Grammys 2025: Will Smith returns after Oscar slapgate; pays tribute to Quincy Jones

Will Smith at the Grammy Awards 2025. (Photo: Reuters)

Will Smith marked his return to the award show stage at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, and paid an emotional tribute to the late Quincy Jones. The actor’s appearance comes nearly three years after the infamous 2022 Oscars incident, where he slapped Chris Rock on live television, leading to widespread controversy and a temporary ban from the Academy Awards.

Will Smith delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91. Opening the tribute segment, he introduced jazz icon Herbie Hancock on piano before welcoming Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, who performed a soulful rendition of Fly Me to the Moon.

“This past year, we lost one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times: Quincy Jones. Known to friends around the world simply as Q," Smith began. “In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say, he changed mine forever. You probably wouldn’t even know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones. Quincy made so many music greats, across multiple genres, sound even greater, bringing the best out in legends."

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The tribute continued with Lainey Wilson’s rendition of Let the Good Times Roll, followed by Stevie Wonder and Hancock performing Bluesett and We Are the World. Janelle Monáe closed the segment with an electrifying performance of Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough, a nod to Jones’ legendary collaboration with Michael Jackson.

As an executive producer on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Jones was instrumental in launching Smith’s career, transforming him from a rising rapper into a global superstar.