A look back at pop superstar George Michael through the years — in pictures

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  British singers George Michael and Paul McCartney perform at the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London, on July 2, 2005. Reuters

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  George Michael and Stevie Wonder perform 'Living for the City' at the fourth annual VH1 Honours concert in Universal City, California, on April 10, 1997. AP

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  Singing great Aretha Franklin joins George Michael during his Faith World Tour in Auburn Hills, Michigan, on August 30, 1988. AP

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  George Michael accompanied by other musicians and children from Africa performing for the finale of the Live 8 concert in Hyde Park, London, on July 2, 2005. AP

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  George Michael accepts one of his three American Music Awards during ceremonies in Los Angeles on January 31, 1989. AP

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  George Michael at an event on May 11, 2011, to announce his European Orchestral tour in London. AP

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  From left, George Michael, concert promoter Harvey Goldsmith, Bono of U2, Paul McCartney and Freddie Mercury of Queen join in the finale of the Live Aid famine relief concert at Wembley Stadium, London, on July 13, 1985. AP

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  Andrew Ridgeley and George Michael of Wham! perform during a concert in Beijing, China, on April 7, 1985. AP

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  Singer George Michael performs during the closing ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium August 12, 2012. Stefan Wermuth / Reuters

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  George Michael performs at Concert of Hope to mark World Aids Day, at London’s Wembley Arena on December 2, 1993. AP photo

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  George Michael performs during his 25 Live concert at Wembley Stadium in London on June 9, 2007. AFP

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  George Michael performs at the Manchester Arena in England on November 17, 2006. Reuters

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  British pop star George Michael performs during a concert at Wembley Stadium in London June 9, 2007. Dylan Martinez / Reuters

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  George Michael performs at a concert to raise money for the Aids charity Sidaction at Palais Garnier Opera house in Paris on September 9, 2012. AP

George Michael, who rocketed to stardom with WHAM! and went on to enjoy a long and celebrated solo career lined with controversies, has died, his publicist said on Sunday, December 25, 2016. He was 53.