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Andrew Ridgeley Delivers Emotional Tribute To George Michael At Brit Awards

"I loved him, and in turn we, you, have been loved."

Former Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley gave a heartfelt tribute to bandmate and friend George Michael at the Brit Awards last night. Joined by Helen "Pepsi" DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman—who toured with the duo as backup singers Pepsi and Shirlie—Ridgeley reminisced about the formation of their musical union.

Peter Still/Redferns

BIRMINGHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 27: George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley of Wham! perform on stage with Shirlie Holliman of Pepsi and Shirlie, at the National Exhibition Centre, on February 27th, 1985 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Peter Still/Redferns)

"We were the best of friends," Ridgeley recalls of befriending Michael in 1975. "We monkeyed around recording sketches and jingles in George's bedroom... On Nov. 5, 1979, I phoned George and said 'It's now or never.' Then we formed our first band."

A tearful Holliman, who described the late singer as "a like a brother to me" recalled the joy of listening to Michael's "stunning, pitch perfect voice" every night as they toured, and his generosity toward those in need.

Karwai Tang/WireImage

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (L-R) Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Holliman present a tribute to George Michael on stage at The BRIT Awards 2017 at The O2 Arena on February 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)

"His is a legacy of unquestionable brilliance which will continue to shine and resonate for generations to come," praised Ridgeley. "George has left in his songs, in the transcendent beauty of his voice, and in the poetic expression of his soul, the very best of himself. I loved him, and in turn we, you, have been loved."

The tribute concluded with Coldplay's Chris Martin performing "A Different Corner" with archival audio from Michael.

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