Billy Idol to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at the American Music Awards
Billy Idol, who has recently been announced as a 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd American Music Awards. This accolade recognizes his “incomparable career, body of work, and unparalleled contributions to music,” celebrating his lasting legacy and influence on generations of artists and fans.
The announcement was made today by CBS and Dick Clark Productions. The awards ceremony, hosted by Queen Latifah, will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on Monday, May 25, at 8 p.m. ET and 5 p.m. PT via CBS and Paramount+.
“Billy Idol is a true rock legend whose influence has transcended generations and genres,” said Barry Adelman, executive producer and EVP of Television, along with Alexi Mazareas, SVP of Programming & Development at Dick Clark Productions. “From his groundbreaking music to his electrifying stage presence, Billy has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the music industry. We are thrilled to honor him with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd American Music Awards and celebrate his legacy with what promises to be an unforgettable performance.”
Idol is set to perform a medley of his biggest hits, marking his first performance at the AMAs and his first appearance on the AMAs stage since 2004, when he presented an award. Previous Lifetime Achievement Award recipients include iconic artists such as Diana Ross and Rod Stewart.
Emerging from the UK punk scene of the 1970s, Idol initially gained fame with the band Generation X before embarking on a solo career in 1982 with guitarist Steve Stevens. His catalog features hits such as “Dancing With Myself,” “White Wedding,” “Rebel Yell,” “Eyes Without A Face,” and “Cradle of Love.” He continues to tour and recently released *Dream Into It* on Dark Horse Records in 2025. This year also saw the release of the biographical documentary *Billy Idol Should Be Dead*.
This year’s American Music Awards will also showcase performances by artists including KAROL G, Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and Twenty One Pilots, among others.
