Chicago – June 12, 2025
Jamie Foxx delivered an emotional speech at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday night while accepting the Ultimate Icon honor, bringing the audience at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to tears as he reflected on surviving a life-threatening health scare.
As he took the stage, the Oscar and Grammy winner recalled watching the in memoriam tribute segment from his seat.
Struggling to hold back tears, the 57-year-old thanked God for giving him a “second chance” at life.
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through. But I know my second chance — I won’t turn it down,” Foxx said, his voice cracking with gratitude. “I have so much love to give. I hold him [God], I said, ‘man, just give me one more crack at this. Whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I’ll do right.’ … You can’t go through something like that and not testify.”
Foxx was presented the award by music legend Stevie Wonder. In the audience, his two daughters and sister wiped away tears. Foxx also acknowledged the role his children played in helping him recover.
