Rod Stewart Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at American Music Awards

Hannah Foster
May 27, 2025
Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year's American Music Awards, presented by his children. He performed "Forever Young" and reflected on his career, stating his initial ambition was simply to sing. Janet Jackson also received the Icon Award at the ceremony.
Rod Stewart Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at American Music Awards

Rock legend Rod Stewart cemented his iconic status at this year's American Music Awards, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in a heartwarming ceremony marked by family surprises and show-stopping performances. The 79-year-old singer, known for timeless anthems like Maggie May and Forever Young, was honored during a star-studded event that doubled as a celebration of his enduring influence on music.  


Five of Stewart's eight children took the stage to present their father with the award, affectionately dubbing him "Papa Stew" during the emotional tribute. Visibly moved, Stewart expressed shock at seeing his family assembled for the occasion. "I'm flabbergasted," he remarked, highlighting the rarity of having so many of his children in one place.  


The Scottish-born artist then delivered a vibrant performance of Forever Young, blending his signature raspy vocals with a dynamic stage setup featuring tap dancers, fiddlers, and Irish step dancers. The show marked his return to the AMAs stage after nearly two decades, proving his enduring appeal to generations of fans.  


During his acceptance speech, Stewart reflected on his six-decade career, tracing his journey back to humble beginnings. "When I started singing in the early '60s, long before many of you were born, my only ambition was to share my voice," he shared. "Fame and wealth weren't the goal—music was my true calling. To stand here now with this honor is beyond anything I dreamed."

Spanning rock, pop, and soul, Stewart's catalog includes chart-toppers like Hot Legs and Infatuation, earning him dual inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. With his upcoming One Last Time North American tour set to launch this summer, the Grammy winner shows no signs of slowing down.  


"Rod Stewart embodies the heart of rock 'n' roll—a visionary performer whose energy transcends eras," praised AMAs producers in a press statement, emphasizing his unmatched stage presence.  


The 2023 AMAs also celebrated another pop icon: Janet Jackson received the prestigious Icon Award. The Rhythm Nation superstar electrified the audience with a career-spanning medley, including fan favorites like Someone to Call My Lover, underscoring her own lasting impact on music and culture.  


Stewart's Lifetime Achievement Award not only honors his past accomplishments but also shines a light on his ongoing contributions to the industry. As he gears up for his farewell tour, the legendary artist continues to inspire both peers and new artists, proving true talent only grows richer with time.