Everything we know about Will Smith’s comeback and new song set to premiere at BET Awards

Will Smith is making a musical comeback.

The 55-year-old Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star is set to perform his new original track at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday. The song will be his first fresh single since his appearance as a lead artist on 2017’s Get Lit. The Grammy winner is joining the likes of Ice Spice, Ms. Lauryn Hill, and Tyla, who will also be performing at the prestigious event. The night will be hosted by Empire star Taraji P. Henson and is set to see Usher honored with the Lifetime Achievement BET Award.

Here's everything we know about the star's comeback, which follows on the heels of his infamous Oscars slap.

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Inside Will Smith's new music

While details on Will’s new release and performance remain scarce, sources have claimed the Oscar-winning star is currently working on a new album, which will be his first since 2005. The news comes after the Bad Boys actor made a cameo appearance - while dressed in full Men in Black costume - at Coachella in April, surprising crowds during a J Balvin set.

Speaking about the hotly anticipated appearance, Connie Orlando - EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET - said: "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."

Promising an action-packed night, she added: "We look forward to Will adding to yet another defining night for the culture that is not to be missed."

Can Will Smith come back from the Oscars slap?

Will has a checkered history of award ceremony appearances. In 2022, the star was infamously banned from the Oscars for a decade after he slapped Chris Rock live on air. The incident shocked the world and saw the actor shunned by many Hollywood studios.

However, according to an industry expert, Will has now been "forgiven" by Hollywood, after taking time away from the limelight and working on himself. Speaking to The Mirror, Brodie Cooper said: “It’s that famous storyline...Hollywood loves a comeback and adores forgiving their big stars for their sins. And now Will is right back up there at the top of the mountain again following his fall after the slap.”

Cooper added: “He has made his apologies, undergone therapy and taken time away from the limelight - and most importantly returned with a movie which has earned big money. Will and his team have handled this tricky matter very cleverly and allowed him to move on to a bright future.”