The illustrious rapper-actor Will Smith is poised to take the stage on June 30, ready to deliver a breathtaking performance of a brand-new song at the prestigious BET Awards. The exciting news was revealed by BET early Monday morning, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the unveiling of this mysterious track.
"From his humble beginnings as a rap artist to the iconic Fresh Prince and a box office sensation as a part of the Bad Boys franchise, Will Smith is a global icon whose influence is unparalleled. We are thrilled to have him back on the BET Awards stage, where he will no doubt create another unforgettable moment in our cultural history," said Connie Orlando, BET's Executive Vice President of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy.
Smith's illustrious journey began as half of the hit hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, with timeless classics like "Parents Just Don't Understand," "A Nightmare on My Street," and "Summertime." He then embarked on a solo journey, delivering smash hits like "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" and "Miami." His television debut in "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" further cemented his star status, and his film career has been nothing short of phenomenal, including blockbusters like the Bad Boys and Men in Black franchises, as well as Independence Day. His accolades include four Oscar nominations and a Best Actor win for his portrayal of King Richard in 2022.
However, 2022 also marked a controversial incident where Smith took the stage and physically assaulted presenter Chris Rock over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith. Smith apologized profusely, resigned from the Academy, and was subsequently banned from Academy events for 10 years.
In April, Smith reemerged on the music scene, gracing the Coachella stage alongside J. Balvin to perform their hit "Men in Black" from the iconic 1997 film. Now, he's ready to captivate audiences once again at the BET Awards.
Taraji P. Henson will be hosting the event, where Usher will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The show will air live on BET at 8 p.m. ET/PT on June 30. Other performers include GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tyla, and Victoria Monét. Tanner Adell will also take the BET Amplified stage.
Leading the pack of nominees is Drake, who has received a total of seven nominations. The nominees were carefully selected by a voting academy comprising music industry insiders, performers, and presenters. Viewers can cast their votes for the Viewer's Choice Award until 6:30 p.m. PT on June 30.
Orlando will oversee and executive produce the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, Senior Vice President of Tentpoles and Music Community Engagement, also serving as an executive producer. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay joining as executive producers.
Complementing the awards ceremony, BETX 2024 Fan Fest, a free, all-ages two-day cultural festival, will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center on June 28 and 29, offering fans an immersive experience and a chance to celebrate their favorite artists and music.
