American Music Awards Takes Pop Culture Deep Dive For 50th Anniversary Special
The American Music Awards 50th Anniversary special spotlighted talent that amplified pop culture movements of the last five decades. The program aired on Sunday (Oct. 6) with performances, interviews, archival footage, and a handful of special appearances.
Within its two-hour airtime, the 2024 AMAs recognized iconic moments that have defined the awards show and shaped pop culture at large, with acknowledgment to Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Lionel Richie, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Dr. Dre, Aretha Franklin, Toby Keith, Willie Nelson, Diana Ross, and more.
Performers at this year’s festivities included Brad Paisley, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Green Day, Jennifer Hudson, Kane Brown, Mariah Carey, Nelly, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, RAYE, Sheila E., and Stray Kids. Carrie Underwood, Cedric The Entertainer, Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Kimmel, Kate Hudson, Lance Bass, Reba McEntire, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson also graced the stage.
Highlights from the affair include two-time AMA nominee Sheila E. taking the stage alongside Chaka Khan to close the show with a spirited rendition of Khan’s timeless anthem “I’m Every Woman.” Gladys Knight, a seven-time AMA winner, performed “Midnight Train To Georgia” 50 years after her debut while Jennifer Hudson — joined by original members of Whitney Houston’s band — sung a tribute performance of “I Loves You, Porgy” as well as her hit song “I Will Always Love You.” A reunion of Nelly and the St. Lunatics with Chingy and J-Kwon also took place.
The American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted award show, is set to return on Memorial Day weekend, May 2025, on CBS. Take a look inside this year’s celebration below.
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