Jamie Foxx Receives Icon Award in Emotional BET Return

 At the heart of the 25th BET Awards 2025, held on June 9 at Los Angeles’s Peacock Theater, a deeply emotional and unforgettable moment unfolded as Jamie Foxx, born Eric Marlon Bishop, was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award. From surviving a near-fatal stroke in 2023 to reclaiming the spotlight, Foxx’s powerful return was more than a celebration, it was a testament to human resilience, family love, and lasting cultural impact.

Jamie Foxx at the BET

Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Return: From Near-Death to Icon Status

Foxx’s heartfelt acceptance speech became one of the most talked-about moments of the night. He opened up about his intense health battle, describing his recovery as a journey “to hell and back.” With visible emotion, he thanked God and his loved ones, sharing that watching the in memoriam segment reminded him of how close he came to losing his life.

“When I saw that in memoriam I was like, ‘Man, that could’ve been me,’” Foxx said. “But I don’t know why I went through what I went through, and I know that my second chance—I’m not going to turn down.”

His raw honesty struck a chord with audiences both in the theater and online, making his moment not just iconic, but deeply human.

A Star-Studded Tribute Led by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder surprised the audience by presenting the award to Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx even took the stage, BET curated a powerful musical tribute highlighting his decades of influence across film and music. The crowd erupted when the legendary Stevie Wonder appeared to present the award. Wonder recalled first seeing Foxx perform at a club and praised his talent, work ethic, and unbreakable spirit.

This surprise appearance added weight to an already moving evening, elevating Foxx’s recognition as more than deserved, it was earned through years of excellence and personal sacrifice.

Heartfelt Words for Family: Jamie Foxx Honors His Daughters

During his speech, Jamie Foxx made it clear that family was his anchor through the storm. He emotionally credited his daughter Corinne Foxx for her strength and public updates during his recovery.


“My beautiful daughter Corinne, I cannot say enough about you,” he shared. “You’ve always taken a backseat to everything, but when you needed to drive it, you drove and you made sure I was here.”  

The emotion in his voice deepened as he turned his attention to his youngest daughter, Anelise Estelle Foxx, calling her “my baby with the big hair.” He shared a touching story from his hospital stay—how Anelise entered his room with a guitar, softly played for him, and unknowingly sparked a turning point in his health.

“I know what my Daddy needs,” she told the nurses, and as she played, his vitals began to rise. The nurses asked what medication had worked, and Anelise calmly replied, “Shh, I’ve got him.”

Electrifying Performances Celebrate Jamie Foxx's Musical Legacy

The night didn’t end with the speech. The stage lit up with an electrifying medley of Jamie Foxx’s greatest hits, reminding audiences that he’s not only an Oscar-winning actor but also a chart-topping R&B artist.

  • Babyface and Ludacris brought back the swagger of Unpredictable

  • Tank paid homage to Foxx’s role as Ray Charles with Night Time Is the Right Time

  • Jennifer Hudson belted out Gold Digger in powerhouse fashion

  • T-Pain and Doug E. Fresh closed the segment with a high-energy version of Blame It

Each performance underscored Foxx’s cross-genre influence—from soulful vocals to hip-hop collaborations.

Jamie Foxx’s Musical Milestones: A Lasting Cultural Footprint

Foxx’s 2005 album Unpredictable reached number one on the Billboard 200, went double platinum, and produced R&B classics like DJ Play a Love Song. The album’s success cemented his place not just in film history, but in modern music as well.

His ability to bridge acting, comedy, and music has made Jamie Foxx one of the most dynamic and influential entertainers of our time.

Final Thoughts: A Night That Defined Legacy


The 2025 BET Awards will be remembered for many things, but none more powerful than Jamie Foxx’s triumphant return. From surviving a medical crisis to receiving standing ovations, his journey touched hearts and inspired millions.

His acceptance speech, full of gratitude and humility, along with a star-studded musical tribute, wasn’t just about honoring an icon—it was about honoring a survivor, a father, a performer, and a man reborn.

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