Will Smith appeared on stage surrounded by fire along with Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service to perform his new single, “You Can Make It,” for the first time live at the 2024 BET Awards.
“I don’t know who needs this right now,” Smith began. “But I am here to tell you, you can make it.”
During the performance, Kirk Franklin joined Smith on stage and they rapped together. Reflecting on his past actions, Smith, who famously slapped Chris Rock at the Oscars two years ago, shared words of wisdom with the audience. “Nobody gets an easy ride. There is wisdom in that fire. Dance in your darkest moments.”
Megan Thee Stallion kicked off the show by emerging from an egg symbolizing a new musical chapter in her career. She energetically performed a medley of her new songs “Hiss” and “Boa.”
Other notable performances included Victoria Monét debuting her song “On My Mama” and Usher winning the best male R&B/pop artist award.
The night also featured young talents like VanVan and Heiress Harris performing their anthem “Be You” and promising acts like Lauryn Hill and YG Marley, Childish Gambino, and Ice Spice taking the stage.
The BET Awards are airing live on various channels, celebrating artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, J. Cole, and Victoria Monét with multiple nominations.
For more updates on the BET Awards, please visit https://apnews.com/hub/bet-awards