Jamie Foxx’s Emotional BET Awards Speech—A Powerful Tribute to His Second Chance

Jamie Foxx was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, recognizing his decades-long contributions to music, entertainment, and advocacy. Presented by Stevie Wonder, the award celebrated Foxx’s resilience and impact, especially following his near-fatal stroke in 2023.

Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Speech

Foxx reflected on his health scare, admitting that watching the In Memoriam segment made him realize how close he had come to being included in it. He shared: > “I gotta be honest — when I saw the ‘in memoriam’ (portion of the awards show), I was like man, that could have been me. But I know my second chance, I’m not going to turn down.”

Tribute to His Daughters

Foxx paid a heartfelt tribute to his daughters, Corinne and Anelise, acknowledging their unwavering support during his recovery. He recalled how Anelise played the guitar for him in the hospital, helping stabilize his vitals.

Musical Tribute & Celebration

The ceremony featured powerful performances of Foxx’s hits, including Unpredictable and Blame It, by artists like Babyface, Ludacris, Jennifer Hudson, and T-Pain.

Foxx’s journey of resilience and impact on entertainment made his Ultimate Icon Award a truly deserved honor.