Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth

Andrew Ridgeley, the English singer, songwriter, guitarist, and record producer, has an estimated net worth of $40 million. Best known as one half of the iconic pop duo Wham!, Ridgeley rose to global fame alongside childhood friend George Michael during the 1980s. Their music, energy, and style helped define a generation and created a legacy that continues to generate royalties and recognition today.

Rise to Stardom with Wham!

Formed in 1981, Wham! quickly became a household name. Their debut album, Fantastic, topped the UK charts in 1983, setting the stage for their explosive success. But it was their second album, Make It Big (1984), that propelled them into global stardom. The album achieved 4× Platinum status in the UK and 6× Platinum in the U.S., with chart-topping singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom,” and “Everything She Wants.”

The duo’s appeal extended beyond catchy tunes—they were stylish, charismatic, and unafraid to push boundaries. Their 1985 performance in Beijing marked a historic moment as Wham! became the first Western pop group to perform in China, symbolizing a cultural breakthrough during a politically closed era.

Their hit single “Last Christmas” became a timeless holiday anthem, and their farewell performance at Wembley Stadium in 1986 drew a crowd of 72,000 fans, cementing their place in music history.

Andrew Ridgeley Royalties

Andrew Ridgeley may not have pursued a high-profile solo career like George Michael, but his contributions to Wham!’s success were significant—and financially rewarding. Ridgeley co-wrote several of the group’s songs, including “Wham Rap!”, “Club Tropicana,” and most notably, “Careless Whisper.”

Although George Michael sang the song solo, Ridgeley co-composed the melody and is officially credited as co-writer. Over the decades, “Careless Whisper” has sold millions of copies and remains one of the most recognizable ballads of the ’80s. It is reported that Ridgeley has earned over $10 million in royalties from the track alone. The value of his stake in the song’s rights is likely worth tens of millions.

Life After Wham!

After the group disbanded, Ridgeley tried his hand at Formula Three motor racing in Monaco and later attempted an acting career in Los Angeles. In 1990, he released his solo album, Son of Albert, which included the singles “Shake” and “Red Dress.” While it didn’t enjoy major commercial success, the album was Ridgeley’s final musical venture before retreating from the spotlight.

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He later returned to the UK and invested in a restaurant, Bar 92, and participated in philanthropic efforts like the Dallaglio Cycle Slam, a charity bike ride supporting at-risk youth.

Personal Life

Ridgeley began dating Keren Woodward of Bananarama in 1990. The couple lived together in a 15th-century converted barn in Cornwall for years before their reported split in 2017—and reconciliation in 2019.

The death of George Michael on Christmas Day in 2016 deeply affected Ridgeley. He later reflected on the loss in his 2019 memoir, Wham! George Michael & Me, offering fans an intimate glimpse into their friendship and musical partnership. That same year, he appeared as a guest judge on The Great British Menu, and in 2023, he featured prominently in the hit Netflix documentary Wham!, which chronicled the band’s meteoric rise and cultural impact.

Andrew Ridgeley Awards

Wham! collected numerous accolades during their short but stellar run. They earned two Grammy nominations and won several Brit and American Music Awards. Careless Whisper alone won at the Ivor Novello Awards and earned international acclaim.

Though Ridgeley largely stepped away from the spotlight, his contributions to pop music remain undeniable. His role in creating Wham!’s timeless hits and his stake in their continued success have helped sustain his impressive net worth.

Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth

Andrew Ridgeley net worth is $40 million.