Will Smith led a transferring tribute on the 2025 Grammy Awards to Quincy Jones, who died on Nov. 3 on the age of 91. The tribute marks one in all Smith's first appearances at an awards present because the 2022 Oscars slap.

"This previous 12 months, we misplaced one of the groundbreaking and influential figures of our instances — Quincy Jones," Smith mentioned on the Crypto.com Enviornment stage beside Herbie Hancock, who performed "Killer Joe" on the piano. "In his 91 years, Q touched numerous lives, however I’ve to say, he modified mine perpetually. You most likely wouldn't even know who Will Smith was if it wasn’t for Quincy Jones."

Smith then handed off the tribute to celebrity after celebrity, from Cynthia Erivo singing "Fly Me to the Moon," to Hancock and Stevie Surprise main the complete auditorium in a "We Are the World" singalong, to Janelle Monáe channeling Michael Jackson for a "Don't Cease Until You Get Sufficient" efficiency.

Will Smith announces first album in 20 years, unveils Matrix-themed music video with Big Sean

Earlier than Monáe obtained the gang to their ft, Smith regaled attendees with a narrative from the set of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which Jones government produced.

"Quincy Jones was a mentor, a buddy, a father determine. I wanna share somewhat story about Quincy," he mentioned. Smith then recounted an early on-set expertise through which he was battling a very tough scene. "Any person mentioned, 'Will, Quincy needs to see you.'" Smith remembered asking if it may wait, to which Jones's aide wanted solely to offer him a glance to remind the younger actor who it was who was ready on him.

"He's standing, he's obtained his arms on his hips, and he's on the snack desk wanting on the snacks. I used to be like, 'What's up, Q?' Q mentioned, 'So that is the meals that you just assume folks in your set ought to eat?' I used to be like, 'Quincy, I don't do the snacks on this present' and he mentioned, 'Who's title on the script?'" Smith recalled. He recalled Jones including, "You need these folks to work 16 or 18 hours a day so that you understand your desires, and that is the meals you assume they need to eat? I don't care if it's not within the finances. You pay for it out of your personal pocket."

Smith mentioned that the knowledge Jones handed on throughout this encounter "grew to become absolutely the heart of how I needed my profession. He mentioned, 'It’s your job to care for these folks,' and I’ve executed all the pieces I can all through my profession to dwell as much as Quincy's demand."

"Quincy Jones at all times took care of individuals, and that's how he fed the world," Smith continued. "Quincy taught us all that life is a feast, and also you don't cease until you get sufficient."

Join Leisure Weekly's free every day e-newsletter to get breaking TV information, unique first appears to be like, recaps, critiques, interviews along with your favourite stars, and extra.

Grammy Awards 2025: See the entire listing of winners

Smith's look on the Grammys comes every week after he made his return to music official by unveiling "Stunning Scars," his new monitor with Huge Sean, and its accompanying Matrix-themed music video. That very same day, Smith introduced his first solo album in 20 years, titled Based mostly on a True Story.

Smith appeared finally 12 months's BET Awards, the place he carried out his track "You Can Make It." His different latest music initiatives embody the Sean Paul collaboration "Gentle Em Up," which was featured on the soundtrack for Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and "Work of Artwork," a collaboration with Russ that includes Smith's son, Jaden Smith. Smith additionally lately performed two sold-out reveals at San Diego's Observatory North Park.

When you missed EW and PEOPLE's purple carpet present from the Grammys, try our interview with Harry Belafonte's household, who have been excited to honor the 2025 winner of the Harry Belafonte Finest Tune for Social Change award:

Shut