The American Music Awards 50th Anniversary brought together the biggest names in music for a night to remember, filled with chart-topping hits and timeless throwbacks.
On Sunday, stars like Jennifer Hudson, Brad Paisley, Chaka Khan, Nelly, Raye, Stray Kids and more delivered show-stopping performances that had the audience on their feet.
The milestone event opened with Gladys Knight, who dazzled in a black glittering ensemble as she sang her classic hit Midnight Train to Georgia, which won her a Grammy in 1973. The 80-year-old legend set the tone for a night of musical celebration.
Green Day kept the energy high with a powerful performance of their new single Dilemma from their latest album Saviors.
However, it was Mariah Carey who sent the crowd into a frenzy with her incredible stage presence, embodying the glamour and charisma of a true legend.
The American Music Awards 50th Anniversary brought together the biggest names in music for a night to remember, including Mariah Carey (L) and Jennifer Hudson (R)
Mariah sent the crowd into a frenzy with her incredible performance, embodying the glamour and charisma of a true legend
In a heartfelt tribute to Nina Simone, Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning rendition of I Loves You Porgy, moving the audience with her emotional depth
Dazzling in a white satin gown with a striking black back, the iconic singer captivated the audience as she performed her 2005 hit
Next, Kane Brown took the stage, captivating the crowd with his infectious track Miles On It, keeping the momentum going with his lively performance.
In a heartfelt tribute to Nina Simone, Jennifer Hudson delivered a stunning rendition of I Loves You Porgy, moving the audience with her emotional depth.
She then paid homage to Whitney Houston, belting out a breathtaking performance of the iconic I Will Always Love You, bringing the crowd to a standstill.
Jennifer Lopez made a special appearance to reminisce about her love for the American Music Awards.
Throughout her illustrious career, she has graced the AMA stage numerous times with unforgettable performances, solidifying her status as a music and entertainment icon.
Korean band Stray Kids delivered an electrifying performance of their hit Chk Chk Boom, captivating the audience before seamlessly transitioning into a cover of Bye Bye Bye by *NSYNC.
Singer-songwriter Raye graced the stage to deliver a rendition of James Brown’s 1966 hit It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.
Dazzling in a white satin gown with a striking black back, the iconic singer captivated the audience as she performed her 2005 hit
Mariah Carey has made history at the American Music Awards, with a record 34 wins
She dazzled with a slew of diamond jewelry during the performance
Hudson paid homage to Whitney Houston , belting out a breathtaking performance of the iconic I Will Always Love You, bringing the crowd to a standstill.
The American Idol contestant looked chic in her all-black ensemble
Jennifer Hudson achieved EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, making her one of the few artists to receive all four prestigious awards and solidifying her place as a multi-talented performer
Three-time AMA winner Nelly celebrated hip-hop’s greatest moments with a dynamic performance of his greatest hits at the AMAs, joined by Chingy, J-Kwon, and members of the St. Lunatics.
Nelly is known for his two chart-topping hits on the Billboard Hot 100: Hot in Herre and Dilemma, featuring Kelly Rowland, both of which have become classics in the genre.
Nile Rodgers & CHIC took the stage to perform their iconic Hot 100 hit Le Freak, the best-selling single in Atlantic Records’ history.
They also showcased Rodgers’ collaboration with Daft Punk and Pharrell on Get Lucky, which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 2014.
Rodgers has been honored with inductions into both the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Additionally, two-time AMA nominee Sheila E. joined Chaka Khan to celebrate 50 years of female artistry in music, delivering a powerful rendition of Khan’s 1978 anthem I’m Every Woman.
The awards segment of the AMAs, entirely fan-voted, will return in May 2025.
The long-running awards show, which premiered in 1974, will make its CBS debut after 49 years on ABC.
The last American Music Awards, which aired on ABC in 2022, saw Taylor Swift make history by winning six awards, bringing her career total to an astounding 40 AMAs—the most of any artist ever.
The milestone event opened with Gladys Knight, who dazzled in a black glittering ensemble as she sang her classic hit Midnight Train to Georgia, which won her a Grammy in 1973
. The 80-year-old legend set the tone for a night of musical celebration
Green Day kept the energy high with a powerful performance of their new single Dilemma from their latest album Saviors
Green Day has been a staple at the AMAs over the years
Kane Brown took the stage, captivating the crowd with his infectious track Miles On It, keeping the momentum going with his lively performance
The American Music Awards were established in 1973 by Dick Clark to celebrate and honor the most popular artists and music of the year.
The inaugural ceremony took place on February 19, 1974, at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, where winners were determined by a voting process that relied heavily on the opinions of the public and the record-buying audience.
Over the years, the AMAs have evolved, introducing new categories and reflecting changes in the music industry.
In 1986, the awards adopted a new format that allowed for more viewer participation through a fan-voting system, which remains a hallmark of the event.
