Pepsi: Chris Martin was perfect fit for George Michael BRITs tribute

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Former Wham! backing singer Pepsi DeMacque says Chris Martin was the "perfect fit" to pay tribute to her close pal George Michael.

The 58-year-old singer-and-dancer - who joined the legendary 80s pop group in 1983 - reunited with her old band mates Andrew Ridgeley and Shirlie Holliman on stage at the BRIT Awards at London's The O2 on Wednesday evening (22.02.17), where they each read out their fond memories of the 'Careless Whisper' hitmaker.

Pepsi says it was "really hard" to talk about George - who tragically passed away at the age of 53 last Christmas Day (25.12.16) - as they were so overcome with emotion.

Speaking to Roman Kemp on Capital radio station, she said: "It was really hard to tell how it was because the emotions were so high, and paying respect to someone that you love so much but also someone you know so personally but who everyone knows as an artist, so I was kind of stuck in the middle of all these emotions, but I think it was a great tribute to him."

Coldplay's Chris, 39, was accompanied by just a piano player singing George's 1986 hit 'A Different Corner' and midway through the performance a recording of George singing the same track was broadcast on a giant video screen and the pair sang in perfect harmony.

Poignant footage of George speaking was also aired as Chris sang.

Of the choice of the 'Up&Up' singer, Pepsi added: "He was the perfect fit, and the fact that he wanted to do it was amazing because I know George just loved his voice, so it was just perfect. But I have to say there was incredible amounts of love in the room and we really needed it."

Wham were speaking to Capital's Roman Kemp in a world exclusive first interview after paying tribute to George Michael on stage at the BRIT Awards 2017. Roman Kemp's Capital Evening Show was live from backstage at the BRITs. Listen to Roman Kemp on Capital, Mon-Thurs 7pm-10pm, Sundays 9am-12pm