Watch Will Smith perform new song at the BET Awards

Will Smith made his comeback yesterday (June 30) at the BET Awards in Los Angeles after causing a stir at the 2022 Oscars and being slapped in the face by Chris Rock.

Smith sang his new song “You Can Make It” at the ceremony. On stage, Smith stood in a circle of fire with a backdrop reminiscent of an apocalyptic landscape. Behind him, a large sun rose on a screen.

At the beginning of his performance on Sunday, Smith told the audience: “I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but whatever is happening in your life, I’m here to tell you, you can do it.”

The lyrics were: “The darker the hell you endure, the brighter the heaven you can enjoy…The harder the fall, the higher you rise. God opens a window when the devil closes the door.

“Believe me, they tried to bleed Will Smith dry. Looking back, I see that misfortune was a gift.”

You can watch the performance here:

Smith was joined on stage by musician Fridayy and the gospel choir Sunday Service, who circled on a high platform above him.

Smith’s collaborator on the song, Kirk Franklin, also appeared on stage and rapped during the song, at one point telling the crowd that no one is “stuck in a bad situation forever.”

Ahead of his song’s release on Friday, Smith shared a video of himself playing the piano on social media, saying: “In some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me up and help me grow.

“It is my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.”

Smith gave a first preview of his upcoming album, “Dance In Your Darkest Moments,” last month.

Best known musically for “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It,” “Men In Black,” and “Wild Wild West,” Will Smith hasn’t released an album since 2005. His most recent solo release is 2017’s “Get Lit,” while his most recent output is 2020’s Joyner Lucas song “Will (Remix).” Smith most recently performed onstage with J Balvin at Coachella in April, where he sang “Men In Black.”

Earlier this month, singer-songwriter Teddy Swims revealed NME that he recently recorded a song with his “hero” Will Smith. “I don’t know what’s going to happen with that and I can’t confirm anything, but just being around him and learning knowledge and wisdom from someone who’s been through all of that has been crazy,” he said. “He’s the nicest guy ever,” the Atlanta-born soul-pop singer-songwriter added.

In a two-star rating from Bad Boys: Ride Or Die for NMEJames Mottram wrote: “Martin Lawrence and Will Smith are once again on the beat with Bad Boys: Ride or Die – a loud, unfunny fourth part that is only made bearable by some wild action scenes.”