From Survivor to Icon: Jamie Foxx Shines at the 2025 BET Awards
Jamie Foxx turns a night of honors into a moving celebration of life, music, and second chances.
The 25th BET Awards lit up Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater on June 9, but it was Jamie Foxx who truly owned the night.
Honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, Foxx delivered a deeply emotional acceptance speech that traced his incredible recovery from a near-fatal stroke in 2023—transforming a moment of recognition into a powerful message of survival and gratitude.
The tribute began with a surprise appearance by music legend Stevie Wonder, who reflected on first seeing Foxx perform in a club and praised his enduring spirit. A musical salute followed, featuring highlights from Foxx’s multi-decade career across music and film.
When Foxx took the stage, the mood shifted. Visibly moved, he described his health crisis as a journey “to hell and back,” acknowledging the spiritual and emotional toll it took. “When I saw that in memoriam, I thought, ‘That could’ve been me,’” he told the audience. “But I’m here—and I’m not wasting my second chance.”
Foxx paid heartfelt tribute to his daughters, starting with Corinne Foxx, who became the family’s steady voice during his medical crisis. “You’ve always taken a backseat,” he said tearfully, “but when you needed to drive, you did—and made sure I was still here.”
Then, turning to his younger daughter, Anelise Estelle, he shared a powerful memory from the hospital. As his condition worsened, she brought her guitar and played at his bedside. “I know what my Daddy needs,” she told the nurses. Miraculously, his vitals began to improve. “Shh,” she whispered when they asked what had helped. “I’ve got him.”
The emotional crescendo was followed by a celebratory musical medley of Foxx’s hits. Babyface and Ludacris brought back Unpredictable, Tank honored his Oscar-winning role in Ray with Night Time Is the Right Time, Jennifer Hudson performed Gold Digger, and T-Pain teamed up with Doug E. Fresh for a crowd-thrilling rendition of Blame It.
These performances reminded fans that Foxx’s artistry spans far beyond acting. His 2005 album Unpredictable topped the Billboard 200 and went double platinum, cementing his legacy as a musical force.
In a night filled with star power, it was Jamie Foxx’s raw honesty and triumphant return that made the deepest impact. From near tragedy to center stage, he now stands not just as an icon, but as a living testament to resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of love.
