George Michael regarded Motown as a major influence on his songwriting and musical development, despite Wham!’s glossy 1980s pop image. His admiration led to the duo appearing on the 1985 television special *Motown Returns to the Apollo*, where Michael was especially proud to perform with Stevie Wonder.

Michael initially agreed to sing “Careless Whisper” with Smokey Robinson, then requested Wonder as an additional collaborator, assuming it would be unlikely. Wonder accepted, and they performed “Love’s In Need Of Love Today”; the song became the show’s finale after Wonder developed a speech around it, symbolising the connection between Motown’s classic era and Wham!’s pop success.