Top Performances From the American Music Awards 50-Year Anniversary Special
Held on October 6, the American Music Awards 50-year Anniversary Special was one of those nights where unforgettable performances and significant moments proved fitting tributes to the legacy of the music industry. The show brought together legendary artists with emerging stars as the music world continued to celebrate half a century of fan-driven awards.
The night had an incredible performance by Chaka Khan and Sheila E., teaming up for a powerful rendition of “I’m Every Woman,” which has become synonymous with female empowerment. Chaka Khan is a 10-time AMA winner who brought in show-stopping vocals, while Sheila E. brought in her signature and eclectic percussion flair to make this moment even more special. As mentioned by Variety, this performance “was one for the ages,” as if it were apparent to state how these ladies have affected music in the world.
The AMAs paid their respects to the late Whitney Houston with EGOT recipient Jennifer Hudson’s rousing performance, which left the audience speechless. As mentioned by Billboard, Hudson did a rendition of “I Will Always Love You” from the movie The Bodyguard, implementing Houston’s legacy and influence in the music world.
The award ceremony had numerous performances from artists spanning many generations from all genres. Artists include Gladys Knight and her performance of “Midnight Train to Georgia,” a number-one hit song on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1973. As the night went on there were many performances attributed to country classics. With Alan Jackson’s 2002 hit “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” performed by Kane Brown, leading to his current hit song “Miles On It.”
Brad Paisley also paid tribute to the late Charley Pride, singing his song “Kiss An Angel Good Morning” concluding with his performance with his own single “Truck Still Works,” which according to Billboard is “a spiritual successor of his 2004 hit ‘Mud on the Tires.'”
The special included a hip-hop tribute with three-time AMA winner Nelly performing his hit songs from his career, specifically his popular single “Hot in Herre,” capping off the segment. There was also an era of boybands with K-pop boy group Stray Kids performing NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” and their current single “Chk Chk Boom.”
Can't stop listening to this "Bye Bye Bye" + "Chk Chk Boom" mashup from last night's @Stray_Kids performance
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) October 7, 2024
Watch the #AMAs50 special streaming now on @paramountplus! pic.twitter.com/FCpfYp8SHk
Ten-time AMA winner Mariah Carey performed a mix of classics from her tenth album, The Emancipation of Mimi, which will celebrate its twentieth anniversary in 2025.
The 50-year anniversary was a celebration of the past and a bridge to the future of music, showing how far the music industry has come and where it is going. As perfectly put by the American Music Awards site, this year’s show was a “star-studded celebration of 50 years of musical excellence.”
