It’s a testimony to George Michael’s long and prolific career that he performed a 2 1/2-hour show at the United Center and still didn’t sing all of his hits. There was no ‘Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go’ and there was no ‘I Want Your Sex,’ for instance.

But make no mistake: Michael certainly kept concertgoers more than satisfied in a packed arena July 9.

He promised the audience that he would ‘work [his] arse off,’ and he certainly did. Starting off with the ’90s hit ‘Fastlove,’ Michael—who is touring to support his greatest-hits compilation, Twenty Five, which includes songs he did as part of the duo Wham!—kept the groove going (and the crowd dancing) with songs such as ‘Hard Day,’ ‘I’m Your Man’ and ‘Star People.’ The dancing continued after intermission as he kicked off the second half with ‘Faith,’ and sang hip-shakers like ‘Flawless (Go to the City).’ The openly gay crooner also sang ‘Amazing’ and ‘Outside’ after commenting on California’s recent decision to allow same-sex marraige.

However, for all the grooving, there were also several laid-back moments. For instance, Michael performed a jazzy bit that included ‘Kissing A Fool’ and an intriguing cover of The Police’s ‘Roxanne.’ He also included songs such as ‘One More Try,’ ‘Father Figure,’ ‘A Different Corner’ and a very poignant cover of Roberta Flack’s ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.’ When the saxophone started on ‘Careless Whisper,’ the collective sigh of the attendees filled the United Center.

Of course, it’s not a true show without an encore, and—after an exhortation from the crowd that included the lights of a thousand cell phones—Michael actually had two, ending with ‘Freedom ’90.’

Michael’s voice was definitely in good form, although he eschewed the high notes, letting the eager audience (attempt to) hit them instead.

Unlike a lot of pop-music performers, Michael did not have fancy backdrops; the relatively simple concept employed three screens behind him that showed vivid images of everything from burlesque to vintage music videos. Nor did he have a cadre of backup dancers, relying instead on a small group of talented backup singers and an impressive band.

Unlike a lot of pop-music performers, however, Michael didn’t need the bells and whistles. He carried the show with charm and a fine voice.

E-mail Andrew Davis at Andrew@WindyCityTimes.com.