2025 Grammys Honors Quincy Jones, Will Smith Leads Tribute

During the 2025 Grammy Awards held on February 2 at Crypto.com arena, Will Smith made a notable return to the spotlight, leading a tribute to the late music legend Quincy Jones, who passed away in November 2024 at the age of 91. Smith opened the emotional segment by introducing pianist Herbie Hancock and later welcomed Cynthia Erivo, who delivered a powerful rendition of 'Fly Me to the Moon.' The tribute included performances honoring Jones' legacy, with Chris Martin also singing 'All My Love' while images of artists who have died were displayed. Despite the heartfelt tribute, Smith's presence sparked controversy due to his past altercation with Chris Rock at the 2022 Oscars, leading to significant viewer backlash and criticism on social media. Many questioned the decision to allow Smith to present at the Grammys given his previous actions, arguing that others were more deserving of the platform. Nonetheless, Smith expressed deep gratitude for Jones' influence on his career, highlighting the late producer's impact on the music industry and his personal life.