Gladys Knight Makes Triumphant Return to American Music Awards 50 Years After First Performance

The legendary Gladys Knight triumphantly returned to the American Music Awards 50 years after her first performance at the inaugural award show. In 1974, Knight, along with The Pips, performed the iconic song “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Now, on October 6, 2024, she performed the same song to a rapt audience in L.A.

Prior to her appearance during the 50th anniversary special, Knight shared a post on social media. “So grateful to help the [American Music Awards] celebrate their 50th Anniversary with this Special,” she wrote on Instagram. She included a video of her and The Pips accepting an award at the first show in 1974, as well as some other iconic acceptance speeches.

Gladys Knight and The Pips earned seven AMAs for their influential music over the years. In 1975, they won four awards, including Favorite Soul/R&B Band/Duo/Group. They continued to win that award in 1976, 1984, and 1989.

[RELATED: All in the Family: The Origins of Gladys Knight & the Pips]

Fans Show Love and Praise for Gladys Knight’s Iconic Career

Fans gathered in the comments of Gladys Knight’s Instagram post to shower her with praise and love. She’s an iconic figure in the music industry, and continues to prove that she has staying power after all these years. “Gladys is the epitome of resilience in the music business. She rolls with the ups, the downs, cheers others on, and does it all with an elegant smile,” one fan wrote.

Another fan commented, “Ms Gladys still singing and performing like it’s nothing….. You go Queen,” alongside heart emojis. Others commented on Twitter, where the American Music Awards shared a clip from her Sunday performance. “I can’t believe after more than 50 years, I’m still excited hearing Gladys Knight sing, like the very first time!” one fan noted.

Gladys Knight also took a moment to reflect on her friendship with Dick Clark and working with the legendary producer on the first AMAs. “It was great,” she said of working with him. “It really was. And we kind of grew together. And he did have that music right here,” she continued, tapping her heart, “and right here,” tapping her head.

“And we would just laugh, have a good time,” she recalled, “and it was wonderful, it really was.”

Featured Image by Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images