How Adele Stumbled Then Soared In George Michael Tribute At The Grammys

About a minute into a minimalist rendition of George Michael's Fastlove, supported by a single piano note and gradually creeping strings, Adele stopped singing.

"I know it's live TV but I'm sorry I can't do it again like last year. I'm sorry for swearing and but can we please start it again – I can't mess this up for him."

Here. the crowd cheered and the string players behind her lowered their bows – while the singer shook her head and continued, "I'm sorry, I can't", going on to apologise again; "I'm sorry for swearing, I'm really sorry".

The cameras cut away to the glitterati music crowd, some of whom appeared to be standing in solidarity – such pressure – this could be anyone of them who feel the ground going from underneath them during a live performance. Last year Adele took Queen’s advice and the show just went on despite poor sound making it hard for her to pitch her note. The resulting in a performance she was far from proud of and that copped lots of flack.

This year, whether it was another technical glitch or nerves or just a bit of everything, she stood her ground. "I'm sorry Ken", she even added (a reference to the Grammys producer, Ken Ehrlich), while more cheers came from the audience. A performer’s worst nightmare. Plus, she'd already nailed it earlier in the evening with a killer version of (Song of the Year) Hello.

As she stepped back from the microphone "You got it" could be heard from the crowd, so she put her head up, brushed herself down, and re-centered to go again.

The second time Adele nailed it — bringing the party anthem out into a full ballad — pulling out the glory of Michael's work and making a bloody lovely tribute. Behind her a silent montage of Michael's performances played, with his glorious "Choose Life" t-shirts and tight jeaned-Faith bum, through to the wonderful Queen tribute and into various productions. Once she made it past the first chorus the room gently applauded — it was no longer about her stuff up but the nailing of the tribute. Given his last album, a symphonic collection, he no doubt would have approved.

By the bridge the stop start was all but forgotten, and towards the end she repeated the song's final line "I miss my baby". In the original it wasn't much – a throw away, but here a darling way to end.

Like Adele, Michael was a pom who made it to the top in the US, despite never quite looking or sounding like the formula said they should. But they were (and remain) unapologetic and bold. And despite an industry dominated by fashion and cool, they remained so very loved. She repeated "I miss, I miss, I miss" before landing the final, perfect, note. We miss him too, darling.