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.
The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, held at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, balanced tributes, debuts, and career milestones. Lady Gaga turned her evening into a cross-town performance piece, the late Ozzy Osbourne was remembered with a rock-heavy salute, Sabrina Carpenter and Sombr marked turning points in their careers,... Read More »
Rod Stewart has postponed his Las Vegas residency performance at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, originally scheduled for June 1, due to illness. The news came just hours before showtime, with Stewart addressing fans directly on Instagram to explain the last-minute decision. “I’m so sorry,” he wrote in a brief... Read More »
Gwen Stefani returned to the American Music Awards stage on May 26 with a performance that bridged the past and present, celebrating the 20th anniversary of her debut solo album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., Stefani opened her set with “Swallow My Tears,” a recent track from her latest record Bouquet.... Read More »
Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the 51st American Music Awards celebrated artists from across the musical spectrum, recognizing both established hitmakers and emerging talent who defined the sound of the past year. Leading the night was Billie Eilish, who took home several of the evening’s top awards. She was named Artist... Read More »
