Billboard Set to Unveil an Unforgettable Tribute: The Carpenters to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award….

Billboard Set to Unveil an Unforgettable Tribute: The Carpenters to Receive Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award….

NEW YORK — April 24, 2025 — Billboard today confirmed that sibling duo The Carpenters will be honored with its coveted Posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the Billboard Music Awards on May 18 in Las Vegas. The announcement comes after weeks of tantalizing teasers from the organization, building suspense around one of pop music’s most enduring legacies.

Billboard President and CEO Julian Holguin described the award as “a celebration long overdue” for Karen and Richard Carpenter’s “unparalleled craftsmanship in melody, harmony and arrangement.” Holguin added, “Even after nearly half a century, their recordings retain a rare emotional clarity. This tribute will remind the world why The Carpenters defined an entire era of soft-pop brilliance.”

In their heyday between 1970 and 1974, The Carpenters amassed five No. 1 singles—including “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “Top of the World” and “Yesterday Once More”—and sold more than 70 million albums worldwide. Their warm, intimate sound helped redefine the boundaries of mainstream pop, paving the way for later singer-songwriters to blend confessional lyricism with lush orchestration.

Though Karen Carpenter tragically passed away in 1983, Richard Carpenter remains the custodian of their shared legacy. This year he chose to step aside from the Las Vegas spotlight, instead issuing a heartfelt statement through the family’s official channels:

“My sister’s voice continues to uplift souls everywhere. I’m honored that Billboard is preserving our story for new generations. While I cannot attend in person, our family will rejoice in knowing that Karen’s gift to music is immortalized tonight.”

Accepting the award on behalf of The Carpenters will be their son, Christopher Carpenter, who announced a surprise guest lineup for the ceremony: “We’ve invited a cross-section of artists—from established stars like Kelly Clarkson to rising talents discovered via TikTok—to perform remixed or rearranged takes on our parents’ songs. It’s a testament to the timelessness of their music.”

Indeed, in recent years streaming platforms have witnessed a marked resurgence in interest. Spotify reports that global plays of The Carpenters soared by 45 percent over the past 12 months, fueled in part by viral covers of “Rainy Days and Mondays” on social media. “Their catalog feels as fresh today as it did in 1970,” noted Alexa Ramos, Billboard’s streaming data analyst.

Music critics say the award—and the accompanying televised tribute—will serve as a poignant counterpoint to the industry’s fast-paced present. “In an age dominated by digital beats and auto-tuned vocals, The Carpenters remind us of the power of pure tone and heartfelt delivery,” observed Sean O’Neal, senior editor at PopDaily. “This ceremony is more than nostalgia; it’s an essential musical corrective.”

Alongside the award presentation, Billboard has promised a feature-length retrospective video, weaving together rare studio footage, home movies and candid interviews. Producers also obtained never-before-heard rehearsal tapes of Karen tracking vocals, which will underscore the segment. “We wanted viewers to feel like they’re peeking behind the curtain,” said executive producer Marisol Vega.

As anticipation builds for the Las Vegas gala, fans and fellow musicians alike are taking to social media under the hashtag #CarpentersForever to share memories and cover their favorite tracks. Tribute albums already in the works—featuring contributions from the likes of John Legend, Norah Jones and Sara Bareilles—are slated for release later this year, further cementing The Carpenters’ place in the pantheon of popular music.

When the lights finally dim on the livestage in Las Vegas on May 18, Billboard’s king-sized salute to The Carpenters promises to be more than a ceremony—it will be an emotional journey through the artistry of two siblings whose delicate, heartfelt songs continue to resonate across generations.