Tributes to George Michael
Writing on Twitter and referring to Michael by his family nickname of "Yog", Michael's Wham! bandmate Andrew Ridgeley said:
"Me, his loved ones, his friends, the world of music, the world at large. 4ever loved. A xx"
On Instagram, Sir Elton John posted a photograph of himself with Michael, writing:
"I am in deep shock.
"I have lost a beloved friend - the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans."
Madonna posted a video on social media of herself presenting Michael with an award in 1989, and wrote
: "Another Great Artist leaves us."
Robbie Williams, whose first solo single was a cover of Michael's song Freedom, wrote:
"Oh God no …I love you George …Rest In Peace x".
Boy George wrote:
"He was so loved and I hope he knew it because the sadness today is beyond words. Devastating.
"What a beautiful voice he had and his music will live on as a testament to his talent. I can't believe he is gone. I hope the Buddha will hold him in his arms."
Michael, who was born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou in north London, sold more than 100 million albums throughout a career spanning almost four decades.
The music superstar died at his home on the banks of the Thames in Goring, Oxfordshire
George Michael's UK number one singles
George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley found fame with Wham! in the 1980s
Wake Me Up Before You Go Go (with Wham!) - 1984
Freedom (with Wham!) - 1984
Careless Whisper - 1984
I'm Your Man (with Wham!) - 1985
The Edge of Heaven (with Wham!) - 1986
A Different Corner - 1986
I Knew You Were Waiting For Me (with Aretha Franklin) - 1987
Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me (with Elton John) - 1991
Five Live EP (with Queen and Lisa Stansfield) - 1993
Jesus To A Child - 1996
Fastlove - 1996
George Michael: Tributes for pop superstar - BBC News