Ryan Seacrest and Stevie Wonder paid homage to their friend Dick Clark in a special tribute at the 2012 American Music Awards on Sunday.

Seacrest, who worked closely with Clark on ABCs annual New Year's special "New Year's Rockin' Eve," opened the tribute to Clark, whom he described as "America's oldest teenager" at the Sunday event held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles.

Clark created the AMAs 40 years ago. The tribute is the first to take place to honor the entertainment legend of "American Bandstand" fame since he died of a heart attack in April at the age of 82.

Seacrest introduced Wonder, but not before praising Clark with words of admiration for his late mentor and peer.

"Like all of you, I was a huge Dick Clark fan," Seacrest began. "In fact, I was in awe of his star quality, and how completely comfortable he was in front of the camera. Even when I got to know him well and count him and his wife Kari as good friends, I never lost that sense of awe.

"And what a producer he was!" Seacrest added. "Dick loved the power of music and its ability to create pure joy. That's why we're going to use music tonight to celebrate the joy of his life."

Seacrest said the 40th anniversary of the American Music Awards was the perfect place to honor Clark.

"This show, on its 40th anniversary, still reflects Dick's original vision: bringing the top artists on the planet together on an equal stage," Seacrest said. "Dick loved the power of music and its ability to create pure joy. That's why we're going to use music tonight to celebrate the joy of his life."

The "American Idol" host then introduced Wonder, explaining that Clark loved him "as an artist and a friend."

Wonder performed a medley of hits including "Master Blaster (Jammin')," "My Cherie Amour," and "Sir Duke" after he honored Clark with his own set of kind words.

He shared his experience of meeting Clark at the age of 13, when he performed his first No. 1 single, "Fingertips - Part 1 & 2."

"First of all, I just celebrate Dick Clark because I remember when I was 13 years old meeting him in Philadelphia for the first time and singing 'Fingertips' and all the things that happened on the Motown tour. I remember the years that we've done the American Music Awards and i just remember his friendship, his kindness and I remember his love for music and love for people."

"And tonight I just want to say for those that it may concern, I challenge you," Wonder added. "You as communicators, leaders, politicians, spiritual leaders - put your love first as we musicians put our music and songs first, and unite the world, and then we can be jamming to the break of dawn."

As Wonder performed live with a 15-piece band, images of Clark posing with friends and hosting throughout his career flashed across the background screen.

Watch the Dick Clark tribute performed by Wonder in the video below.

Tags
Awards, American music awards, Ryan Seacrest, Stevie Wonder