George Michael: No regrets over Olympic closing ceremony song

Singer George Michael performs during the Closing Ceremony at the Olympic Stadium, on the final day of the London 2012 Olympics. Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA

Wednesday, August 15, 2012
10:23 AM

George Michael has angrily hit back at criticism that he cashed in on the Olympics by using the London 2012 closing ceremony to promote his new single.

In a message to his fans, the East Finchley-born superstar said: “I don’t regret it.”

Michael caused a stir during the showpiece event when he performed new track White Light when other artists were drawing on their biggest hits for the music spectacular.

In a message on Twitter, Michael said: “Had a great time at the closing! I hope you are not bothered by the press reports of my scandalous ‘promotion’.”

And in a fiery response he added: “Please join me in telling them to f*** off. It was my one chance on tv to thank you all for your loyalty and prayers, and I took it. And I don’t regret it.”

The song was his first new material since he was fighting for his life late last year after contracting pneumonia, and Sunday marked his first retun to the stage since leaving hospital.

Michael’s use of the high-profile event seems to have worked wonders as he is set to register his first top 10 hit since 2004 when the next singles charts are revealed at the weekend.