Rod Stewart Left Stunned by Unexpected Moment with His Children at the AMAs

The rock legend's historic night turned unexpectedly emotional when a heartfelt surprise unfolded onstage at the American Music Awards.

Sir Rod Stewart received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 American Music Awards, held on May 26 in Las Vegas. This honor recognizes his more than six decades in the music industry.

Yet, the night took a heartwarming turn when five of his eight children unexpectedly joined the stage to present the award, catching the 80-year-old singer completely off guard and delivering one of the evening's most memorable moments.

The celebration took place at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, where Stewart's remarkable career and enduring impact on the music world were recognized with thunderous applause.

As the singer prepared to accept his award, he was met instead by a touching reunion. Kimberly, Sean, Ruby, Renee, and Liam Stewart—five of his children—appeared at the podium to introduce their father and pay tribute to his legacy.

Speaking on behalf of her siblings, Ruby addressed the audience with heartfelt words: "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. Some guys may have all the luck and some remain forever young, but our father is so much more than that."

She went on to highlight his grit, passion, and lasting influence on music. Her sister, Renee, followed, introducing a video montage of their father's career.

With over 120 million albums sold globally and 16 Top 10 hits in the U.S. alone, Stewart's influence spans generations.

From his early days with the Jeff Beck group and The Faces to his solo stardom, Rod has continuously reinvented himself, crossing genres from rock and soul to dance and the American songbook.

The montage also noted that even now, at 80, Rod remains an electrifying live performer, currently thrilling audiences at his Las Vegas residency and planning an ambitious "One Last Time" tour lasting 80 days.

"Sir Rod Stewart forever defines what it means to be a true rock star for generations of enduring fans everywhere," the montage declared.

After the video ended, Kimberly exclaimed, "Congratulations, Dad. We love you," as the rock star took the stage.

When he was finally in front of the microphone, he was visibly overwhelmed. "I am absolutely flabbergasted. I didn't know they were here," he exclaimed. Joking about his large family, he quipped, "I didn't have a television! That was a little joke."

The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable as he continued. He admitted that when he began singing in the early 1960s, it was driven solely by passion, not a desire for wealth or fame. He stated, "That's all I wanted to do." He then expressed his thanks for receiving the award.

Furthermore, Rod used the moment to recognize the many musical influences who shaped his path, naming Sam Cooke, David Ruffin, and Muddy Waters as key inspirations.

He ended his speech by inviting the audience to his nearby Caesar's Palace residency and teasing, "It's not easy being me, you know. So I'll go over and sing 'Forever Young' for you now. Thank you."

The emotional moment served as a powerful reflection of the family bonds that continue to support the rock star despite his fast-paced, extravagant life.

Though his lifestyle includes luxuries such as a LaFerrari, a mansion in Essex, and a private plane, he remains grounded in the values passed down from his own parents. He often speaks with admiration about his upbringing and admits he is more lenient with his children than his father was with him.

In a 2023 interview with Haute Living, he proudly discussed his children. He stated that none of them had gotten into serious trouble. He also mentioned that a couple had experimented with substances, but those issues were now resolved.

His family includes children from past relationships and his current marriage to Penny Lancaster Stewart. His oldest child is Sarah Stewart, who is 61. Next in the line of kids are Kimberly, 45, and Sean, 44, followed by Ruby, 37, Renee, 32, and Liam, 30.

His youngest, Alastair, 19, and Aiden Stewart, 14, are with Lancaster, his wife of 16 years. Though Rod spends much of his time touring, he has expressed that being with his family is a "wonderful luxury" he deeply treasures.

The surprise appearance by his children at the AMAs not only honored his enduring musical contributions but also celebrated the personal legacy he has built over the years.

And as Rod Stewart closed the night with a performance of “Forever Young,” it was clear to everyone in attendance that, in many ways, he truly is.

Check out Rod's moments from last night's AMAs: