On Monday, June 9, 2025, BET presented the Ultimate Icon award to Jamie Foxx. To honor Foxx’s legacy and career, the network welcomed a wide array of legends and entertainers to honor the Academy Award winner. Stevie Wonder kicked things off by opening about his friendship with Foxx and the relationship they built as Foxx prepared to play Ray Charles in Ray.
“Jamie, look at me!” Wonder jokingly said. “I remember seeing you the first time at a club, playing piano and singing, but I knew from the moment I heard you sing that you had so much more. I admire and celebrate your talent and your love — for blind people. I’m very happy to be here tonight to see you honored as you so very well deserve.”
From there, actor and comedian Craig Robinson welcomed Kenneth “Bayface” Edmonds, Ludacris, Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley, T-Pain, Tank, Jennifer Hudson and several others to perform a medley of his greatest hits, including “Unpredictable” and “Blame It.”
When the tribute performance concluded, Jamie Foxx took to the stage and proceeded to deliver a heartfelt speech dedicated to his mentors, peers in the entertainment industry and most importantly, his family. During the speech, Foxx referenced the brain bleed and subsequent stroke that nearly claimed his life in 2023.
“When I saw the ‘In Memoriam,’ I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me.’ I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but my second chance, I know I’m not going to turn it down,” he told the crowd.
Foxx is back and ready to take on the world. He’s set to star in two new movies, All-Star Weekend and Fight For ’84, and headline a comedy tour in the near future. Until then, check out his tribute performance at the 2025 BET Awards.
