Rod Stewart received a heartwarming surprise at the 2025 American Music Awards where five of his eight children appeared onstage to help present him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
On Monday night, the British rock legend was honored ahead of his upcoming farewell tour. His kids -- Kimberly, Ruby, Renee, Sean and Liam -- joined forces for the surprise tribute, with Ruby revealing their affectionate nickname for him.
"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 shared.
Clearly moved, Stewart embraced his children on stage and expressed his shock during his acceptance speech.
Rod Stewart assures fans he isn't abandoning rock 'n' roll: 'I shall never retire'"I am absolutely flabbergasted. I didn't know they were here -- my children," he told the audience.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, he added, "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 in a white tuxedo jacket and pinstripe trousers, Stewart also took the stage to perform his 1988 hit "Forever Young," marking his first American Music Awards performance since 2004.
Janet Jackson was also recognized at the event, receiving the prestigious Icon Award.
Other performers throughout the night included Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Gwen Stefani, Benson Boone, Blake Shelton, and more.
Billie Eilish swept the awards, winning all seven categories she was nominated in: artist of the year, album of the year, song of the year, favorite touring artist, favorite female pop artist, favorite pop album and favorite pop song.
The 2025 American Music Awards were hosted by Jennifer Lopez and broadcast live from the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
