Adele fluffs tribute to George Michael

Pop star Adele called a halt to her performance as she paid tribute to George Michael at the Grammys.

The star was performing a sombre version of Fastlove in honour of the star, who died on Christmas day, but went badly off-key as she went into the first chorus.

Swearing loudly, Adele motioned for the band to stop.

“I can’t mess this up for him,” she said, fighting back tears. “I’m sorry for swearing. Can we start again?”

Her second attempt at the song - broadcast on live television - was flawless, and received a standing ovation from the audience at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.

During the pause, Adele said: “I can’t let this happen again,” referencing her performance at last year’s Grammys, which was plagued by technical problems.

The Recording Academy, which organises the Grammy Awards, voiced its support of the star, despite the setback.

“You got this girl,” it tweeted on its official account. “We love you, Adele!”

Adele had specifically requested to perform Fastlove, one of George Michael’s 1990s hits, at the ceremony.

Introducing her on stage, host James Corden said: “George was an artist like no other. A true original. One of the finest male vocalists of his generation.

“In times of joy and sorrow, his music was a partner and friend.

“I know that if he’s here tonight, looking down on us, he would smile and be so proud that this artist is performing this song.”

Later, as she accepted the award for song of the year, Adele apologised for the incident.

“I really do apologise for swearing,” she said. “It’s George Michael, he means a lot to me. I really do apologise if I offended anyone.”