Pot busts, bathroom misadventures, napping in cars while stoned, weight gain, questionable fashion sense—is any offense bad enough to send George Michael into obscurity? Not if the middle-aged English pop star has it his way. In addition to recently releasing his second greatest-hits album (and, yes, TwentyFive includes “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” in all its irresistible day-glo ’80s glory), Michael has managed to infiltrate our television screens with an appearance on American Idol and even a recurring role as a guardian angel on ABC’s Eli Stone. (Who casts this show? And where’s Andrew Ridgeley?) With six No. 1 singles to his credit in the U.S. and millions of albums sold (yes, before iTunes), the 45-year-old deserves serious kudos for his dogged determination to stay relevant in pop culture. And you can bet there will be plenty of couples at the Key tonight who danced to “Careless Whisper” at their weddings. Key Arena, Seattle Center, 628-0888, www.ticketmaster.com. $49.50–$250. 8 p.m. ERIKA HOBART

Wed., July 2, 8 p.m., 2008