not coping well with his stay at Pentonville prison, with sources reporting that he has been given medication to help him sleep.

He is in solitary confinement for his own safety, although long-term boyfriend Kenny Goss has visited him.

Last month, he was handed an interim six-month driving ban.

His arrest came not long after the end of a two-year driving ban incurred in 2008 after he was caught in possession of crack cocaine and marijuana.

In 2007 he was given 100 hours of community service after being found unconscious at the wheel of his car by police.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

George Michael is Going to Jail!

George Michael has been sentenced to eight weeks in jail for driving while under the influence of marijuana, the Associated Press reports.

The singer pleaded guilty in August to the charge, which stemmed from an incident on July 4th, when he crashed his car into a photo store in London.


In court Tuesday, the judge scolded Michael for taking a “dangerous and unpredictable mix” of marijuana and prescription medication while driving. “It does not appear that you took proper steps to deal with what is clearly an addiction to cannabis,” District Judge John Perkins said to Michael. “That’s a mistake which puts you and, on this occasion, the public at risk.”

Michael must also pay a $1,930 fine for the crime, and is barred from getting behind the wheel for five years.

I don't about you, but I would love to spend eight weeks in jail with George Michael!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

George Michael Pleads Guilty to Drugs Charges

George Michael has pleaded guilty to crashing his car while under the influence of cannabis and to possessing cannabis cigarettes for his personal use.

The 47-year-old singer appeared at Highbury Magistrates' Court in north London, where the assembled heard that Michael had been found by police slumped at the wheel of his Range Rover after driving it into a shop front in the early hours of July 4th.

Police reported that they suspected Michael was under the influence of drugs, as when they roused him, he was reportedly "spaced out", sweating and had dilated pupils.

He was then taken to Hampstead police station where a blood test showed cannabis in his system, but no alcohol.

Michael was handed an interim six-month driving ban by District Judge Robin McPhee. Judge McPhee added that the singer, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, will be sentenced at a later date after the court has taken into account the progress of a community order imposed on Michael in 2007.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Singer George Michael Faces Drug Charge

Singer George Michael has been charged with possession of cannabis and driving while unfit through drink or drugs following an incident last month, Scotland Yard has said.

Michael was arrested on July 4th in Hampstead, north London, after he allegedly crashed his car into a branch of photographic shop Snappy Snaps.

The Wham! star, from nearby Highgate, was on police bail following the crash.

Police said Michael, 47, is due to appear before magistrates on August 24th.

The pop star, whose real name is Georgios Panayiotou, was charged when he reported to a police station in Camden, north London, on Thursday.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

George Michael Arrested After Crashing Car

George Michael was arrested early on Sunday morning after crashing his car into a shop in Hampstead, north London.

The 47-year-old singer was thought to be returning from London Pride when he crashed his Range Rover into a branch of Snappy Snaps near his home.

He was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive, taken to a nearby police station and released on bail to return next month.

Police confirmed they were called to the shop at 3.45am on Sunday following reports of a collision.

Michael is said to have climbed out of his car after the crash and waited for police to arrive.

A police spokesperson said: "A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of being unfit to drive."

He was reportedly not breathalysed because he said he had not been drinking. According to the Daily Mirror, he was tested for drugs but none were recovered.

Michael's representatives have refused to comment.

Images in the UK Sun newspaper show the branch of Snappy Snaps with a buckled doorframe and shattered windows.

The star only completed a two-year driving ban last year after after he was convicted of driving while unfit as a result of drug use.

Last year, he was released without charge after a late-night collision with a lorry in Berkshire.

He was outed in 1998 when he was arrested for cottaging in Los Angeles and was arrested again in 2008 for being in possession of crack cocaine in public toilets on Hampstead Heath.

Friday, April 2, 2010

Mel Gibson to Play George Michael in Biopic

Mel Gibson has been lined up to play George Michael in a biopic of the singer's life.

Gibson, who has been accused of homophobia in the past, said he was "delighted" at being asked to play the controversial singer.

He said: "I am honored to have been chosen to play George Michael. This is a man who has struggled with his identity, fallen from grace and returned to the top of his game."

The film is expected to show some of the most notorious moments of Michael's career, such as getting caught propositioning a police officer in public toilets in Los Angeles.

The actor is also expected to polish up his singing voice and brush up on his dancing to remake videos such as Outside.

