George Michael Plans First US Tour in 17 Years

(Getty Images)

British pop singer, George Michael, announced on Monday plans to launch his first tour of the United States and Canada in 17 years, beginning June 17 at the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, Ca.  Tickets go on sale April 6.

The 22-date arena tour will run through August 3. While his international appeal remains strong, Michael's popularity in the US has weakened over the past decade, although his last album, 2004's Patience, peaked at no.12 thanks to an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Michael, 44, rose to fame in the early 1980s as one half of the singing sensation Wham! and later released his solo debut album, 1987's Faith, which sold an excess of 10 million copies in the US. Hit singles on that album included "Father Figure", "I Want Your Sex" and the title track, "Faith".

Michael's career took a downward spiral in 1998, when he was arrested for lewd conduct in Beverly Hills, causing him to disclose that he was gay.

His upcoming North American tour will promote a double-disc hits set. "Twenty-Five" is scheduled for U.S. release on April 1.