Russian New Years Eve nets George Michael £1.5m
Pop icon George Michael has rounded off a triumphant European tour with a performance at a private function in Moscow on Sunday night, and came away £1.5m richer.
The singer, who has had a turbulent 2006, saw in the New Year in the company of 300 guests of an un-named Russian billionaire, peforming an hour-long concert at the oligarch’s mansion near Moscow.
Michael’s huge pay packet outstrips the £1m that Christina Aguilera allegedly received for performing at the wedding of another rich Russian in September 2005.
But as the American diva only sang three songs, she earned more per minute that Michael.
It could be argued that the London-born star gave the most expensive performance in Russian history.
ITN News quotes an insider as saying, “The businessman contacted George directly and asked him to perform. It was a fun night and George was back home in Britain by morning.”
Good news for Michael, who is due to appear at Brent Magistrates Court on the 11th January to face charges of being unfit to drive.
The former Wham! front man was found slumped in his car in North London in October last year, one of many run-ins with the law in 2006.
