Rod Stewart to take center stage with lifetime achievement tribute at 2025 AMAs In a year already shaping up to celebrate music’s most l

In a year already shaping up to celebrate music’s most legendary icons, the 2025 American Music Awards will pay tribute to one of rock’s most enduring voices. Sir Rod Stewart, the British rock star whose raspy vocals and flamboyant stage presence defined multiple generations, is set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony. Even more exciting for fans: Stewart will also perform live — his first AMAs appearance in over 20 years.

Announced on May 20 by CBS and Dick Clark Productions, the honor marks a crowning moment for Stewart, now 80, whose contributions to music have remained as timeless as the songs he’s released over six decades. The awards show, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, will air live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas on Monday, May 26.

A voice that defined an era

Sir Rod Stewart’s name has long been synonymous with some of the most iconic rock and pop songs of the late 20th century. From the soulful melancholy of “Maggie May” to the disco-fueled swagger of “Do You Think I’m Sexy,” Stewart has proven his versatility again and again. With over 50 songs charting on the Billboard Hot 100 — including 16 that reached the top 10 — his place in music history is undisputed.

This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes more than chart success. According to Barry Adelman and Alexi Mazareas, executive producers at Dick Clark Productions, the decision to honor Stewart goes beyond his commercial accomplishments: “Sir Rod Stewart is a master showman whose charisma and energy have defied time and embody the very spirit of rock and roll,” the producers noted in a joint statement. “We are looking forward to another epic performance on the AMAs stage as well as celebrating his incredible body of work.”

A long-awaited return to the AMAs stage

Stewart’s return to the American Music Awards stage will be a significant moment for both fans and the industry. It’s been over two decades since he last performed at the AMAs, and this year’s appearance is expected to be nothing short of nostalgic. While the exact song hasn’t been revealed, the show’s producers teased that the performance will feature one of his “timeless classics.”

With his energetic showmanship and signature raspy vocals, Stewart has a way of turning every performance into a spectacle — whether he’s belting out emotional ballads or dancefloor anthems. At 80, he shows no signs of slowing down.

A year of milestones and final tours

The Lifetime Achievement Award is just one of several major milestones for Stewart this year. The singer is also scheduled to perform at Glastonbury Festival, becoming one of the oldest artists to headline the iconic stage. Following that, he’ll embark on the North American leg of his “One Last Time” World Tour, billed as a farewell to his global touring days.

In addition to his festival and tour appearances, Stewart will continue his residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with shows slated for May, June, September, and October. For fans old and new, 2025 offers several opportunities to witness a living legend in action.

A night to celebrate icons

Stewart won’t be the only music legend honored at the 2025 AMAs. Also receiving accolades is Janet Jackson, who will be presented with the ICON Award, a distinction given to artists whose music has made “undeniable cultural and global influence.” At 58, Jackson will make her first televised performance since 2018 — a major moment for her fans and a highlight of the evening’s programming.

The star-studded lineup for the awards show also includes performances by Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp, promising a dynamic mix of generational talent.

Why Rod Stewart still matters

Rod Stewart’s music has remained relevant not just because of catchy hooks or record sales — but because of his authenticity. His lyrics often reflect stories of love, heartbreak, rebellion, and redemption, themes that transcend generations. His style, once deemed too flashy or provocative, has become part of his signature appeal.

For a new generation discovering his music through streaming platforms, Stewart represents a golden era of rock — one where artists poured their soul into every note, and where the boundary between rock star and storyteller was beautifully blurred. This Lifetime Achievement Award is more than a trophy — it’s a recognition of Stewart’s ability to adapt, connect, and continue to inspire audiences across eras.

As anticipation builds for the 2025 American Music Awards, there’s no doubt that Sir Rod Stewart’s return to the spotlight will be a major highlight. His voice, his spirit, and his charisma have made a lasting mark on music — and at 80, he’s still proving that true rock legends never fade away. The AMAs air Monday, May 26 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+. Don’t miss the chance to watch history in the making.