The 2026 AMAs, hosted by Queen Latifah, aired live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via CBS and Paramount+ on Monday, May 25
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Billy Idol received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 52nd American Music Awards in Las Vegas
- The punk rocker performed a medley of hits, marking his first-ever AMAs performance
- Idol will also be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November
It's a nice day for Billy Idol to be honored at the 52nd American Music Awards!
The punk rocker, 70, received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2026 AMAs in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25 and gave a sweet speech offering encouragement to any kids interested in music.
Leon Thomas presented Idol with the honor and spoke about how his relationship to the "Rebel Yell" artist's music stemmed from his parents' involvement with the Black Rock Coalition, an organization focused on promoting the work of Black rock musicians.
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
"Thank you, Leon. I remember the Black Rock Coalition. It really did a lot for a lot of people," began Idol's speech. "Thank you to the American Music Awards for this honor. And most importantly, thank you to all the fans. I've been able to live my dream and it's really all because of you."
Idol continued, "When I started out in punk rock, back in 1976, we thought it may only last about 6 months, let alone 50 years. But we were doing it for the love and because music was the only thing that gave us a sort of feeling of freedom, a sense of freedom."
He recalled, "We believed in what we were doing, and we thought maybe if we just dreamed into this life and gave it everything we had, it would give it all back to us in spades. And that's exactly what happened."
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
Idol then offered advice to young aspiring musicians. "So to any kid out there who loves rock and roll or any music of any kind as much as Leon and I do, and if you're inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, all I can say is pick an instrument. Find out who you are and be it."
"Thank you for rock and roll, thank you to everyone," concluded Idol, before turning his attention to longtime collaborator Steve Stevans. "And now Steve, show them what a hit song sounds like, will you?"
Idol also played a medley of his biggest hits to celebrate the occasion, marking his first-ever AMAs performance and first time at the show since 2004. His performance included "Eyes Without a Face" and "Dancing with Myself."
Check out all of PEOPLE’s AMAs coverage here.
Credit: Courtesy of The American Music Awards
"Billy Idol is a true rock legend whose influence has transcended generations and genres. From his groundbreaking music to his electrifying stage presence, Billy has left an indelible mark on popular culture and the music industry," executive producers Barry Adelman, EVP, Television, and Alexi Mazareas, SVP, Programming & Development, Dick Clark Productions, said in a statement. "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."
A press release said Idol was given the honor — previously received by stars like Diana Ross and Rod Stewart — in commemoration of his "incomparable career, body of work, and unparalleled contributions to music, honoring his lasting legacy and continued influence on generations of artists and fans."
Idol released three albums with Generation X between 1977 and 1981, and later embarked on a successful solo career with his self-titled debut album in 1981. He released the album Dream Into It in 2025, and the 2026 documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead covered his legendary career.
The star is also set to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in November.
Taylor Swift entered the night as the most-nominated artist at the fan-voted AMAs with eight nods. Morgan Wallen, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter and Sombr each have seven.
The 52nd American Music Awards, hosted by Queen Latifah, took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday, May 25 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT and aired live on CBS and Paramount+.
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