Will Smith Makes Awards Show Return After Oscars Slap With Quincy Jones Tribute at the Grammys: ‘He Changed My Life Forever’
variety.comWill 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 brought out “Wicked” star Cynthia Erivo, who belted a performance of “Fly Me to the Moon.” “This past year, we lost one of the most groundbreaking and influential figures of our times: Quincy Jones.
Known to friends around the world simply as Q,” Smith began in his speech, honoring the 28-time Grammy winner. “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 wasn’t for Quincy Jones. Quincy made so many music greats, across multiple genres, sound even greater, bringing the best out in legends.” The Jones tribute also saw Lainey Wilson take the stage for a performance of “Let the Good Times Roll” and Stevie Wonder seat himself next to Hancock for “Bluesette” and “We Are the World.” Janelle Monae capped off the sequence by covering Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’til You Get Enough” in a glittery tuxedo.
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