- Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Rod Stewart received a touching surprise at the 2025 American Music Awards when five of his eight children joined him onstage to present his Lifetime Achievement Award, sharing an emotional family moment and revealing his sweet nickname.
By: Vibhuti Pathak
Rod Stewart was left speechless and visibly emotional after receiving an unexpected tribute from five of his children at the 2025 American Music Awards, held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The British rock icon was honored with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award on Monday (26) night, ahead of his much-anticipated farewell tour.
In a heartwarming moment, Kimberly, Ruby, Renee, Sean, and Liam Stewart stepped onto the stage to present the award to their father, catching the legendary singer completely off guard. The children affectionately referred to him by his family nickname, “Papa Stew,” a detail revealed by daughter Ruby during their tribute speech.
“Tonight we are here as the biggest and most loving fans of our father, Sir Rod Stewart, or as we all know him, Papa Stew,” she said to roaring applause.
Rod Stewart was clearly touched, embracing his children and addressing the audience with heartfelt words. “I am absolutely flabbergasted. I didn’t know they were here—my children,” he said.
Reflecting on his storied career, which began in the early 1960s, Stewart shared, “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.”
Dressed sharply in a white tuxedo jacket and pinstripe trousers, the 79-year-old legend later took the stage to perform his beloved 1988 hit “Forever Young,” marking his first AMA performance in over two decades—the last one being in 2004.
The night also celebrated another music icon, Janet Jackson, who performed live on television for the first time in seven years and was honored with the prestigious Icon Award for her decades-long impact on the global music scene.
Other notable performances throughout the evening included appearances by Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, Benson Boone, and more.
The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez, proved to be a star-studded celebration of music, emotion, and legacy. Rising to the top was Billie Eilish, who dominated the night by sweeping all seven categories she was nominated in, including Artist of the Year and Album of the Year.
Rod Stewart’s touching moment with his children added a personal, unforgettable touch to a night already rich with performances and honors, reminding fans why he remains a timeless legend of rock ‘n’ roll.
