With the dramatic fanfare heralding his arrival, pop superstar George Michael took to the stage for one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures that Carrow Road has ever hosted tonight.

With the dramatic fanfare heralding his arrival, pop superstar George Michael took to the stage for one of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures that Carrow Road has ever hosted tonight.

Fresh from being the first artist to play in the newly completed Wembley Stadium at the weekend - and having left his recent brush with the law well and truly behind him - he treated fans to a set spanning his entire career from a bouncy haired teen idol in Wham! to bona fide music icon.

Show opener, pop diva Sophie Ellis Bexter, won some Brownie points with the home crowd when she announced that her outfit of choice - a green mini dress - was a variation on the Canaries' away strip, although her knowledge of the words to On The Ball City was a bit sketchy. And following her set of grown-up pop songs, including the Ibiza dance anthem GrooveJet and Murder on the Dance Floor the crowd was warmed-up for the main attraction.

As the anticipation built Mexican waves spanned around the stadium - and despite the threatening dark clouds looming over head, luckily the only lightening in evidence was on the video screens framing the stage.

Having an artist of Michael's immense fame performing practically on your doorstep is a real thrill - and when he appeared in silhouette on the screens it was a real shiver down the spine moment.

Few other pop stars can match his success - he sold more than 85 million records worldwide including 11 British number one singles, so it's hardly surprising that the set didn't have much room for fillers.

From the off it was hit after hit beginning with Fast Love, every second a disco classic, followed by Too Funky - with the crowds erupting when, clad head to toe in black, he went out into the middle of the arena on a specially constructed ramp. He also slowed the tempo occasionally with ballads such as Father Figure - and threw in some Wham! classics as well. Everything She Wants got the crowds going crazy.

Norwich is one of a handful of British shows Michael is playing on his tour celebrating 25 years in the music business. In fact, it's his first tour in 15 years - with the headlines his private life has attracted in recent years it's easy to forget what a showman he really is.

He should definitely tour more often - it was truly an amazing spectacle and Carrow Road should host more shows like it.