“It all started ordinarily enough. In 1975, we were two boys who happened to share a mutual sense of humour, a love of life-affirming music, the artists and records it gave birth to, and a shared sense that we understood it.”

Former Wham! member Andrew Ridgeley led a moving tribute to George Michael at the Brit Awards, last night.

Ridgeley, who met George at Bushey Meads School, described the late singer-songwriter as the “greatest of his generation, an icon of his era and my beloved friend”.

He said when George died on Christmas Day last year, “a supernova in a firmament of shining stars had been extinguished, and it felt like the sky had fallen in”.

He was joined on stage by the Wham! backing vocalists, Helen DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman, otherwise known as Pepsi & Shirlie.

Holliman, who was born in Watford, also met the pair at school.

The three regaled stories from the beginnings of their time in the music industry, including when Michael and Holliman sent out their early cassette tapes to record companies, only to have them all returned a few weeks later.

Holliman said that Michael was "like a brother" to her.

She added: "I will always be so proud of his incredible achievements, I remember him telling me with great pride that You'd Have Been Loved was one of Princess Diana's favourite songs.

"His wonderful way with words spoke to everyone, and his beautiful voice will live on forever as a gift to us all."

Watford Observer:

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin sang George's A Different Corner

DeMacque said: "We always knew George was destined to become a star in his own right. On tour we would watch him sing, his voice was stunning, pitch perfect and his performances were spellbinding."

She added: "George wrote from the heart and from his own experience and his many fans shared with me how his music changed their lives. His ability and desire to strike a chord and touch people, not only through his words and music, but through his actions too, was unique.

"Music has magical power and George knew that. He understood love, loss, happiness and grief... He lives on in his music and in our hearts, and I will never forget my wonderful friend."

Ridgely said that Michael's contribution to the "great archive of contemporary music lives among the immortals".

Following the speech, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin performed Michael's ballad A Different Corner. It was joined by a clip of Michael singing and the pair harmonised together.

In the background, clips from throughout Michael's prestigious career were shown on the screen, adding to the poignancy of the tribute.