Michael said through his agent: "Watching Mel Gibson play me on screen is going to be interesting to say to the least. I hope he can return his hair to its Braveheart-era glory for the role."

In 1991, Gibson told a Spanish magazine that his posterior was "only for taking a s**t". He later said he had been drunk at the time.

The film is due to start filming later this spring.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

George Michael Rules Out Wham! Reunion

George Michael has said that he and former Wham! partner Andrew Ridgeley will not reform the band.

Speaking to People, the gay singer said: "Wham! was about being young and exuberant and you can’t recreate that feeling at a certain age.

“Andrew Ridgeley and I are still good friends but I’m afraid we’ll never get back together. We both agree on that.”

He added: “We made some mistakes experimenting with our image. The shuttlecocks in my shorts – how stupid was that?

“When I see myself. I cringe mostly. Take the blond hair. I wanted to have long, blond, straight hair because I didn’t really want to be me.

“Looking back, I suppose I could have done without those curtain rings in my ears as well.”

Michael also revealed he did not like the hit song Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.

“I’m not keen on that song,” he said. “I haven’t sung it for a long time.”

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Judy Garland is Top Gay Icon of All Time

Movie legend Judy Garland has been named the top female gay icon of all time in a new online poll.

The late Hollywood star was voted above celebrities including Kylie Minogue and Madonna, who were named second and third respectively, and another film icon, Marilyn Monroe, who came in sixth place.

Meanwhile Sir Elton John was awarded the title for the top male gay icon in the survey by http://www.onepoll.com/.

The Rocket Man was placed above late Queen star Freddie Mercury, British actor Stephen Fry, and Faith hitmaker George Michael, as well as playwright Oscar Wilde, who rounded out the top five.

A spokesperson from http://www.onepoll.com/, who commissioned the survey of over 5,000 gay men and women, said: “Interestingly only one of the men in the top 10 list of male celebrity gay icons isn’t gay – David Beckham. And yet most of the women put on a pedestal by the gay community are straight.

“It just shows that to advocate a certain way of living, you don’t have to live the lifestyle but simply be more accepting of those around you.”

Check out the top ten female and male gay icons of all time below:

Top Ten Female Celebrity Gay Icons:
1. Judy Garland
2. Kylie Minogue
3. Madonna
4. Cher
5. Liza Minnelli
6. Marilyn Monroe
7. Shirley Bassey
8. Lily Savage
9. Dusty Springfield
10. Barbra Streisand

Top Ten Male Celebrity Gay Icons of All Time:
1. Elton John
2. Freddie Mercury
3. Stephen Fry
4. George Michael
5. Oscar Wilde
6. Will Young
7. Alan Carr
8. Paul O’Grady
9. Boy George
10. David Beckham

Monday, December 7, 2009

George Michael Talks About Drugs, Cruising for Sex & Wanting Elton John to Mind His Own Business

George Michael recently spoke candidly of his drug use and cruising for sex with strangers, saying 'it's just who I am'.

The former Wham! star confirmed he was caught in possession of crack cocaine when arrested last year in public toilets on Hampstead Heath, a gay cruising area close to his home in north London.

But asked when he had last smoked the class A drug, the singer declined to answer.

He told The Guardian newspaper he had cut back on cannabis and now smokes only 'seven or eight' spliffs per day instead of the 25 he used to smoke.

The 46-year-old defended 'cottaging' on the Heath, saying it was 'nicer' than picking up men in bars.

'The handful of times a year it's bloody warm enough, I'll do it. I'll do it on a nice summer evening. Quite often there are campfires up there,' he said.

'It's a much nicer place to get some quick and honest sex than standing in a bar, E'd off your tits (high on ecstasy) shouting at somebody and hoping they want the same thing as you do in bed.'
Asked why he cruises for sex when he could get any gay man he wanted, George replied: 'I do get anyone I want. But I like a bit of everything. I have friends up there, I have a laugh.'

Over the last decade Michael has had a number of run-ins with the law.

In 1998, he was arrested in public toilets in Los Angeles for 'engaging in a lewd act' and was cautioned for possessing cannabis after being found asleep at the wheel of his car on two separate occasions in 2006.

He said: 'I had a problem with sleeping pills for about a year and a half, and I f***** up really badly.

'I got in the car twice when I'd forgotten I'd already downed something to try to get me to sleep. It doesn't matter that it wasn't deliberate – ultimately, I did it a second time, and I could have killed somebody.

