Nearly a decade after his passing, George Michael’s legacy is not only alive but thriving. As of April 2025, the late pop icon continues to impact the world through remarkable posthumous achievements, financial milestones, and a resurgence of global admiration for his music and cultural contributions.
One of the standout developments is the continued success of Wham!’s timeless holiday classic “Last Christmas.” The song, co-written and performed by George Michael, achieved its long-overdue first UK Christmas Number One in 2023—39 years after its release. Its popularity didn’t wane in 2024, becoming a holiday staple once again and contributing significantly to Michael’s estate earnings. In addition to radio and streaming play, the 40th anniversary of “Last Christmas” inspired a BBC documentary, “Wham!: Last Christmas Unwrapped,” which later aired on Netflix. The emotional tribute included footage of Andrew Ridgeley revisiting the iconic snowy Swiss location where the original music video was filmed.
Meanwhile, Michael’s solo work is experiencing a fresh wave of popularity. His 1988 hit “Father Figure” saw a 300% surge in streaming on Spotify and a 1500% increase in global searches following its placement in the 2024 film Babygirl. This sudden revival underscores the timeless appeal of his emotionally rich songwriting and sultry vocal style.
Financially, George Michael’s estate is flourishing. His holding company, Nobby’s Hobbies Holding Limited, reported earnings of £6.6 million in 2024 alone. Of this, over £2 million came from publishing royalties and an additional £91,559 from the Netflix documentary. In 2023, the company brought in £23.8 million, largely driven by global royalties and licensing agreements.
Additional honors continue to pour in. Michael was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2023, and the Royal Mint issued a collectible coin in his honor in 2024, cementing his influence as a British cultural icon.
George Michael’s music, style, and humanitarian legacy remain deeply embedded in public consciousness, proving that true artistry transcends time.
