Billy Idol honoured for 50-year rock career he thought would last six months
By Nick Lester, Press Association US Editor in Washington DC
British rocker Billy Idol has been honoured for a music career spanning 50 years that he thought would only last six months.
The Rebel Yell singer received the lifetime achievement accolade to a standing ovation at the American Music Awards (AMAs), held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Monday night.
The 70-year-old closed the glitzy star-studded ceremony with Eyes Without a Face, followed by Dancing with Myself, his first breakout solo hit back in 1981 after leaving his punk band Generation X.
Thanking his fans after being presented with his award, he said: “I’ve been able to live my dream, and it’s really all because of you.”
â @BillyIdol has arrived! The #AMAs red carpet is LIVE at the @MGMGrand NOW! pic.twitter.com/Sy2bbHaEjf
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 25, 2026
Idol added: “When I started out in punk rock back in 1976, we thought it may only last about six 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.
“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.
“So to any kid out there who loves rock and roll or any music of any kind… and if you’re inspired to create that sense of freedom and pursue a life of art, then all I can say is pick an instrument, find out who you are and be
it.”
He then ran to join his band on stage and show the cheering crowd “what a hit song sounds like”.
The 52nd awards ceremony was hosted by rapper Queen Latifah with a series of performances from the likes of the Pussycat Dolls, New Kids on the Block and country star Keith Urban, who sang Summer Breeze.
You voted and ARTIST OF THE YEAR at the #AMAs is... @bts_bighit! ðð pic.twitter.com/qYK7giKf0S
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
Artist of the year went to the South Korean boy band BTS, who are back performing after the heartthrob line-up completed their country’s mandatory 18-month military service.
They saw off competition that included Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter, Lady Gaga, Harry Styles, and Justin Bieber.
BTS also picked up the new award for song of the summer with Swim.
Song of the year went to the real-life voices of the fictional girl group Huntr/x from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, Ejae, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami, for their UK number one song Golden.
The new category of best throwback song was won by the Black Eyed Peas for Rock That Body.
New artist of the year was scooped by the girl group Katseye, known for the songs Touch and Gnarly, who formed in 2023 on the reality TV talent show The Debut: Dream Academy.
Back to Friends by sombr took the best rock/alternative song, while the singer also snapped up the award for best rock/alternative album with I Barely Know Her.
Let's hear it for SOMBR! ð£ He is your #AMAs winner for Best Rock/Alternative Album for I Barely Know Her ð¿ pic.twitter.com/T9ez0CL9Cv
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
The accolade for best rock/alternative artist went to Twenty One Pilots while Leon Thomas was named breakthrough R&B artist and Sza took the award for best female R&B artist.
Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G received the international artist of excellence award and picked up the best Latin album prize for Tropicoqueta.
Sam Barber was named the breakthrough country artist.
The event was held on Memorial Day, when the US honours the war dead and those who have served their country.
The veterans voice award was presented to singer Darius Rucker in recognition of his work championing those who have served in the military.
Not all 50 award categories are announced at the televised ceremony due to time constraints.
