Andrew Ridgeley remains an iconic figure in the music industry, best known for being one-half of the legendary pop duo Wham! alongside George Michael. With a career spanning decades, Ridgeley’s contributions as a singer-songwriter, record producer, and businessman have solidified his lasting legacy.
In this article, we’ll explore Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth in 2024, his early life, career highlights, and personal relationships. Let’s uncover how this 1980s music star built his fortune, maintained relevance, and captivated fans worldwide.
Andrew Ridgeley Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Andrew John Ridgeley |
| Birth Date | January 26, 1963 |
| Birth Place | Windlesham, Surrey, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Height | 6’0″ (1.82 meters) |
| Parents | Jennifer Ridgeley, Alberto Ridgeley |
| Siblings | Paul Ridgeley |
| Net Worth | $40 million (2024) |
| Notable Group | Wham! |
| Relationships | Keren Woodward, Amanda Cronin |
Andrew Ridgeley was born on January 26, 1963, in Windlesham, Surrey, England. His family background reflects a rich cultural blend. His mother, Jennifer Ridgeley, has Scottish heritage, while his father, Alberto Ridgeley, originally bore the surname Zacharia and hailed from Italian and Egyptian roots. Andrew grew up with his brother Paul Ridgeley, forming strong family ties that influenced his grounded personality.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Windlesham, Ridgeley developed a passion for music early on. Attending local schools in the UK, he met his lifelong friend and future bandmate George Michael at Bushey Meads School. Their shared love for music sparked an artistic collaboration that would later revolutionize the pop music scene in the 1980s.
Career Highlights and Wham!’s Success
The Birth of Wham! (1981-1986)
In 1981, Ridgeley and George Michael formed Wham!, a pop duo that dominated charts worldwide. They released three major albums, achieving critical and commercial success:
| Album | Release Year | Notable Hits |
|---|---|---|
| Fantastic | 1983 | “Young Guns,” “Wham Rap!” |
| Make It Big | 1984 | “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Freedom” |
| Music from the Edge of Heaven | 1986 | “Last Christmas,” “Everything She Wants” |
Chart-Topping Singles
Wham! became synonymous with timeless hits like:
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”: An upbeat, energetic track that became a global anthem.
- “Careless Whisper”: Co-written by Andrew Ridgeley, this soulful ballad remains one of the most recognizable songs of all time, generating millions in royalties.
- “Freedom”: A powerful track reflecting the duo’s musical prowess.
- “Last Christmas”: A beloved holiday classic that continues to dominate playlists during the festive season.
With record sales exceeding 35 million globally, Wham! secured its position as one of the most successful pop acts of the 1980s. Their songs were celebrated for their upbeat, vibrant energy and heartfelt lyrics.
“Wham! was about fun, optimism, and music that made people happy.” – Andrew Ridgeley
Andrew Ridgeley Net Worth and Income Sources
As of 2024, Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth stands at an impressive $40 million. This wealth stems primarily from:
1. Record Sales and Royalties
Wham!’s success generated significant income through record sales, with hit singles like “Careless Whisper” and “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” leading the charge.
- The album Make It Big achieved multi-platinum certifications in the UK and US, contributing heavily to Ridgeley’s earnings.
- “Careless Whisper” alone brought in over $10 million in royalties due to its global appeal.
2. Ongoing Royalties
Even decades after Wham!’s disbandment in 1986, Ridgeley continues to earn from ongoing royalties. Hits like “Last Christmas” and “Everything She Wants” ensure a steady stream of income from streaming platforms and music licensing.
| Song | Royalties (Estimates) |
|---|---|
| “Careless Whisper” | $10 million+ |
| “Last Christmas” | Ongoing holiday earnings |
3. Post-Wham! Ventures
Following Wham!’s breakup, Ridgeley pursued a solo career and delved into business ventures. Though his solo music didn’t replicate Wham!’s success, his investments helped grow his wealth.
4. Additional Projects
Ridgeley explored opportunities outside of music, including collaborations and entrepreneurial projects. These endeavors, combined with wise financial decisions, ensured his financial stability.
Post-Wham! Solo Career
After Wham! disbanded in 1986, Ridgeley released his solo album Son of Albert in 1990. Though the album did not chart successfully, it demonstrated Ridgeley’s commitment to exploring his artistic side.
Despite modest success in his solo career, Ridgeley maintained strong connections within the music industry and pursued business projects that aligned with his passions.
