Rod Stewart was caught completely off guard at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs) when five of his children made a surprise appearance to honor him.
The 80,year,old music legend received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the ceremony on May 26, and the emotional moment turned unforgettable when Kimberly, Sean, Ruby, Renee, and Liam Stewart walked on stage to present the trophy.
“I am absolutely flabbergasted. I didn’t know they were here , my children,” Rod said, clearly emotional after embracing each of them in front of the packed audience.
In his speech, the ‘Maggie May’ singer looked back on his early days in music. “When I started singing in the early ’60s, well before all of you lot were here, the reason I got into it [was] because I had this burning ambition to sing. It’s all I wanted to do. I didn’t want to be rich or famous, and here I am a few years later, picking up this wonderful award.”
Rod also performed his fan,favorite song ‘Forever Young’ and paid tribute to his own musical heroes, giving shout-outs to Sam Cooke, Muddy Waters, and David Ruffin.
The night was full of emotional highs, star-studded performances, and big wins. Billie Eilish dominated the awards, taking home all seven of her nominations. Her album Hit Me Hard and Soft won both Album of the Year and Favourite Pop Album, while Birds of a Feather landed her Song of the Year and Favourite Pop Song. Billie also bagged Artist of the Year, Favourite Female Pop Artist, and Favourite Touring Artist.
She wasn’t there in person but sent video messages thanking fans for their support.
Jennifer Lopez made a flashy return as host for the first time in ten years, kicking off the show with a dance medley of 23 of the year’s biggest songs.
Another standout moment was Janet Jackson receiving the Icon Award. In a humble speech, she said, “My family, myself, our dream wasn’t ever to be famous. We weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing and singing, and fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.”
Here are some of the night’s key winners:
Artist of the Year: Billie Eilish
Album of the Year: Billie Eilish , Hit Me Hard and Soft
Song of the Year: Billie Eilish ,Birds of a Feather
Favourite Touring Artist: Billie Eilish
Favourite Hip-Hop Album: Eminem ,The Death Of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce)
Favourite Country Album: Beyoncé ,Cowboy Carter
Favourite Rock Album: Twenty One Pilots ,Clancy
Rod Stewart’s Lifetime Achievement Award was the night’s most heartfelt highlight, combining legacy, surprise, and genuine emotion. A perfect reminder that some things , like the joy of music and family , never get old.
