Jamie Foxx Tearfully Thanks God for a Second Chance at BET Awards

The BET Awards are always packed with emotion, music, and moments that feel bigger than the trophies being handed out. But this year, it was Jamie Foxx who delivered the speech that had everyone holding their breath.

As he accepted the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards on Monday night, Foxx became emotional, reflecting on the health scare that nearly ended his life. Standing in front of a packed crowd at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Foxx began by thanking the audience and acknowledging the deep love and support he felt, not just from the people in the room, but from fans and the wider community who stood by him over the past year.

“I cannot even begin to express the love that I feel from everybody out there,” he said. “I gotta be honest, when I saw the In Memoriam, I was like, man, it could have been me.”

Back in April 2023, Foxx was rushed to the hospital with what was, at the time, only referred to as a "medical complication." No one outside his close circle knew exactly what had happened, and for six months, he was completely off the radar.

Only later, in his Netflix special Jamie Foxx: What Had Happened Was…, did he open up about suffering a brain bleed that led to a stroke.

Foxx called his recovery a second chance from God and vowed to make it count.

“I don’t know why I went through what I went through,” he said on stage. “But I know my second chance - I’m not gonna turn that down.”

The speech wasn’t polished, and it wasn’t meant to be. Foxx was visibly holding back tears as he described how close he came to not being here at all. He mentioned that he prayed hard during his darkest moments.

“I told him [God], I said, man, just give me one more crack at this,” he said. “For whatever reason you put this on me, I promise I’m gonna do right. And I’m gonna do right in front of y’all.”wikipedia

Foxx then pivoted to something deeper, expressing gratitude not just for being alive, but for those who stood by him. He pointed out that when he filmed his comedy special, it wasn’t in some random venue; it was in front of a Black audience, something he deliberately chose.

“Black people were the ones that said, ‘Man, we got you,’” he said. “Not to say that white people can’t pray too—I know that sounds weird—but y’all know what I’m saying. You guys held me down.”

He paused, allowing the moment to settle in.

“I don’t want to make this whole speech about that,” he added, “but you can’t go through something like that and not testify.”

Foxx also made sure to thank his daughters, Corinne and Anelise, for being there through the toughest days of his recovery.

“They made sure I was here,” he said. “They made sure I got back.”

The Power of Resilience

Resilience, especially in the face of adversity, is a crucial skill. Dr. Brené Brown, a leading expert in vulnerability and courage, emphasizes that embracing our struggles can lead to profound personal growth. Her research shows that when individuals openly acknowledge their challenges, they foster deeper connections and build stronger support networks.

Foxx's emotional gratitude at the BET Awards highlights this concept; he recognized that his health scare was a pivotal moment for growth. Exploring self-compassion and vulnerability can help individuals navigate their own struggles, encouraging them to see challenges as opportunities rather than setbacks.

"Jamie Foxx gets emotional speaking about his recent stroke."

What followed was a pointed comment about what awards truly matter. Foxx has been in Hollywood long enough to have won an Oscar, and yet, he made it clear that the BET award meant more to him.

“I say this all the time—thank you to Black people and the Black award, because this is what really counts,” he said. “A lot of people think the Oscars are the biggest thing, and we got to quit thinking like that. And that’s coming from a person who won an Oscar. I was nominated twice. But the Icon Award is the most important award because it comes from us.”

"Jamie Foxx thanks the Black community for the Ultimate Icon award"

Foxx didn’t sugarcoat anything. He didn’t wrap his words in some inspirational quote or turn them into a polished Hollywood story.

He simply spoke about what it feels like to almost lose your life, to realize who shows up when things get hard, and to stand in front of a crowd again, this time with a new perspective.

The night may have featured many standout moments, but Foxx’s return to the spotlight and the honesty he brought with him left a mark that went well beyond show business.

Health crises often lead to significant lifestyle changes. Dr. Mark Hyman, a functional medicine expert, advocates for proactive health measures to prevent such emergencies. He recommends a holistic approach, incorporating proper nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management techniques to maintain overall well-being.

By adopting these practices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of severe health issues. Foxx's experience serves as a reminder for all of us to prioritize our health and make informed choices to enhance our quality of life.

Jamie Foxx's heartfelt speech at the BET Awards serves as a compelling reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of gratitude. According to Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, a happiness researcher, practicing gratitude regularly can lead to improved mental health and emotional resilience. She notes that individuals who engage in gratitude exercises often report higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction.

Foxx's journey illustrates that life's challenges can serve as catalysts for growth and change. By learning from our experiences and embracing vulnerability, we can foster deeper connections and a more fulfilling life.