Will Smith is set to debut new music in his first major solo performance since the infamous Oscar slap.
Following his surprise gig at Coachella, the Bad Boys star, 55, will take over the stage with an original song at this Sunday’s BET Awards, according to Deadline.
‘From his start as a rapper to The Fresh Prince to being a box office king as one of the Bad Boys, Will Smith is truly a global icon, and we are honored to welcome him back to grace the BET Awards stage,’ Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET, said in a statement.
‘We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed.’
Details about Smith’s performance remain under wraps, but sources reveal that he is currently working on a new album, per the outlet.

Will Smith is set to debut new music in his first major solo performance since the infamous Oscar slap; (pictured June)

Following his surprise gig at Coachella (pictured), the Bad Boys star, 55, will take over the stage with an original song at this Sunday’s BET Awards
Smith released his last solo single in 2017 and his last album Lost And Found in 2005.
Taraji P. Henson is set to return as the host of the BET Awards, where Grammy-winning singer Usher will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The event will also feature performances by Ice Spice, Sexyy Red, Latto, Lauryn Hill & YG Marley, Tyla, GloRilla, Muni Long, Shaboozey, and Victoria Monét.
Additionally, appearances are expected from Cardi B, Davido, Gunna, the Roots, Common, Queen Latifah, and the Jungle Brothers.
Leading the nominations, Drake has received seven nods.
The BET appearance follows Smith’s April cameo with J Balvin at Coachella, where he dressed in full Men in Black attire for Balvin’s UFO-themed set.
In May, Smith hinted that he has been working on a new project for the past year and a half.
He told ET at the time that it was ‘without question the most personal, powerful music that I’ve ever made.’

Details about Smith’s performance remain under wraps, but sources reveal that he is currently working on a new album, per the outlet; (pictured with J. Balvin at 2024 Coachella)

Smith made headlines at another awards show a couple of years ago when he slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.

The incident occurred following a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smithl (pictured at 94th Oscars)
Smith made headlines at another awards show a couple of years ago when he slapped comedian Chris Rock during the 94th Oscars on March 27, 2022.
The incident occurred following a joke Rock made about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.
It prompted Will to make his way to the stage, slap Rock and say ‘keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.’
Jada, meanwhile, released a memoir last year, which revealed a seven-year separation from her husband.