Will Smith returned to his musical roots! On Sunday, June 30. The Academy Award-winning actor, 55, took the stage at the 2024 BET Awards in Los Angeles to debut his new song, "You Can Make It."
He began his performance in the center of a burning fire pit, delivering powerful lyrics: "You are in the smoke and the fire / Tight rope on the wires / I see you’re broken and tired / And all your hope is expired / You’re just done with the change and the games and the shame / And the world is insane all the pain from the flames that you walk through."
Joining him on stage were Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service choir, who performed the uplifting track through a simulated rainstorm. Smith ended his performance with an inspiring message: "Nobody gets an easy ride. We all have a cross to bear, but there is wisdom in that fire. Every single moment of your life is a brand new opportunity. We are not being punished; we are being forged. Dance in your darkest moments."
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BET announced Smith as a special performer ahead of the release of his new single, which dropped on Friday, June 28. Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, stated, "From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage."
Smith made history in 1989 as the first rapper to win a Grammy, with DJ Jazzy Jeff for their hit single, "Parents Just Don't Understand." Days before his 2024 BET Awards performance, Smith shared a video on Instagram of himself playing the piano, expressing, "Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me - to lift me and help me grow. It’s my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve."
Smith last released music with his 2017 EDM track "Get Lit," over a decade after his 2005 album, Lost and Found. He was initially scheduled to make his musical comeback at the 2023 Grammy Awards, but filming for Bad Boys 4 conflicted with the event. Questlove explained to Variety that Smith had to drop out due to the filming schedule.
Bad Boys 4 went on to earn $56 million domestically and $105 million globally in its opening weekend. The 2024 BET Awards aired live on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
