Billy Idol to Receive Lifetime Achievement Award at American Music Awards

Billy Idol will be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the American Music Awards on May 25, 2026. Courtesy of Dick Clark Productions

Billy Idol is set to be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the American Music Awards on May 25, the show’s producer Dick Clark Productions announced on Thursday.

Idol joins other stars like Diana Ross and Rod Stewart in receiving the honor, which comes just weeks after the punk rock icon was named an inductee into this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class alongside other stars including Phil Collins, Oasis and Wu-Tang Clan to name a few.

“Billy Idol is a true rock legend whose influence has transcended generations and genres,” DCP’s evp of Television Barry Adelman and sip of programming and development Alexi Mazareas said in a statement. “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.”

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Idol is one of the biggest rock acts of the ’80s, with hits like “Rebel Yell,” “Dancing With Myself” and “White Wedding.” He released Dream Into It, his first album in over a decade, last year, along with his documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead.

Idol will perform a medley during the show as part of the honor, marking the rock star’s first time performing at the AMAs and his first time appearing at the award show since 2004. He joins a list of previously announced performers that also includes Karol G, Sombr, KATSEYE, Twenty One Pilots and Teddy Swims among others.

The show is set to air live from the MGM Grand Arena on CBS and Paramount+ at 5 p.m. PST on May 25. Queen Latifah is serving as host, taking the reins from Jennifer Lopez, who hosted last year’s awards.

Dick Clark Productions is owned by Penske Media Corporation, The Hollywood Reporter‘s parent company, in a subsidiary joint venture between Penske Media and Eldridge.