The in-person event was held May 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. This honor arrives as the iconic artist gears up for his planned farewell tour. Jennifer Lopez hosted a colorful and energetic awards ceremony. Broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the event featured a lineup of A-list performances worthy of a heavyweight championship bout.
During the event, Stewart’s five children—Liam, Renee, Kimberly, Ruby, and Sean—surprised him by taking the stage to present the prestigious award. Though Stewart has a total of eight children, it was this second group that stepped into the spotlight to pay tribute to their father.
I’m just totally gobsmacked!” shouted a jubilant Stewart in his emotional acceptance speech. I had no idea my kids were in this group! And as the artists of all genres celebrated him, the musician hugged his children onstage to celebrate what has been a long and successful career.
In an emotional moment, he stated, “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.”
Stewart wowed the audience by performing his 1988 smash hit “Forever Young.” His performance was his first at the American Music Awards since 2004. In an elegant white tuxedo jacket and pinstripe trousers, he charmed the audience with his dance moves and charisma.
The ceremony included a colorful slew of performances by celebrated artists. Among them were Jackson — joined by Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone and Blake Shelton. Billie Eilish made headlines, sweeping all seven categories she was nominated in. At the same time, Janet Jackson was given the night’s highest honor, the Icon Award.
