Sir Rod Stewart ‘flabbergasted’ as surprise guests present him with Lifetime Achievement Award

There were many surprises at this year’s American Music Awards but it takes a lot to shock legendary rocker Sir Rod Stewart who was honoured for his outstanding career.

The 80 year old British singer was “flabagasted” when he saw who would present his Lifetime Achievement Award, telling the audience he was “overwhelmed” by the experience.

Five of Stewart’s eight children – Kimberley, Ruby, Sean, Renee and Liam- stepped out onto the stage to hand the award over to their dad, something which the Sailing singer had no idea would take place.

“I’m absolutely flabbergasted. I didn’t know they were here,” he said.

As he took the trophy, Stewart joked with the audience, “I’ve got eight (children) altogether … I didn’t have a television.”

The seasoned performer continued to joke with the audience and declared, “Ugly aren’t they? All of them”.

He then looked back on his decade-spanning career in the music industry and spoke about what drove him to sing in the first place.

“When I started singing in the early ’60s, well before all of you lot were here, the reason I got into it (was) because I had this burning ambition to sing,” he said.

“It’s all I wanted to do. I didn’t want to be rich or famous, and here I am a few years later, picking up this wonderful award.”

He continued to praise his adult children throughout his speech and said it was them who made the award ceremony more special.

“I’m so overwhelmed that you’re here. Jesus Christ,” he said.

Fittingly, he then treated the audience to a rendition of his 1988 hit single, Forever Young. It’s also the first time since 2004 that the 80-year-old British singing sensation has performed at the AMAs.

Not one to take a rest, Stewart will soon appear at England’s Glastonbury festival this June, making him one of the oldest to perform at the legendary music event. This will then kick off his One Last Time global tour.

For Stewart fans, the decision to keep working comes as no surprise as the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee shows no signs of slowing down, maintaining his commitment to the stage by regularly shutting down any suggestion of retirement.

Recently he dismissed the notion entirely, telling the Associated Press: “I don’t know. The word retirement is not in my vocabulary at the moment because I’m enjoying myself.”