Jamie Foxx Gets "Ultimate Icon" Honor at 2025 BET Awards: A Night to Remember
Feted as a Luminary at the BET Awards Ceremony - Feted as an "Icon" at the BET Awards
Tears flowed like a river of emotion.
Hollywood's multitalented superstar, Jamie Foxx (57), found himself in the limelight, shedding tears of joy, and a touch of nostalgia, at the 25th BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 9th. The celebrated night saw Foxx receiving the prestigious "Ultimate Icon Award" for his decades-long contributions to music, film, and the entertainment industry. This special honor came amidst the backdrop of his remarkable recovery from a near-fatal stroke in 2023.
Stevie Wonder (75), a music legend himself, warmed up the crowd with a heartwarming anecdote about their long-standing bond. "Jamie, you picked up the phone after winning your Oscar for 'Ray', and I said, 'Just because you played a blind man doesn't mean we're best friends now!'" he chuckled. This was followed by a captivating musical tribute that reflected Foxx's illustrious career.
Stars Take the Stage to Honor Jamie Foxx
Taking their spot under the gold-dappled stage lights, artists like Babyface and Ludacris paid homage to Foxx with a lively rendition of "Unpredictable". Tank and Jennifer Hudson brought the house down with a spine-tingling rendition of "Night Time Is the Right Time," mirroring Foxx's iconic portrayal of the legendary Ray Charles. Hudson then lovingly teased the crowd with a snippet of Kanye West's "Gold Digger," on which Foxx was featured. The evening culminated in a raucous performance of "Blame It" by Doug E. Fresh, Teddy Riley, and T-Pain. The spectacle concluded with Stevie Wonder rejoining the stage, stating affectionately, "Jamie, I knew you were something special even back then when I saw you playing the piano in the club."
Accepting the award with obvious emotion, Jamie Foxx expressed his gratitude and a newfound appreciation for life. "We used to take it for granted that God is good," he began, "but today, I know better." Recounting his near-death experience, he acknowledged how close he came to death. "That could have been me," he mused.
Heartfelt Gratitude to Family and Fans
Gratitude for the Black community's support rang clear as Jamie Foxx publicly acknowledged the love and encouragement he received during his difficult time. He was particularly thankful for the unwavering support of his sister and his two daughters, Corinne Foxx (31) and Anelise (16). His emotional speech concluded with a loving nod towards his younger daughter, who had visited him in the hospital with her guitar when he was particularly unwell. "She said, 'I know what my daddy needs' and played for me. My vital signs improved immediately."
By the end of the evening, Foxx was left deeply touched and filled with gratitude. "I might be older," he said, "but I'm not done yet. And I won't waste this second chance." He closed with a meaningful look towards the crowd and a heartfelt thank you to Stevie Wonder.
In addition to Foxx, Mariah Carey, Kirk Franklin, and Snoop Dogg were also recognized with the "Ultimate Icon" award for their immeasurable influence on music and culture.
Kendrick Lamar's Award-Winning Night
The 2025 BET Awards show also saw the rise of Rap sensation Kendrick Lamar (37), who dominated the evening with a total of five awards from ten nominations. Lamar's album "GNX" clinched the title of Album of the Year, and his collaboration with SZA, "Luther," was declared the Best Collaboration. Lamar also swept up awards for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year for "Not Like Us," and Video Director of the Year, along with Dave Free.
- Jamie Foxx
- BET Awards
- Icon
- Stevie Wonder
- Music
- Artist
- Jennifer Hudson
- Hollywood
- Los Angeles
- Oscar
- Ray Charles
- Kanye West
Jamie Foxx's enduring impact on the entertainment industry was reaffirmed when he was honored with the "Ultimate Icon" award at the 2025 BET Awards. His emotional speech paid tribute to his family, the Black community, and his passion for life. The night also celebrated the remarkable resilience of a Hollywood icon who fought back from the brink of death.
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure I can do this. In the realm of entertainment and music, Jamie Foxx was honored as an ultimate icon, a testament to his resilience and enduring impact on Hollywood, at the 2025 BET Awards in Los Angeles. His heartfelt speech echoed his gratitude towards his family, the Black community, and his unwavering passion for life.
