(July 26, 2008) - PCM had the awesome opportunity to see George Michael in concert at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA. Michael hasn't toured the U.S. is about 17 years and his arrival was much anticipated from his dedicated American fans.

The tour began in San Diego on June 17 before heading to 19 other cities, and we were lucky enough to catch him on his stop in Philadelphia. The British legend wow'ed fans and performed his biggest hits like, "Faith," and "Freedom," for a cheering crowd. We even had our own exclusive celeb sighting at the show. Read two reviews below of the live show from our writers Kristyn and Julie.

Review By Julie K

"I know it hasn't always been easy being a George Michael fan, but I promise you, by 11:30 tonight, it will be the easiest thing in the world," boomed George Michael in front of screaming fans at the Wachovia Center in Philadelphia, PA. The two-time Grammy winner and Britain's 10th richest musician (with an amassed personal fortune said to be £70 to £100 million) hasn't toured in the U.S. in 17 YEARS. Whispers and rumors have been swirling through the music world lately, claiming that this may be George Michael's last tour. PCM had the privilege to attend the legend's concert and we really had a great time!

I wouldn't necessarily have considered myself a George Michael fan before this concert. I'm 22, I'm still young, and so I wasn't around for most of George Michael's career ups and downs. I know, "Faith," and "Freedom," like everyone else in the world. That's about it. But, I was definitely happy to attend and see why George Michael has been so successful for the past 25 years. With six backup singers and an amazing screen with graphics and video behind him, George's stage and setup was really entertaining and impressive. The photographs and designs that went along with his songs behind him were creative and artistic.

For George's rendition of, "Feelin' Good," burlesque dancer, Dita Von Teese had made a video to go along with his performance. George even admitted himself after the song that he was sure no one was looking at him and focused on the partially nude dancer on the huge screen. She looked amazing and made the video just for Michael's tour.

His dance songs got the crowd (which was mostly upper-middle class white couples and gay men) on their feet. The crowd mimicked George's requests to clap or sway their arms in the air. His ballads were intimate, just George sitting on a stool with a spotlight on him. He has a great voice, it still sounds lovely, and maybe more important to some of his fans, he looks great! Michael was great with participating with the crowd! He constantly would ask, "We'll sing this one together, right?"

His stage presence entranced everyone; I think the crowd was so happy to see Michael back in The States and performing. People were dancing happily in the isles and his "gay boys," (as he referred to them) constantly shouted, "You look great, hunny!" to George. He wasn't cocky or overly flashy; he seemed to really be happy performing for his dedicated fans. Michael, at one point, got on his knees and told the crowd, ".. for those of you who have been faithful for twenty-five years, I love you and thank you so much!"

Review By Kristyn -

It has been a good number of years since George Michael has played in North America, let alone the city of Philadelphia, however I think the area was starved for a little George Michael action. The singer claimed on stage that he knows it is not easy to be a George Michael fan, however he promised to make it a whole lot easier by the time the night was through, and let me tell you, this man definitely followed through on that promise. I was skeptical at first, but the moment that George hit the stage with the first notes of "Waiting (Reprise)," I was completely smitten. This man has had a career that has spanned decades and it was easy to see how he has been able to make it work. The night of the show it was all about George and his gigantic screen, at times the screen captured more of my attention than George himself, but each time my attention was becoming too focused on the digital co-star, George would make a quip that brought me back down to reality.

He is definitely a funny guy, and it was nice to see that he is still able to laugh at himself when faced with criticisms such a comments on his "double-chin" or "lack of dancing ability," neither criticism to which I agree. I think myself and the thousands of adoring male and female fans in attendance can agree on the fact that George Michael is still looking damn fine! The performance was broken down into two sets, with a twenty minute intermission and contained songs from various points in his career with hits such as "Father Figure", "Everything She Wants", "Too Funky", and "Faith". He also performed two fantastic cover songs "Feeling Good" and "Roxanne" which apparently took off in Europe, but for some reason never caught on here in the States. For his double encore, George chose the two songs I was probably waiting for all night, which were "Careless Whisper" and "Freedom 90".

It was the end of fabulous performance and I was amazed at just how gracious George was to the crowd, thanking everyone several times for sticking with him over the years. Just from checking out the crowd reaction around me, I am sure to say it is safe bet that fans will be sticking with George for as long as he is willing to perform. If this does turn out to be George's farewell tour, then I have to say that he has pulled it off with style and flair and a performance that was top-notch. Critics, say what you will, but this man has got it going on, and not turning it off anytime soon as he breezes his way around North America sashaying his way into your hearts.