Rod Stewart Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award at 2025 AMAs
On May 26, 2025, the American Music Awards took place at the newly opened Fontainebleau Las Vegas, drawing a multigenerational lineup of performers, presenters, and industry legends. The night had plenty of memorable moments, but one of the most meaningful was when Rod Stewart received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Now 80 years old, Stewart remains a defining voice in popular music with his career spanning over six decades.
Rather than receiving the award from fellow musicians or a label executive, Stewart was honored by five of his eight children - Kimberly, Sean, Ruby, Renee, and Liam - who took the stage and addressed him affectionately as “Papa Stew.” The gesture shifted the energy of the night, grounding the event in something more personal than professional recognition.
Stewart’s acceptance speech was humble and direct. He reflected on his early days in London during the 1960s, noting that a desire for fame or stardom never drove his entry into music. He spoke candidly about singing purely out of love for it, crediting soul icons like Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, and Muddy Waters for shaping not only his vocal style but also his understanding of what it means to move people through music.
Later in the ceremony, Stewart returned to the stage to perform “Forever Young,” his 1988 single that remains relevant until today. This marked Stewart’s first AMA performance in over 20 years, and it comes at a time when he’s still actively touring. His ongoing “One Last Time” world tour includes a residency at Caesars Palace.
You can watch Stewart receive the Lifetime Achievement Award below.
