On June 9, 2025, Jamie Foxx was presented with the prestigious BET Ultimate Icon Award during the BET Awards, held in Los Angeles. The event drew extra attention as legendary musician Stevie Wonder honored Foxx with a powerful tribute, highlighting the deep bond that links the two stars. The moment capped a night that placed Jamie Foxx BET Awards Ultimate Icon Award 2025 at the forefront of entertainment headlines.
Foxx, recognized for his decades-spanning contributions to film, television, and music, accepted the award with heartfelt emotion. The presence of Stevie Wonder and the tribute he delivered made the evening particularly memorable for the crowd of industry figures, fans, and viewers at home. Stevie Wonder’s words and Foxx’s honest acceptance speech set a highly emotional tone that resonated throughout the ceremony.
Jamie Foxx and Stevie Wonder’s Enduring Bond Takes Center Stage
Jamie Foxx’s career has been filled with collaborations and friendships with major names in Hollywood, but his relationship with Stevie Wonder stands out as especially meaningful. The two have known each other for years, with their connection rooted in Jamie’s early days performing stand-up comedy and music in clubs during the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Foxx’s breakthrough came with his role on the influential sketch comedy program In Living Color. During this time, he explored his passion for music, eventually releasing his debut album, Peep This, in 1994. Although the album did not achieve commercial success, Foxx remained dedicated to performing while acting, a period that would later be referenced by Stevie Wonder during the 2025 BET Awards tribute.
Recalling one of his first encounters with Foxx, Stevie Wonder shared his memories from the awards stage.
“I remember seeing you the first time at a club, playing piano and singing, but I knew from the moment I heard you sing that you had so much more,”
Stevie Wonder said, according to Billboard.
“I admire and celebrate your talent and your love — for blind people. I’m very happy to be here tonight to see you honored as you so very well deserve. Without further ado, here is my friend, a great legend of great talent award and the recipient of the BET Ultimate Icon Award — my friend Mr. Jamie Foxx.”
—Stevie Wonder, Musician
Jamie Foxx has frequently honored Stevie Wonder in his own performances, covering songs like “Lately,” “Isn’t She Lovely,” and “Ribbon in the Sky.” Audiences may also remember their joint performance at Oprah Winfrey’s Farewell Spectacular in 2011, which paid tribute to the long-running talk show and the friendships the event fostered. This ongoing professional respect and personal connection underscored the significance of Wonder presenting Foxx with the award this year.
Jamie Foxx’s Emotional Speech and Reflections on Survival
After accepting the Icon Award from his longtime friend and mentor, Jamie Foxx addressed the audience in a raw and heartfelt manner. He opened up about his near-fatal health scare in 2023, sharing his appreciation for receiving a second chance at life and the opportunity to express gratitude in front of his peers and fans.
“I don’t know why I went through what I went through, but I know my second chance, I’m not gon’ turn down. I have so much love to give,”
Foxx told the crowd, the emotion evident in his voice. —Jamie Foxx, Actor and Musician
Continuing his speech, Foxx underlined the sense of responsibility he feels following his health crisis.
“And I promised, whatever reason you put this on me, I promise imma do right and imma do right in front of y’all,”
he declared. —Jamie Foxx, Actor and Musician
Foxx reflected on his journey, recognizing the support he received along the way:
“I know a lot of times when we get on, we forget about where we come from. When I did my special, it was in front of Black people. Black people was the ones who said, ‘I got you.’”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor and Musician
He continued,
“I want to thank everyone who was there for me,”
and recounted the impact of witnessing the “In Memoriam” segment earlier in the night.
“When I watched the ‘In Memoriam’ segment earlier tonight, I couldn’t help but think how close I came. You don’t go through something like that and come out the same.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor and Musician
Foxx closed by acknowledging BET and the Black community’s role in his success.
“Thank you to BET for this wonderful award,”
he said.
“I say this all the time, but thank you to Black people and the Black award,”
Foxx continued.
“People think the Oscars is the biggest thing … but the Icon Award is the most important award because it’s the award that comes from us.”
—Jamie Foxx, Actor and Musician
The Meaning of the 2025 Ultimate Icon Award
The BET Ultimate Icon Award is reserved for artists who have shaped entertainment culture through decades of achievement and influence. Jamie Foxx has distinguished himself throughout his career with acclaimed performances in film, as a comedian, as a musician, and as a television star, making him a fitting recipient of this year’s honor.
This year’s BET Awards marked Foxx’s legacy with moments that highlighted not only his talent but also his resilience and ability to inspire others. Stevie Wonder’s presence elevated the proceedings, making for an emotional atmosphere felt by both attendees and viewers.
The celebration brought together some of Jamie Foxx’s closest friends and collaborators, underscoring the support network that has aided his journey. Appearances and acknowledgments from influential A-listers, including members of the In Living Color cast and his showbiz colleagues, further demonstrated the broad impact Foxx has had on the entertainment industry.
Looking Ahead: The Legacy Continues
Jamie Foxx’s recognition as the recipient of the 2025 BET Ultimate Icon Award serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of Black artists in Hollywood and the music world. His story is marked by perseverance through setbacks, commitment to creative growth, and an evident sense of gratitude to those who supported him during difficult periods.
For Foxx, being honored by BET and celebrated by Stevie Wonder is a full-circle moment, affirming not just his talent but the bonds forged over years in the entertainment business. As he moves forward, fans and colleagues alike will be watching to see how Foxx builds upon this milestone achievement and continues to influence the landscape of music, film, and television.
