The AMAs 50th Anniversary Special announced a mix of performers and special-appearance guests. The first lineup was announced in September 2024, with additional names added on October 3; the two-hour special was scheduled for October 6, 2024, on CBS and Paramount+. Those dates and platform details describe the 2024 announcement, not present-day streaming availability.
Performers announced for the special
The initial announcement named nine performers, then an October 3 update added three more. The releases described these people as performers—not simply guests—and outlined several tributes and themed sets.
Initial performers
- Kane Brown, slated to perform classic and current country hits.
- Mariah Carey, slated to perform a medley of songs from The Emancipation of Mimi, framed in the announcement as a celebration of the album’s 20th anniversary.
- Green Day, announced to perform “Dilemma.”
- Jennifer Hudson, announced for a Whitney Houston tribute.
- Chaka Khan, slated to perform “I’m Every Woman.”
- Stray Kids, announced for a performance honoring the legacy of boy bands.
- Gladys Knight, announced to perform an encore of “Midnight Train to Georgia.”
- Brad Paisley, announced to honor Charley Pride and perform “Truck Still Works.”
- RAYE, announced to perform James Brown’s “It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.”
Performers added October 3
- Nelly, whose announced hip-hop retrospective was to include Chingy, J-Kwon, and members of the St. Lunatics.
- Nile Rodgers & CHIC, slated to perform “Le Freak” and “Get Lucky.”
- Sheila E., announced to join Chaka Khan for “I’m Every Woman.”
Special appearances announced
The releases separately listed special appearances. These names were announced as appearances, not as performers.
Initial special appearances
- Gloria Estefan
- Jimmy Kimmel
- Jennifer Lopez
- Carrie Underwood
Additional special appearances announced October 3
- AJ McLean
- Cedric The Entertainer
- Kate Hudson
- Lance Bass
- Reba McEntire
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Smokey Robinson
What the anniversary special was
The program was presented as a two-hour retrospective, rather than the regular 2024 awards ceremony. Its announced format combined new performances, artist interviews, special guests, and previously unseen footage from Dick Clark Productions’ archives. Planned segments would revisit artists, genres, award milestones, and notable performances. The AMAs were first awarded in 1974, and the organization described the awards as recognizing music achievements determined by fans. Dick Clark Productions produced the special. The original CBS announcement outlined the retrospective format.
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#1 Best Overall
When and where it was scheduled to air
The special was scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m. Eastern / 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Pacific, on CBS and Paramount+. The announced 2024 access arrangement said Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers could watch the local CBS live feed and the on-demand program, while Paramount+ Essential subscribers could watch on demand the following day. These are historical schedule and access details; they do not confirm current availability.
The initial performer and appearance list was announced September 26, 2024, and the additions followed October 3. CBS and Dick Clark Productions said further names would be announced after the initial release. CBS’s original special announcement and its October 3 lineup update describe the event and announcement schedule.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #4
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Rank #3
Rank #2
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