Will Smith is set to return to the music stage in a groundbreaking way. The Oscar-winning actor and Grammy-winning rapper will make his performing debut at Univision’s Premio Lo Nuestro on February 20, marking a historic moment in the show’s 37-year history. Smith will perform his latest single, “First Love”, a collaboration with Spanish singer-songwriter India Martínez—and it will be the first-ever TV performance of the track.
But that’s not all. Smith’s appearance at Premio Lo Nuestro is more than just a musical debut—it’s a major comeback.
Will Smith’s Full-Scale Return to Music
For fans who have followed Will Smith’s career, his return to music has been long-awaited. Best known for his rap career as half of the duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Smith was among the pioneers of mainstream hip-hop, winning the first-ever Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 1989. Yet, in recent years, his focus has primarily been on his acting career, leaving little room for new music.
That changed in early 2024, when Smith surprised fans by dropping several new tracks, including:
- “Work of Art” (featuring Russ & Jaden)
- “Beautiful Scars” (featuring Big Sean)
- “You Can Make It” (featuring Sunday Service Choir & Fridayy) – which soared to No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart
Now, with “First Love” leading the way, all of these tracks will feature on Smith’s upcoming solo album, “Based on a True Story,” his first in nearly two decades. The album is set for release next month—adding even more anticipation to his performance at Premio Lo Nuestro.
A Star-Studded Lineup for Premio Lo Nuestro 2025
Smith won’t be taking the stage alone. In what promises to be a spectacular opening number, he will be joined by:
- India Martínez – the Spanish powerhouse vocalist featured on “First Love”
- DJ Khaled – the super-producer known for his anthems and larger-than-life stage presence
- Thalia – the Latin pop icon, performing alongside Miami Sound Machine
Together, this lineup sets the tone for an electrifying night—but Smith’s performance has an extra layer of significance.
Smith’s Personal Evolution Through Music
Recently, Will Smith has been candid about how music has become his most personal form of expression.
“Music is a more honest place for me where I feel like I can say things that I wouldn’t say, and I can express things, and there’s uncertainty and there’s sadness,” Smith shared in an interview.
He admitted that for most of his career, he avoided publicly showing emotions like sadness or anger. Now, through his new music, he’s allowing himself to be more authentic.
This emotional depth will likely be reflected in his Premio Lo Nuestro performance—giving fans a side of Will Smith they haven’t seen before.
Latin Music’s Growing Influence on Hollywood & Hip-Hop
Will Smith’s decision to debut “First Love” at Premio Lo Nuestro also highlights Latin music’s rising dominance on the global music scene. By performing in front of a largely Spanish-speaking audience, Smith is tapping into a cultural movement that has seen artists like Bad Bunny, Maluma, and Karol G break records worldwide.
Latin influences have long been present in pop and hip-hop, but Smith’s partnership with India Martínez signals another step toward cross-cultural collaborations dominating mainstream airwaves.
The Night’s Other Headliners
In addition to Smith’s highly anticipated performance, Premio Lo Nuestro will feature a range of big-name artists, including:
- Shakira
- Marc Anthony
- Becky G
- Alejandro Sanz
- Camilo
- Grupo Frontera
- Oscar Maydon
- Natti Natasha
- Prince Royce
With a lineup this dynamic, Premio Lo Nuestro 2025 is shaping up to be a must-watch event for music lovers.
What’s Next for Will Smith’s Music Career?
Smith’s Premio Lo Nuestro performance is more than just a one-off event—it’s a statement. His upcoming album, Based on a True Story, could mark the beginning of a new musical era for the multi-talented artist.
But will this second act in his music career live up to the legendary status of his past hits?
Only time will tell.
For now, all eyes will be on Will Smith as he takes the Premio Lo Nuestro stage on February 20. Will this be the performance that defines his musical comeback? Fans won’t want to miss it.
Premio Lo Nuestro 2025
📅 Date: February 20, 2025
⏰ Time: 7 PM ET / 8 PM CT
📺 Network: Univision, UNIMÁS, ViX
Will Smith is ready to make history. The question is—are you ready to watch?