By Mateo Rivera, Senior Arts Correspondent
LAS VEGAS, NV — May 21, 2025 — Iconic British rock star Rod Stewart is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), marking a grand return to the stage after more than two decades. This prestigious honor recognizes his extraordinary impact on the music industry and his decades-long contribution to global music culture.
The AMAs, one of music’s most celebrated nights, will be broadcast live from the opulent Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday, May 26, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by global entertainer Jennifer Lopez, adding even more glamour and star power to an already glittering lineup.
A Rock Legend’s Triumphant Return
Rod Stewart, now 80, is known for his signature raspy voice and electrifying stage presence. His discography spans numerous chart-topping singles including “Maggie May,” “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and “Forever Young.” With a career spanning nearly 60 years, Stewart has earned his place as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Throughout his illustrious career, Stewart has placed more than 50 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, with 16 reaching the Top 10. His influence on both pop and rock genres remains undeniable, inspiring generations of artists and musicians around the world.
This year’s AMAs will be the first time Stewart performs at the awards since 2004, making the night an even more momentous occasion for fans and fellow artists alike.
Celebrating a Life in Music
Rod Stewart’s journey from singing in the streets of London to selling over 250 million records worldwide is the stuff of legend. He has received countless accolades throughout his career, including Grammy Awards, Brit Awards, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—not once, but twice. In 2016, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to music and charity, becoming Sir Rod Stewart.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a crowning jewel in a career already full of triumphs. It pays tribute not just to his commercial success but also to his lasting legacy in shaping the sound and soul of modern music.
Star-Studded Lineup at the 2025 AMAs
In addition to Stewart’s much-anticipated performance, the AMAs will feature a robust lineup of musical legends and current chart-toppers. Janet Jackson will take the stage to receive the ICON Award and deliver her first televised performance in nearly seven years. Country favorites Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani will also perform, alongside other artists such as Gloria Estefan, Lainey Wilson, and Benson Boone.
The show promises a diverse mix of genres and generations, creating a vibrant celebration of musical excellence and enduring talent.
Still Rocking: Stewart’s Ongoing Tour
Even at 80, Stewart shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently headlining his “One Last Time” tour, a retrospective journey through his extensive catalog of hits. The tour includes a residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, as well as stops across North America and Europe.
His enduring popularity is evident in the packed venues and sold-out shows, as fans old and new gather to witness a living legend in action.
A Night to Remember
As anticipation builds for the 2025 AMAs, Stewart’s Lifetime Achievement Award is poised to be a defining moment of the evening. For long-time fans, it’s a nostalgic reminder of an artist whose voice has soundtracked their lives. For newer generations, it’s an introduction to a man whose music shaped decades and continues to inspire.
This celebration of Rod Stewart’s life and legacy ensures that the 2025 American Music Awards will be a night for the ages—an emotional, joyful, and star-studded salute to one of music’s true greats.
