George Michael fans are celebrating all over again as the late pop icon takes the crown for a fifth straight year. Smooth Radio listeners have named Michael the greatest music icon of all time in the station’s 2026Top 100 poll, placing him ahead of Michael Jackson, Queen, Whitney Houston and ABBA.
The result has sent a fresh wave of excitement through Michael’s global fan base, with longtime listeners once again celebrating the singer’s lasting influence and unforgettable music. A decade after his death, fans continue to keep his legacy alive through the songs that made him one of pop’s most beloved stars.
Michael’s official estate said the singer would have been deeply proud of the honor and grateful for the continued support from fans around the world.
“We are absolutely delighted that George has once again been voted Smooth Radio’s ‘ultimate artist’,” the estate said in a statement. It added that Michael would have been “immensely proud” of the recognition and thankful to everyone who continues to support his music with loyalty and affection.
Michael died in 2016 at age 53, but his music has remained a powerful force in pop culture. His career first soared in the 1980s as one half of “Wham!”, the hit duo he formed with Andrew Ridgeley.
Wham! became a global sensation, producing popular songs and several successful albums before the pair split in 1986. Michael then launched a highly successful solo career and quickly established himself as one of the biggest names in pop music.
His solo catalog included the enduring hit “Careless Whisper,” which became one of his signature songs. He also joined Elton John for “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” giving fans another memorable musical collaboration.
Michael’s rich voice, emotional performances and songwriting helped turn him into a worldwide superstar. His 1987 album “Faith” became one of the defining pop records of its generation and further cemented his status as a solo powerhouse.
For fans, the latest victory is more than another poll result. It is another reminder that Michael’s music has outlived the era in which it was created. From Wham! classics to his biggest solo hits, his songs continue to bring generations of listeners together, proving that his star has never truly faded.