'But the fact remains I was never accused of driving under the influence. I got done for exhaustion and sleeping pills.'

Asked about his average day Michael - who rolled and smoked two cannabis joints told how he gets up at about 10am and after a Starbucks coffee and answer a few e-mails.

He added: 'At the moment I've got nothing that pressurised other than keeping an eye on the video they're making for the Christmas single. Then, if I'm in the mood, I'll come up to the office in Highgate, do some work, writing, backing tracks or whatever.

Come home. Kenny will be here, the dogs are here. Maybe eat locally, hang out, and then probably go off and have a s**g or have someone come here and have a s**g."

Asked if he was referring to his partner Kenny Goss, the singer replied: 'If it was s******g with Kenny, I wouldn't have to invite him round, would I?'

He continued: 'Kenny gets his, believe me.'

Recently a number of stars have said they fear for Michael's wellbeing, including Sir Elton John who enlisted the help of Bono.

He added: 'Geri [Halliwell] told Kenny that Bono, having spoken to Elton, had approached Geri to say, "What can we do for George?"

'This is what I have to deal with because I don't want to be part of that social clique. All I'd have to do to stop it is hang out in London, so people realise I don't look close to death.'

He continued: 'Elton lives on that. He will not be happy until I bang on his door in the middle of the night saying, 'Please, please, help me, Elton. Take me to rehab.' It's not going to happen.

'Elton just needs to shut his mouth and get on with his own life. Look, if people choose to believe that I'm sitting here in my ivory tower, Howard Hughesing myself with long fingernails and loads of drugs, then I can't do anything about that, can I?'

He added: 'People want to see me as tragic with all the cottaging and drug-taking... those things are not what most people aspire to, and I think it removes people's envy to see your weaknesses.

'I don't even see them as weaknesses any more. It's just who I am.'

Friday, October 30, 2009

George Michael Hopes for Christmas #1

George Michael will reportedly go head to head with the X Factor winner for the Christmas #1. The star is to release "December Song," a remix of a track he gave away free to fans last Christmas.

He scored a number one with Wham! back in 1984 with Last Christmas.

It has been rumored he may perform "December Song" on The X Factor. It will be available to buy on December 13th.

Last year, the singer announced he was performing his final three major gigs but said he would not be retiring from music.

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

George Michael Denies Split with Kenny Goss

Singer George Michael has said there is no truth in reports that he and long-term partner Kenny Goss have split up.

Reports claimed this week that Goss had become sick of Michael's brushes with the law for drug use.

It was said that he left in December after the star was arrested for drug possession in a public toilet on Hampstead Heath.

However, Michael is now claiming that Goss is away preparing for an exhibition in Dallas.

A spokesperson for the star said: "There is no truth in the matter at all. Kenny has been away in Dallas where he owns a gallery but is scheduled to return home this Friday. They are planning a lovely weekend together."

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

George Michael Splits with Kenny Goss

Singer George Michael has split up with his long-term partner Kenny Goss.

Goss, 50, reportedly walked out on the star at Christmas but the split has been kept secret until now.

The couple had been together for 13 years but Goss was said to have become sick of Michael's behavior. According to reports, the final straw came when Michael, 46, was arrested in public toilets on Hampstead Heath and charged with drug possession last year.

Friends said the former Wham! singer had been holed up in his Highgate mansion all year smoking cannabis and playing computer games.

One said: “Kenny had given George many chances. But after the Hampstead Heath incident he said he couldn't take any more. Kenny never agreed with George's urges to cruise for other men, or with his excessive use of cannabis.”

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Video: George Michael Duets with Beyoncé

George Michael surprised Beyoncé fans in London by joining the singer onstage to perform her hit If I Were a Boy.

It was the final European stop on Beyoncé's sold out I AM tour and the bootylicious singer went out with a bang. For her encore performance, Mrs. Jay-Z announced a “special guest” and launched into her hit ballad If I Were a Boy as pop icon, Michael, joined her on stage.

The crowd roared at the sight of the Faith singer, still looking quite good in shades and trademark five o’clock shadow.

Other celebs in attendance included Beyonce's husband, rapper Jay-Z and pop-starlet Katy Perry, who said she considers Beyoncé, “a living legend… I might have seen one of the best shows I ever saw tonight.”

Wouldn't it have been more fun to see the two take on Michael's big hit Faith?

Check out the video, taken by an audience member lucky enough to catch the O2 show: