AceShowbiz - Billy Idol is set to be honored with a lifetime achievement award at the 52nd American Music Awards, scheduled for Monday, May 25, 2026. This accolade arrives ahead of his upcoming induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame later that November.

Billy Idol will be the third artist to receive this distinguished lifetime achievement award, joining the ranks of previous honorees Diana Ross in 2017 and Rod Stewart in 2025. The award celebrates his lasting impact on the music industry and popular culture.

The punk rock icon will also make a significant return to the AMAs stage, delivering a hit medley performance. This will mark his first time performing at the American Music Awards and his first appearance on the show since presenting an award in 2004.

Executive producers Barry Adelman, EVP of Television, and Alexi Mazareas, senior VP of programming & development at Dick Clark Productions, praised Billy Idol in a joint statement. They highlighted his "groundbreaking music" and "electrifying stage presence," emphasizing his enduring influence across multiple generations and genres.

Earlier this year, the release of the documentary Billy Idol Should Be Dead, directed by Jonas Åkerlund, brought renewed attention to the legendary musician’s career and life. The film explores his journey and contributions to rock music.

Between 1984 and 1990, Billy Idol achieved notable chart success with four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and three top 10 albums on the Billboard 200. Among his highest-charting singles were a live rendition of "Mony Mony," originally by Tommy James & The Shondells, which hit No. 1 in 1987, and "Cradle of Love," featured in the film The Adventures of Ford Fairlane, which reached No. 2 in 1990.

In addition to Billy Idol, Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G will also be honored at the AMAs with the International Artist Award of Excellence. The event’s lineup of performers includes Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, and Twenty One Pilots, with more artists to be announced.

The 52nd American Music Awards will take place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. The show will air coast-to-coast on CBS and stream on Paramount+ at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT, with Queen Latifah as the host.

Dick Clark Productions produces the AMAs, operating under Penske Media Eldridge, a joint venture between Eldridge Industries and Billboard’s parent company, Penske Media.