The event will air on October 6th
CBS and Dick Clark Productions (DCP) share additional performances by musical powerhouses Nelly, Nile Rodgers & Chic, and Sheila E. on the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, an evening celebrating half a century of groundbreaking music, iconic moments, unforgettable performances and rich pop-culture history. The special will air Sunday, October 6th concurrently on both coasts 8-10 pm ET/5-7 pm PT on the CBS Television Network and streaming on Paramount+.
The star-studded special features Nelly honoring hip-hop’s evolution and greatest moments on the AMAs with a performance of his greatest hits. Special guests Chingy, J-Kwon and members of the St. Lunatics are set to join Nelly for this epic performance of hip-hop anthems.
The legendary Nile Rodgers & Chic, who are known for their iconic sound of funk, disco and pop, will perform their hit song “Le Freak,” the biggest-selling single in the history of Atlantic Records, as well as Nile’s collaboration with Daft Punk and Pharrell for “Get Lucky.” Both iconic songs showcase the career of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Nile Rodgers.
Two-time AMA nominee Sheila E. will join previously announced Chaka Khan, celebrating 50 years of achievements by female artists throughout AMA history with a dynamic performance of Khan’s iconic anthem “I’m Every Woman.”
The night will also feature special appearances by entertainment heavyweights, including two-time AMA winner (Backstreet Boys) AJ McLean; actor and comedian Cedric The Entertainer; Golden Globe winner and singer/songwriter Kate Hudson; three-time AMA winner (*NSYNC) Lance Bass; 15-time AMA winner, entertainment icon and Queen of Country Music Reba McEntire; multi-award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson; and four-time AMA nominee Smokey Robinson.
These newly announced performances and appearances add to a talented lineup already announced, including Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, Gloria Estefan, Green Day, Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Kimmel, Kane Brown, Mariah Carey, Raye and Stray Kids. On the Rocks Premium Cocktails will celebrate the legacy of the AMAs with a special on-air toast with Lance Bass.
Created by celebrated producer and visionary Dick Clark and first awarded in 1974, the AMAs celebrate the year’s top achievements in music determined by the fans, for the fans. The event is produced by Dick Clark Productions with Michael Dempsey serving as executive producer.