The 50th anniversary of the American Music Awards (AMAs) promises to be a star-studded event, with Jennifer Hudson set to deliver a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Whitney Houston. Hudson, an EGOT winner, has a history of honoring Houston and is expected to bring emotion and power to the performance. Producers have described it as a “moving tribute” to Houston, who remains one of the most celebrated artists in AMA history.
Hudson and Houston’s Connection
This is not the first time Hudson has paid tribute to Whitney Houston. In 2010, Hudson performed “I Will Always Love You” at the BET Honors while Houston applauded from the audience. She reprised the song in 2012 at the Grammys, just one day after Houston’s untimely passing. Hudson’s performances of the iconic ballad left lasting impressions on both occasions, making her the perfect artist to once again honor Houston.
Whitney Houston holds a significant place in AMA history, having won 22 awards during her illustrious career. This makes her one of the most awarded artists in AMA history, a legacy that Hudson will recognize during her performance.
“I’m beyond honored to celebrate Whitney’s life and music. She’s been a constant inspiration for me,” Hudson expressed in a past interview.
Celebrating 50 Years of AMAs
The 50th anniversary AMAs will also feature performances from other iconic artists, including Mariah Carey, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Kane Brown. Carey is set to perform a medley of hits from her album The Emancipation of Mimi, while Chaka Khan will celebrate female artists’ achievements over the past five decades with a rendition of her anthem “I’m Every Woman.” Green Day, RAYE, and Stray Kids will also take the stage.
The two-hour live broadcast will air on October 6, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. ET on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Fans can expect exclusive interviews, unseen footage, and performances celebrating the past five decades of music.