Top Performances and Guests at the 2024 AMAs

The American Music Award’s 50th Anniversary

Celebrating its 50th anniversary on Sunday, October 6, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, the American Music Awards 2024 was nothing short of epic. From jaw-dropping performances to big wins that had fans buzzing, this year’s show pulled out all the stops.

There was something for everyone, whether you’re into pop, country, or hip-hop. Let’s dive into the night’s biggest performances and guest appearances that had us glued to the screen.

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan totally owned the stage with her electrifying performance of the classic “I’m Every Woman.” And when Sheila E. jumped in on the drums, it was the perfect way to cap off the AMAs’ 50th anniversary celebration.

Chaka’s performance wasn’t just about showing off her legendary vocals but about female empowerment. The audience was vibing with the energy, and the song’s message hit even harder, reminding everyone of its lasting impact on pop culture.

Brad Paisley

Brad Paisley paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Charley Pride with a snippet of Pride’s classic “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin’,” honoring the country legend in style. Then, he revved things up with his own new single, “Truck Still Works,” keeping the celebration rolling.

Let’s not forget that Charley Pride made history at the very first AMAs in 1974, snagging Favorite Country Male Artist and Favorite Country Album for A Sunshiny Day With Charley Pride.

Paisley’s tribute was a beautiful nod to Pride’s incredible impact on country music.

Gladys Knight

Gladys returned to the American Music Awards (AMAs) in 2024, celebrating the event’s 50th anniversary. She performed her iconic hit “Midnight Train to Georgia,” the same song she sang at the inaugural AMAs in 1974, reminding everyone of her timeless legacy.

This performance was exceptional because it marked 50 years since her first appearance at the awards show​. Through her social media, she expressed her gratitude for being part of the AMA’s celebration, highlighting the significance of this milestone.

Green Day

Green Day kicked things into high gear with a high-energy rendition of “Dilemma” from their latest album, Saviors. The band’s electric stage presence was infectious, and you could feel the crowd vibing with every beat.

It was a true testament to their legacy and artistry, reminding everyone why they’ve been a dominant force in music for decades. Their performance was a standout moment of the night.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson brought the house down with her heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston at the 2024 AMAs. Honoring the 22-time winner, Hudson delivered an emotional medley featuring “I Will Always Love You” and “I Loves You, Porgy.”

Hudson’s stunning gown was inspired by Houston’s iconic outfit from the 1994 AMAs, adding a nostalgic touch to the performance. This tribute was a beautiful celebration of Whitney’s legacy and had the audience feeling all the feels.

Kane Brown

Kane Brown lit up the 2024 AMA’s 50th Anniversary Special with a tribute to Alan Jackson. He kicked things off with the classic “Drive (For Daddy Gene)” and smoothly transitioned into his own recent single, “Miles On It.”

The energetic performance was enhanced by a lively confetti drop that had the crowd buzzing. Introduced by Brad Paisley, who reminisced about inviting Kane to his first awards show, this set highlighted Brown’s impressive journey as a five-time AMA winner.

Kane’s electrifying tribute was a fitting celebration of both his talent and Alan Jackson’s legacy.

Mariah Carey

10-time AMA winner Mariah Carey dazzled at the 2024 AMAs, kicking off the 20th anniversary celebration of her multiplatinum album The Emancipation of Mimi. She opened her medley with “Don’t Forget About Us,” showcasing her incredible vocal prowess and getting the audience to sing along.

Dressed in a stunning black and white gown, Mariah then delivered a show-stopping performance of her iconic hit “We Belong Together.” It was a powerful reminder of why she’s a legend in the music world.

Stray Kids

Did someone just call them “Slay Kids”? Because Stray Kids definitely slayed the stage with a killer tribute to NSYNC that brought the house down.

They channeled the iconic “Bye Bye Bye” performance from the 2000 AMAs and put their own spin on it by mixing in their single “Chk Chk Boom.” This wasn’t just a throwback but a full-blown celebration of boy band history.

Nile Rodgers & CHIC

Nile Rodgers and CHIC kicked things off with their classic hit “Le Freak,” which, fun fact, is the best-selling single in Atlantic Records’ history. The crowd was on fire, singing along and feeling every beat.

The groove continued with “Get Lucky,” the infectious collab that Rodgers did with Daft Punk and Pharrell. Combining those timeless tunes and Nile’s signature guitar riffs created an unforgettable moment with everyone dancing.

Carrie Underwood

Although her performance wasn’t live, a pre-recorded segment aired in which she looked back on her incredible journey in the music world. She reminisced about her unforgettable win for Breakthrough Artist in 2006 and said, “You only get one shot at that award. And we couldn’t agree more.

Carrie took us through a highlight reel of her past performances, reminding everyone how far she’s come. One standout memory? When she snagged the Favorite Country Album award in 2007 from none other than rock legends Scott Weiland and Slash—talk about a power moment.

Jennifer Lopez

She stole the show with a nostalgic pre-recorded segment. J.Lo took us on a fabulous trip down memory lane, chatting about her past AMA highlights, like her first-ever performance in 2001 and that unforgettable tribute to Celia Cruz in 2013, which she called one of the most memorable moments of her life.

In true J.Lo fashion, she reminded us all how music can heal and connect us. She’s just as excited as we are about the next 50 years of the AMAs.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel brought the laughs and kept the party going at the 2024 AMAs. As the host, he kicked things off with a hilarious monologue that had everyone chuckling.

Kimmel’s improvisational skills were on full display, making him the perfect guy to keep the celebration rolling. Kimmel added a layer of fun that made the 2024 AMAs not just an awards show but a night of laughter and music.

Reba McEntire

During the 50th-anniversary celebration, she was honored for her exceptional contributions to country music. With 14 AMAs out of 23 nominations, Reba is a true legend shaping country and pop music.

It was a nod to her legacy and a reminder of how she’s influenced countless artists over the years. Having her there was a perfect way to celebrate her incredible legacy.

Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson wowed the crowd at the 2024 AMAs. As the “King of Motown,” he added a nostalgic vibe to the ceremony, making it even more special for everyone in the crowd.

Not only did he serve as a presenter, but he also rocked the stage in a tribute performance that showcased his legendary contributions to music. With his smooth voice and timeless hits, Smokey connects with both old-school fans and new listeners.

Kate Hudson

Kate Hudson was part of the star-studded lineup for the 50th Anniversary Special, celebrating iconic performances and music history. With a deep family connection to music, Hudson has showcased her musical side in films like Nine and Music.

Her presence added star power to the AMAs, where celebrity appearances from various entertainment fields are common.

Also get the inside scoop with fun facts from Behind The Scenes of ACM Awards 2024, where the blend of acting, singing, and the magic of live performances was on full display, adding to the event’s appeal.

Lance Bass

As a member of NSYNC, Bass has attended and performed at the AMAs multiple times. However, Lance Bass did not perform at the 2024 American Music Awards.

NSYNC won two AMAs in 2001 for Favorite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for No Strings Attached. His appearance at the 2024 AMAs was special as it helped commemorate the event’s 50th anniversary.

Checkout the Highlights from the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards that brought unforgettable performances, just like the excitement at AMA 2024.