George Michael embraces his dualities

GEORGE MICHAEL is not a whiskey-swilling geezer like Keith Richards or a rebellious bohemian like Thom Yorke. He's a well-groomed, gracious man of means whose favorite topic of discussion is the domestic bliss he shares with his longtime partner, Kenny Goss, in mansions filled with fine art and Labradors. Though he's faced down his share of scandals, Michael's music still signals frothy good times. It doesn't cause riots; it inspires middle-aged people to dance.

By Ann Powers

June 14, 2008