Irish singer Ronan Keating has spoken movingly about the late George Michael, describing the iconic Wham! star as one of his biggest musical influences and an important figure in his life. Keating, best known as the frontman of Boyzone and for his successful solo career, regularly cites Michael’s work as a key inspiration that helped shape his path in music.
Speaking on BBC radio, Keating reflected on how Michael’s songwriting and performance style affected him deeply during his formative years, calling him “the reason why I do what I do today.” His admiration went beyond that of a fan — the two developed a friendship and mentor-like bond over time, with Michael offering guidance and encouragement to the younger artist.
In interviews, Keating has said that growing up listening to George Michael influenced not just his musical tastes but also his understanding of what it means to connect emotionally with an audience — something he has carried with him throughout his own career, both with Boyzone and as a solo performer.
George Michael, who became one of the defining voices of the 1980s and 1990s with hits like Careless Whisper and Faith, left a lasting legacy that continues to impact artists across generations. For Keating, that legacy is not just about the music itself, but about the heart and honesty behind it — qualities he aims to bring into his own songs and performances.
As Keating continues to pursue music and television projects — including a new BBC series exploring Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Coast — his reflections on George Michael reaffirm the enduring influence of one of pop music’s most beloved figure
