Rod Stewart Stuns with Emotional “Forever Young” Performance at the American Music Awards
Los Angeles, CA – In a night filled with glitz, glamour, and musical milestones, one performance at the American Music Awards (AMA) stood out as a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment: legendary rock icon Rod Stewart took the stage to deliver a soul-stirring rendition of his timeless anthem, “Forever Young.” The crowd, spanning generations of fans and fellow musicians, was left in awe as Stewart’s raspy vocals and heartfelt delivery turned the spotlight into something magical.
At 7, Stewart proved that charisma, stage presence, and vocal power are truly ageless. Clad in a sleek black-and-gold sequined blazer draped over a crisp white shirt, he stepped onto the stage with the same swagger that first made him famous over five decades ago. His signature spiky blonde hair-still as iconic as the first time he stepped into the limelight-caught the lights in a shimmering halo as the opening chords of “Forever Young” began to play.
The crowd erupted in applause even before the first lyric was sung. As the soft yet driving beat of the track filled the auditorium, a hush of reverence fell over the audience. Stewart’s voice-gravelly, rich with decades of life lived, and instantly recognizable poured through the speakers like a wave of nostalgia. But this was no mere throwback: this was a moment of living history.
Backed by a full band that included a string section and gospel-style backup singers, Stewart delivered the song with a mixture of grace and grit. Behind him, the screen displayed a montage of black-and-white photographs: snapshots of children playing, soldiers returning home, and aging couples holding hands. It was a visual tribute to the song’s universal themes-hope, protection, and the wish for eternal youth of the soul.
“,his one’s for everyone who’s still dreaming, still fighting, still loving,” Stewart said mid-song, prompting a fresh wave of cheers from the audience.
Celebrities in attendance could be seen singing along, some visibly emotional. Taylor Swift, seated in the front row, wiped away a tear. Lionel Richie gave a standing ovation halfway through the performance, and even the notoriously stoic Billie Eilish was seen mouthing the lyrics under her breath.
“Forever Young,” first released in .983, remains one of Stewart’s most beloved tracks. Though written during a time of personal reflection as a father, its message has since transcended generations. Tonight’s performance only reinforced the song’s place in the canon of classic rock ballads with emotional depth.
After the final note faded, the auditorium sat in silence for a moment-then erupted into thunderous applause. Stewart, visibly moved, smiled and raised a hand in thanks. Though he didn’t speak after the song, the moment spoke volumes.
In a backstage interview shortly afterward, Stewart reflected briefly on the performance: “I’ve sung that song hundreds of times, but tonight it felt different. Maybe it’s the times we’re living in, or maybe it’s just knowing that music still brings us all together. That’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?”
Social media quickly lit up with praise, with #RodStewartForever Young trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes. Fans posted clips of the performance, many calling it “the highlight of the AMAs” and “a masterclass in emotional storytelling through music.” Others praised Stewart’s enduring style, with some younger viewers admitting they were introduced to his music for the first time—and instantly became fans.
“Rod Stewart just took us to church,” one viewer wrote. “That wasn’t just a performance. That was a prayer.”
The AMAs, known for high-energy acts and trendy collaborations, offered something uniquely moving this year with Stewart’s performance. While younger stars lit up the stage with choreography and pyrotechnics, Stewart reminded everyone that sometimes, all you need is a microphone, a message, and a little bit of magic.
As the awards show wrapped up, many were still talking about the moment Stewart walked off the stage. Not because it marked the end of a performance, but because it symbolized something greater: the enduring power of music, and how it can cross ages, genres, and cultures to speak directly to the human spirit.
And if Rod Stewart’s wish in the song is any indication–may we all stay “Forever Young” at heart.
