Will Smith made his first return to a major televised awards show Sunday evening, appearing at the Grammys to open a tribute to the late Quincy Jones. Smith opened the segment by introducing Herbie Hancock on piano and later introduced “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo,

Three years after the shocking moment Will Smith slapped Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, the Bad Boys actor made his grand return to a major awards show stage at the 2025 Grammys.

"This past year, we lost one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times — Quincy Jones," Smith said on the Crypto.com Arena stage beside Herbie Hancock, who