New Performers and Special Guests Revealed for the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special on CBS
CBS and Dick Clark Productions have unveiled an expanded lineup of performers and special guests for the highly anticipated AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL. Musical icons Nelly, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and Sheila E. are set to join previously announced artists such as Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Green Day, Jennifer Hudson, and Mariah Carey for a night of celebration, honoring five decades of unforgettable moments in music and pop culture.
The star-studded two-hour special will air live coast to coast on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 8:00-10:00 PM ET / 5:00-7:00 PM PT on CBS, also available for streaming on Paramount+.
Newly Announced Performers and Appearances
- Nelly: The three-time AMA winner will honor Hip-Hop’s legacy with a medley of his greatest hits, joined by special guests Chingy, J-Kwon, and members of the St. Lunatics for a memorable performance of iconic Hip-Hop anthems.
- Nile Rodgers & CHIC: The legendary group will bring their timeless funk, disco, and pop sound to the stage with performances of “Le Freak” and the Daft Punk collaboration “Get Lucky,” celebrating the illustrious career of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Nile Rodgers.
- Sheila E.: The two-time AMA nominee will join Chaka Khan in a tribute to the power and influence of female artists, with a dynamic performance of Khan’s anthem, “I’m Every Woman.”
Special Guest Appearances
Entertainment heavyweights such as AJ McLean (Backstreet Boys), Cedric The Entertainer, Kate Hudson, Lance Bass (*NSYNC), Reba McEntire, Samuel L. Jackson, and Smokey Robinson will make special appearances throughout the evening.
Lance Bass celebrated 50 years of iconic moments with a special toast with On The Rocks Premium Cocktails – the official partner of the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special.
Previously Announced Highlights
- Gladys Knight, who performed at the very first AMAs in 1974, returns 50 years later for a moving performance of her iconic hit “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
- Green Day will rock the stage, celebrating the history of Rock music with a performance of their latest hit, “Dilemma.”
- Jennifer Hudson will honor the legacy of 22-time AMA winner Whitney Houston with an emotional tribute performance.
- Mariah Carey, a ten-time AMA winner, will celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Emancipation of Mimi with a special performance of hits from her multi-platinum album.
- Brad Paisley will honor the late Charley Pride, the first AMA winner for Country Male and Country Album, alongside a performance of his brand new single.
- Stray Kids, the K-pop phenomenon, will pay tribute to the legacy of Boy Bands with a special performance.
- RAYE will take the stage to perform the James Brown classic “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World” during a retrospective on the prestigious AMA Award of Merit, which has been awarded to legends like Annie Lennox, Billy Joel, Prince, and more.
A Night of Celebration
The AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL will serve as a tribute to the past 50 years of the AMAs, featuring dazzling performances, heartfelt artist interviews, legendary special guests, and exclusive never-before-seen footage from the DCP archives. The program will reflect on the evolution of the music industry, genre milestones, and iconic moments from the show’s rich history. The special will also include themed segments showcasing specific artists and musical styles, culminating in original performances and artist interviews.
As the world’s largest fan-voted award show, the American Music Awards will return for its regular broadcast in May 2025. Created by legendary producer Dick Clark in 1974, the AMAs continue to honor the year’s top musical achievements, determined by the fans, for the fans.