The American Music Awards return this Sunday, October 6, for a special ceremony celebrating the show’s 50th anniversary. This event will pay tribute to the past five decades with performances, interviews, and never-before-seen footage. While this show serves as a tribute to AMAs history, the awards ceremony itself will return in May 2025, after the last two editions (2023 and 2024) were canceled. Here’s everything you need to know about the performers, guests, and how to watch.
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On September 26, CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced a star-studded lineup, featuring global icons and today’s stars. Country legend Brad Paisley, a two-time AMA winner, will honor the late Charley Pride and debut a new single. Chaka Khan will light up the stage with her timeless hit “I’m Every Woman.” Seven-time winner Gladys Knight will make her first AMA appearance since 1974 with “Midnight Train to Georgia,” while Green Day will rock the stage with their new single “Dilemma.” Jennifer Hudson will honor Whitney Houston—one of the all-time top AMA winners with 22 awards—in a heartfelt tribute performance. Five-time AMA winner Kane Brown will celebrate the legacy of country music with both classic and contemporary hits, and Mariah Carey will kick off the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi with a medley of songs from her iconic album.
British star RAYE will perform the James Brown classic “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” following a retrospective on the American Music Award of Merit, previously awarded to legends like Annie Lennox, Billy Joel, James Brown, Prince, and Whitney Houston. K-pop sensation Stray Kids will pay homage to the legacy of boy bands, while Nelly, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Sheila E. also take the stage.
Beyond the performances, the night will feature appearances by Carrie Underwood, one of the top AMA winners with 17 awards, along with former AMA hosts and global superstars Gloria Estefan and Jennifer Lopez. Five-time AMA host and Emmy-winner Jimmy Kimmel will make a special appearance, as well as AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Lance Bass (NSYNC), Cedric The Entertainer, Kate Hudson, Reba McEntire, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson.
Fans can catch the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on October 6th at 8 p.m. ET on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.
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