Rod Stewart received a heartwarming surprise at the 2025 American Music Awards. Five of his eight children appeared onstage to present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. On Monday night, the British rock legend was honored ahead of his upcoming farewell tour.
His children—Kimberly, Ruby, Renee, Sean, and Liam—joined forces for the surprise tribute. Ruby revealed their affectionate nickname for him. “Tonight we are here as the biggest and most loving fans of our father, Sir Rod Stewart, or as we all know him, Papa Stew,” she shared.
Stewart was clearly moved. He embraced his children on stage and expressed his shock during his acceptance speech. “I am absolutely flabbergasted.
Stewart’s emotional AMAs surprise
I didn’t know they were here—my children,” he told the audience. Reflecting on his decades-long career, he added, “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.”
Dressed in a white tuxedo jacket and pinstripe trousers, Stewart also took the stage to perform his 1988 hit “Forever Young.” It marked his first American Music Awards performance since 2004. Other performers throughout the night included Janet Jackson, who performed on TV for the first time in seven years.
Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, and Blake Shelton also took the stage. Billie Eilish swept the awards, winning all seven categories she was nominated in. These included artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year, favorite touring artist, favorite female pop artist, favorite pop album, and favorite pop song.
The 2025 American Music Awards were hosted by Jennifer Lopez. They were broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
