Will Smith faces mixed reactions at his first awards show since the Oscars scandal.

Will Smith made a highly anticipated return to the awards stage at the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking his first major public appearance since the infamous 2022 Oscars incident. He honored the legendary Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91 in November 2024, delivering a heartfelt tribute. The four-time Grammy winner reflected on Jones' profound impact on his career,  He was “mentor, friend, and father figure”.

© Amy Sussman

The world was stunned when I Am Legend actor walked onstage at the Academy Awards and slapped comedian Chris Rock, also known as 'The Oscars Slap.' The Academy banned Smith from attending the Oscars and all Academy-related events for 10 years, prohibiting his participation until 2032. After the ban, the actor kept a low profile at award shows, avoiding major industry events and making only selective public appearances as he worked to rebuild his reputation.

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The 56-year-old actor and singer hit the stage for a performance alongside the legendary Herbie Hancock during the Quincy Jones tribute. It was a remarkable moment for him. With his signature charisma he seamlessly blended with

© Kevin Winter

Audience Reactions to Will Smith's Grammy Performance

Many of his fans celebrated his return, seeing it as a long-overdue comeback rather than a controversy. "Everyone makes mistakes; it's how you come back that matters. Welcome back, Will!", a fan commented. To them, he has weathered enough criticism and deserves the chance to move forward. Supporters highlight his public apologies and past contributions to the entertainment industry, arguing that his legacy should not be defined by a single misstep. For this group, his reappearance wasn’t just about returning to the stage—it was a symbolic moment of redemption.

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Smith honored the late Quincy Jones, stating, "In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives, but I have to say, he changed mine forever. You probably wouldn't even know who Will Smith was if it weren't for Quincy Jones."

He continued, "A brilliant 28-time Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger, film and television composer, conductor, trumpet player, recording artist, and humanitarian. In his 91 years, Q touched countless lives."

Some viewers expressed disapproval of Smith's appearance, with one individual commenting, "Why the FK is Will Smith on my TV screen at the Grammys announcing anything??? He doesn't deserve to be in the spotlight after his assault on Chris Rock."** Another viewer questioned, "How is Will Smith at the #Grammys2025? He shouldn't be allowed at ANY awards show ever again!"