At 80 years old, Sir Rod Stewart proved that age is just a number as he electrified the stage at the 2025 American Music Awards with a soul-stirring performance of “Forever Young.” With his signature silver hair shining under the lights and his unmistakable raspy voice echoing through the hall, Rod reminded the world why he remains one of rock’s most enduring legends.
As the final notes faded, Stewart addressed the crowd with raw sincerity:
“I’ve spent half my life walking on this stage. This award is not for me — it’s for you, the people who have loved me and the music along the way.”
The audience rose in a standing ovation as Rod accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award, a moment that felt more like a shared celebration of decades of music, memories, and connection.
🎤 A Night of Highs and Glitches
Held on May 26 at Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the 2025 AMAs weren’t just a celebration of legendary careers — they also featured emotional new beginnings. Blake Shelton, making his AMA debut, took to the stage (via pre-recorded performance) with his powerful new single, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” from his latest album For Recreational Use Only.
But in a twist of unfortunate timing, the broadcast suffered a technical glitch during Shelton’s performance — the audio dropped out entirely, leaving TV viewers with only silent visuals of Blake singing, while the sound of pre-recorded applause oddly continued. Though fans at home missed the full impact of his heartfelt delivery, the moment still resonated with those in attendance.
🇺🇸 A Tribute to Veterans and a Nod to Love
Before the performance, Blake took a moment to honor veterans in recognition of Memorial Day, bringing an emotional layer to the evening. Then, in a romantic turn, he introduced Gwen Stefani with glowing words:
“She’s the winning artist that I truly love. Please welcome, my one and only — Gwen Stefani.”
Gwen then wowed the crowd with a high-energy 20th anniversary mashup of her iconic album Love. Angel. Music. Baby., performing hits like “Swallow My Tears,”“The Sweet Escape,” and “Hollaback Girl.”
🎶 Legacy Meets New Chapters
Despite the technical hiccup, Blake Shelton’s performance was widely praised for its emotional tone and patriotic message. For Shelton, the evening marked not only his first-ever AMA performance, but a memorable milestone in his career.
As for Rod Stewart, his Lifetime Achievement honor served as a poignant reminder that some voices — and the hearts behind them — only grow stronger with time.
