Will Smith Makes BET Awards Performance Debut With New Track ‘You Can Make It’

deadline.com:

Two years later, Will Smith has made his triumphant return to the awards show stage. The Fresh Prince of Bel Air alum performed on the BET Awards stage for the first time on Sunday, gracing fans with the live debut of his new track ‘You Can Make It‘ with Fridayy and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.

Taraji P Henson emotionally introduced “my brother” Smith, who emerged in the middle of a ring of fire as he prefaced the song. “I don’t know who needs to hear this right now, but whatever’s going on in your life right now, I’m here to tell you, you can make it,” said Smith more than two years after the fallout from slapping Chris Rock onstage during the 94th Academy Awards.

The choir accompanied him on an elevated pedestal before gathering around him in the ring of fire. Gospel artist Kirk Franklin also stepped up from the audience to join Smith onstage. “Nobody gets an easy ride,” said Smith as the music faded out. “We all have a cross to bear, but there is wisdom in that fire, and every single moment of your life is a brand new opportunity.

We are not being punished, we are being forged. Dance in your darkest moments.” Smith released the single on Friday from his upcoming fifth studio album Dance in Your Darkest Moments, which comes nearly 20 years after his last album Lost and Found.