Rod Stewart was „absolutely flabbergasted“ to be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award by his children at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs).
Five of the Maggie May singer’s eight children – Kimberly, 45, Sean, 44, Ruby, 37, Renee, 32, and Liam, 30 – took to the stage at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas on Monday night to introduce their father.
While accepting the prestigious award, Rod noted he was very surprised to see his family at the event.
„I am absolutely flabbergasted. I didn’t know they were here – my children,“ he told the audience. „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.“
Still appearing shocked, Rod went on to praise artists such as Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, and Muddy Waters for influencing his music.
„I’m so f**king overwhelmed,“ the 80-year-old continued.
Following his emotional speech, Rod performed an energetic rendition of his 1988 song Forever Young.
Prior to the show, Dick Clark Productions executive producers Alexi Mazareas and Barry Adelman praised the rocker’s longevity in the entertainment industry.
„Sir Rod Stewart is a master showman whose charisma and energy have defied time and embody the very spirit of rock and roll,“ they said in a statement. „We are looking forward to another epic performance on the AMAs stage as well as celebrating his incredible body of work when he receives the Lifetime Achievement Award.“
Rod has a string of concert dates lined up as part of his One Last Time Tour, with his next show to take place at The Colosseum Theater at Caesars Palace on Thursday.