Anti-war duet to steal Brits limelight

Anti-war duet to steal Brits limelight

George Michael's latest video depicted Tony Blair as a poodle

George Michael and Ms Dynamite will take their anti-war message to the Brit Awards when they perform a specially-adapted version of his hit Faith at Thursday's ceremony.

Ms Dynamite, one of the biggest stars at the show, invited Michael to perform with her after he attracted heavy criticism for attacking Tony Blair with his latest single.

The pair have both altered their own parts of the lyrics, but the changes are not said to be radical.

The performance could be one of the main talking points of the Brits, which are known for their controversy.

Michael will not be appearing live, with his half of the duet already recorded in Los Angeles.

Details of the new lyrics are being kept under wraps, but they are not expected to specifically attack the US and UK leaders.

Ms Dynamite with Rev Jesse Jackson at a peace rally in London

Michael said he did not want to appear in person at the ceremony because he did not want to overshadow Ms Dynamite.

"I love Ms Dynamite and am so happy she is performing Faith, which is such a hopeful song," he said.

"But this is her night, not mine. Ms Dynamite deserves all the limelight she is going to get from her Brits' performance."

Ms Dynamite made her opinions on the possible conflict in Iraq clear when she spoke at the Stop the War rally in London on Saturday.

'Lie and deceive'

She read a poem including the lines: "How long will you lie and deceive this country and speak so many words but very few true?

"Don't underestimate or insult our intelligence, let the truth be told."

Michael last hit the headlines when the video for his latest single, Shoot the Dog, featured Tony Blair as a poodle on the White House lawn.

"It's anti-Mr Blair and anti-Mr Blair's reluctance to challenge Mr Bush. It's not anti-American in any sense," he explained.

But the media rounded on him, with the New York Post describing him as a "past-his-prime pop pervert".