At the 25th BET Awards on June 9, 2025, Jamie Foxx delivered an unforgettable moment at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater.
Honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, Foxx took the stage to reflect on his 2023 stroke and the long road back to recovery. His emotional speech, marked by raw vulnerability and gratitude, quickly became a highlight of the night—and a defining point in his legacy.
Before Jamie Foxx spoke, BET celebrated his legacy with a powerful musical tribute. Stevie Wonder surprised the crowd by presenting the award and sharing his first memory of seeing Foxx perform in a club. He praised not only Foxx’s talent but his spirit.
Babyface and Ludacris reignited “Unpredictable,” while Tank honored Foxx’s portrayal of Ray Charles with a stirring performance of “Night Time is the Right Time.” Jennifer Hudson sang “Gold Digger,” and T-Pain joined Doug E. Fresh for an energetic take on “Blame It.”
The performances reminded audiences that Foxx is more than an actor. His 2005 album Unpredictable topped the Billboard 200 and earned double platinum certification. Tracks like “DJ Play a Love Song” became R&B cornerstones, cementing his place in music history.
When Jamie Foxx finally addressed the crowd, his words echoed with sincerity. He called his recovery a journey “to hell and back,” then credited God and his loved ones for his survival. “You can’t go through something like that and not testify,” he said.
The internet lit up in response. Fans on X praised his honesty, strength, and the presence of his daughters, who watched from the audience.
For many, it wasn’t just a comeback—it was a cultural milestone.
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