Grownups Rock the House at the 2025 American Music Awards

50+ stars Rod Stewart, Jennifer Lopez, Janet Jackson, Eminem and Gwen Stefani earned applause and awards at the prestigious music event

Andre Ellington,

AARP

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Published May 27, 2025

different moments of the american music awards show

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Music is often youth-centric, but talents over 50 were very much in the spotlight at the 51st annual American Music Awards show on May 26. Here are the most memorable AMA moments featuring the stars who defy time.

Rod Stewart got the honor (and surprise) of his life

AARP’s current cover star Rod Stewart, 80, knew he was going to receive the AMA Lifetime Achievement Award — but not that it would be presented to him by five of his eight children, whom he didn’t know would attend the show. He said he was “absolutely flabbergasted,” and thanked the elders who inspired him in youth, including Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, and Muddy Waters. He performed an extended version of his 1988 classic rock ballad “Forever Young,” which he wrote in honor of his children. And how does he stay so young? He gave AARP his new regimen: “I drink tons and tons of water. And on tour, don’t go to restaurants where you have to shout…Then I’ll do my vocal warm-up, which takes half an hour, and ride a stationary bike to pump my legs up. I do like to have a drink before I go on, I admit that. One rum and Coke. Can’t remember the last time I got drunk. And the drugs are long gone.”

Jennifer Lopez kicks off the AMAs in style

Lopez, 55, opened the 2025 show with an electrifying performance that also proved age is only a number. Dazzling in sequins, she sang and performed a dance routine to 23 of the biggest musical hits of 2025, featuring chart-toppers including Beyonce, Bruno Mars, and Lady Gaga, who all took home awards. The veteran singer-songwriter shared a remarkably steamy exchange with a few of her background dancers during the energetic dance montage. Lopez is currently preparing for a Las Vegas residency titled “Up All Night Live” that will run through 2026.

Janet Jackson took us all down memory lane

Attired in a jacket, T-shirt, and baggy jeans, which resembled a look she helped make popular in the 1990s, Jackson, 59, did a tightly choreographed performance of her 2000s hit singles “Someone To Call My Lover” and “All For You.” She accepted the 2025 Icon Award at the AMAs, but protested, “I don’t consider myself an icon.” The cheering crowd clearly disagreed. “My family, myself, our dream was to… it wasn’t ever to be famous. We weren’t raised like that. We always had a special love for music, dancing, and singing. Fame came with the result of hard work and dedication.” Far from retired, Jackson is currently performing in a Las Vegas residency that runs through September 2025.

Eminem earned an unexpected honor

In a major upset victory over the predicted frontrunner Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, 52, won his first AMA honor in over a decade — actually two, Favorite Male Hip-Hop Artist and Favorite Hip-Hop Album, for The Death of Slim Shady (Coup De Grâce). On video from his Detroit home, he said, “AMAs, what’s up? Favorite male hip-hop artist, thank you, I appreciate that. I think it’s been 23 years since I won my first AMA and I’m 24 years old. That’s crazy. Seriously, man, thank you to the fans.”

Gwen Stefani sang hits old and new

“Let’s hear it for my one and only, the one and only Gwen Stefani,” said her husband Blake Shelton, introducing Stefani, 55, who predictably sang her current hit “Swallow My Tears.” Then she delighted the audience with unexpected performances of her 2006 hit “The Sweet Escape” and her 2005 No. 1 smash “Hollaback Girl,” with the crown joining in the chorus, “This s— is bananas!”

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