I Was 'Touch and Go' With Pneumonia: George Michael

Singer says he had tracheotomy in Austria hospital
By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 25, 2011 3:05 PM CST
Singer George Michael: I Was 'Touch and Go' With Pneumonia at Austria Hospital
George Michael gives a press conference outside his North London Home on December 23, 2011 in London, United Kingdom.   (Getty Images)

Pop icon George Michael opened up about his month-long bout of pneumonia and revealed it was nearly fatal, the Sun reports. "Well, I would say it was touch and go for a couple of weeks," the singer said outside his London mansion Friday, breaking into tears. "We played it down, I didn't want to worry my fans too much." Suddenly sick, Michael was rushed to a Vienna hospital last month and had to cancel the rest of his Symphonica world tour.

Looking gaunt in a coat and scarf, Michael said doctors gave him a tracheotomy—meaning they cut a hole in his throat to allow him to breathe. "If I wasn't spiritual enough before the last four or five weeks—I certainly am now," he said. "I feel amazing. I mean, I'm very weak, but I feel amazing." He promised to perform for his doctors in Austria and for every fan who paid to see him on tour. He also broke his 37-day Twitter silence, posting, "Hey everyone, your favourite homo is home :)))."

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