International Olympic Committee asks George Michael to write theme

Out pop singer George Michael is considering a request from the Athens Olympic Committee to write a theme song for the 2004 Games, a spokeswoman for the artist said Thursday. The 39-year-old's Greek heritage is obvious in his original name, Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou, although he was born in north London. "A request was made by the Athens Olympic Committee to write the theme song for the 2004 Games," said the spokeswoman.

Michael, a former member of the 1980's duo Wham!, has been in the public eye in the past few weeks defending his upcoming single "Shoot the Dog." The song's lyrics criticize British prime minister Tony Blair's relationship with President Bush, and an animated video features Michael in bed with Cherie Blair.

The Athens Olympics will be held in August 2004 and have been subject to their own controversy--with the organizing committee being accused of lagging dangerously behind schedule. Greek government officials told Reuters in June that the games are on track despite minor problems.