Andrew Ridgeley’s Personal Life
Relationships
Andrew Ridgeley has had notable relationships over the years:
- Keren Woodward: Ridgeley had a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama, from 1990 to 2017. The couple shared a home in Cornwall and briefly split in 2015 before reuniting. They officially ended their relationship in 2017.
- Amanda Cronin: Ridgeley was later linked to Amanda Cronin, founder of Amanda Caroline Skincare. Their relationship ended in May 2023.
Family
Ridgeley’s family heritage reflects a unique cultural blend. His parents are:
- Jennifer Ridgeley: Of Scottish descent.
- Alberto Ridgeley: Of Italian and Egyptian heritage, originally known as Zacharia before changing the family surname to Ridgeley.
He also has a brother, Paul Ridgeley, with whom he shares a close bond.
Age, Height, and Physical Presence
As of 2024, Andrew Ridgeley is 61 years old. He stands tall at 6’0″ (1.82 meters).
Throughout his career, Ridgeley’s physical presence and charisma contributed to Wham!’s stage appeal, complementing George Michael’s magnetic energy.
Fan Engagement and Social Media Presence
In today’s digital age, Andrew Ridgeley stays connected with fans through social media platforms. He actively engages with followers by sharing updates and insights into his life and career.
| Platform | Profile Name | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| @AndrewRidgeley | 50,000+ | |
| @andrew_ridgeley | 200,000+ | |
| Andrew Ridgeley Official | 150,000+ | |
| TikTok | @AndrewRidgeley | 30,000+ |
Ridgeley’s ongoing engagement highlights his commitment to maintaining relationships with fans worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth as of 2024?
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is approximately $40 million, primarily from Wham!’s record sales and royalties.
How did Andrew Ridgeley gain fame?
Ridgeley gained fame as one half of Wham!, alongside George Michael, releasing hits like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” and “Careless Whisper”.
What are Wham!’s most popular songs?
Some of Wham!’s most iconic songs include:
- “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”
- “Careless Whisper”
- “Last Christmas”
- “Freedom”
Did Andrew Ridgeley have a solo career?
Yes, Ridgeley released a solo album, *
Son of Albert*, in 1990, though it did not achieve commercial success.
Is Andrew Ridgeley married?
No, Ridgeley is not currently married. He was in a long-term relationship with Keren Woodward and later dated Amanda Cronin.
Who was Andrew Ridgeley married to?
Andrew Ridgeley was married to Keren Woodward, a member of the pop group Bananarama.
How does Andrew Ridgeley earn money?
Andrew Ridgeley earns money through his music career, songwriting royalties, and his involvement in Wham’s legacy, as well as occasional business ventures.
Has Andrew Ridgeley children?
Yes, Andrew Ridgeley has two children with his former wife, Keren Woodward.
What is Andrew Ridgley’s net worth?
Andrew Ridgeley’s net worth is estimated at around $40 million.
Who was at George Michael’s funeral?
George Michael’s funeral was attended by family and close friends, including celebrities like Elton John, Mark Ronson, Fadi Fawaz, and others.
What was George Michael’s cause of death?
George Michael passed away due to natural causes, with his official cause of death being heart failure.
Who owns the rights to Wham songs?
The rights to Wham songs are owned by George Michael’s estate and the music publishing company Sony/ATV.
Why didn’t Wham make money?
Despite their massive success, Wham’s financial earnings were reportedly affected by poor management and a lack of control over their contracts, leading to significant financial struggles at certain points.
Who did George Michael leave his money to?
George Michael left the majority of his fortune to his family, including his sisters, and a large portion to charitable causes.
Who is Pepsi from Wham married to?
Pepsi DeMacque, a member of Wham’s backing group, is not currently married. She was previously in a long-term relationship but is not publicly married at this time.
What happened to Wham’s partner?
Andrew Ridgeley, George Michael’s partner in Wham, continued to pursue a solo music career and has maintained a relatively low-key life since the band’s breakup.
Did George Michael have kids?
No, George Michael did not have any children.
Why did Wham break up?
Wham broke up in 1986 because George Michael wanted to focus on his solo career, and both he and Andrew Ridgeley felt they had achieved all they could together as a band.
Conclusion
Andrew Ridgeley remains an enduring figure in pop culture, with a net worth of $40 million in 2024. From his iconic role in Wham! to ongoing royalties and entrepreneurial ventures, Ridgeley’s career exemplifies lasting success. His contributions to music, paired with his personal charm, ensure his legacy lives on for generations to come.
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