The George Michael estate has welcomed the “association between two great artists”, following the use of the late UK artist’s song Father Figure on Taylor Swift’s new album.

Swift has interpolated George Michael’s 1987 hit on a new track of the same name on her 12th studio album, The Life Of A Showgirl. Swift’s version was co-written by her with Shellback and Max Martin, with Michael also credited as a co-writer.

When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same

George Michael estate

“We were delighted when Taylor Swift and her team approached us earlier this year about incorporating an interpolation of George Michael’s classic song Father Figure into a brand new song of the same title to be featured on her forthcoming album,” read a statement posted to the George Michael Facebook page. 

“When we heard the track we had no hesitation in agreeing to this association between two great artists and we know George would have felt the same. George Michael Entertainment wishes Taylor every success with The Life Of A Showgirl and Father Figure.”

George Michael’s publishing is with Warner Chappell, while Sony Music Commercial Group oversees the legendary artist’s recordings in the UK.

For more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to receive our daily Morning Briefing newsletter