George Michael pockets €2m for billionaire's gig

Singer George Michael pocketed £1.5m (€2.2m) for performing at a Russian billionaire’s New Year’s Eve bash, it was revealed today.

The unnamed businessman paid for Michael to entertain his 300 guests with an hour-long concert.

The lavish party took place on his private estate 20 miles outside Moscow, the star’s spokeswoman said.

The sum is believed to make Michael the highest-paid entertainer in modern Russian history.

He was flown to the billionaire’s mansion with his 20-strong entourage of band and backing singers.

An insider said: “The businessman contacted George directly and asked him to perform.

“He has a vast private estate just outside Moscow and had turned his sports hall into a nightclub especially for the party.

“It was a fun night and George was back home in Britain by morning.”

Christina Aguilera was reportedly paid £1m (€1.5m) for performing three songs at the wedding of Russian oligarch Andrei Melnichenko in September 2005.