Adele Opens Up About Restarting George Michael Tribute: 'I Was Devastated'

OK, can someone please assure Adele this whole George Michael tribute thing is fine? Because I can't stand seeing her this sad.

Basically, at the 2017 Grammy Awards on Sunday night, Adele performed the 1996 song "Fastlove" as a tribute to late music legend, George Michael.

But Adele got off to a bit of a rough start — sounding a little flat — and about 40 seconds into the performance, she stopped and requested a do-over.

She said to the crowd,

I know it's live TV. [Bleeped out] I can't do it again like last year. I'm sorry for swearing and I'm sorry for starting again. Can we please start it again? I can't mess this up for him.

Later that night in backstage interviews — after the 28-year-old singer had become the first artist to wing album, record and song of the year twice — Adele reflected on the blunder.

She told reporters she was "devastated" by her mistake because of how much George Michael's music meant to her growing up.

She said,

I was devastated by that. I had a bit of a shaky rehearsal, but I had been working really hard.  ... My earliest memory was 'Fast Love.' When that video came out, I was blown away by how fucking hot he was. I was young, about ten, and I heard the vulnerability of that song.

Adele also told reporters after his death on Christmas, Michael's family specifically requested she be the one to do the tribute.

She said,

I was devastated on Christmas Day. And on Boxing Day I said to Simon, 'I have to do that tribute.' They didn't want a tribute at first, his family, but then they came back and were very specific that it be me.

ADELE!! NOOO! DON'T BE CRY! IT OK!

First of all, everyone in the Grammy audience was totally supportive of Adele's decision to restart.

Second of all, I feel like George Michael, wherever he was watching this, was totally understanding, too.

Anyone watching could see how much it meant to Adele, after all.

And third of all, once Adele did find her footing in that second go, she sounded beautiful.

So give yourself a break, girl. You did just win five Grammys, after all.

Citations: Adele on feeling 'devastated' by her flubbed George Michael tribute and why 'Lemonade' should have won (LA Times)