Breaking: Few moments in awards show history blend humor, talent, and sheer audacity as seamlessly as Jamie Foxx’s serenade of Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards….See More

Foxx’s serenading extends beyond specific individuals to broader audiences during his live performances.

Few moments in awards show history blend humor, talent, and sheer audacity as seamlessly as Jamie Foxx’s serenade of Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards.

This legendary performance, which unfolded across two years—2003 and 2004—remains one of the most talked-about highlights in the event’s history, showcasing Foxx’s multifaceted brilliance and Williams’ gracious star power.

What began as a spontaneous musical tribute evolved into an over-the-top spectacle, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone in sports and entertainment.
The Stage is Set: Jamie Foxx at the ESPYs

The ESPY Awards, ESPN’s annual celebration of athletic excellence, have long been a platform where sports and Hollywood collide.

In 2003, the multi-talented Jamie Foxx—already an established comedian, actor, and musician—took the helm as host at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood.

Known for his quick wit and charismatic stage presence, Foxx brought an electric energy to the show.

That year, Serena Williams, fresh off a dominant run in tennis that included multiple Grand Slam titles, was in attendance to receive the “Best Female Tennis Player” award. Little did she know, she’d become the centerpiece of an unforgettable moment.

During the 2003 ceremony, Foxx seized the opportunity to pay tribute to Williams in a way only he could.

Armed with a microphone and his signature charm, he launched into an impromptu song titled “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” The lyrics, a playful mix of innuendo and admiration, riffed on tennis terminology—“15-love, 30-40 love, advantage you”—while Foxx crooned about wanting to be close to the tennis superstar.

The performance was equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, catching Williams off guard but delighting the audience.

Her infectious laughter and evident amusement only amplified the moment’s charm, as celebrities like Tom Cruise were seen cracking up in the crowd.

Doubling Down in 2004: A Bigger, Bolder Serenade
If 2003 was the spark, 2004 was the full-blown fireworks display. Returning as host for the 12th Annual ESPY Awards, Foxx didn’t just revisit the concept—he supersized it.

This time, Williams was again honored as “Best Female Tennis Player,” and Foxx pulled out all the stops to serenade her once more.

The song, now a fan-favorite callback, came with theatrical flair: backup singers, choreographed moves, and a giant tennis ball prop that Foxx rode onto the stage.

The pièce de résistance? Inviting Williams herself to join him for the finale, turning the performance into a duet of sorts as the crowd roared with approval.

The 2004 rendition pushed boundaries with its bold humor and risqué undertones, yet it never lost its playful spirit.

Williams, ever the good sport, embraced the spectacle, later praising Foxx’s talent and character in interviews.

“Jamie’s great,” she told the Chicago Tribune backstage that night. “He’s a great guy, and he’s a great spirit.

I know him, and I know what’s in his heart.” Her endorsement underscored their mutual respect, transforming what could have been an awkward moment into a shared celebration.

A Perfect Storm of Talent
What made this serenade so legendary? It was a collision of two icons at the height of their powers.

Jamie Foxx, who would win an Oscar for Ray just months after the 2004 ESPYs, showcased his musical prowess and comedic timing, proving why he’s considered one of the most versatile entertainers of his generation.

Serena Williams, meanwhile, was in the midst of a career that would solidify her as the greatest tennis player of all time, her dominance on the court matched by her poise off it.

Together, they created a moment that transcended the typical awards show fare, blending sports, music, and comedy into something wholly unique.

The performance also reflected the ESPYs’ early-2000s vibe—a looser, more irreverent era when hosts were given free rein to entertain.

Foxx’s serenade wasn’t just a bit; it was a mini-production that captured the zeitgeist of the time, when boundary-pushing humor was a hallmark of live television.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Legacy
The serenade didn’t fade into obscurity after the credits rolled.

Clips of both performances circulated widely in the pre-YouTube era, later finding new life online as fans rediscovered the hilarity.

Social media platforms like X and Reddit have kept the moment alive, with users frequently citing it as one of the ESPYs’ all-time greats.

Posts on X over the years have hailed Foxx’s boldness—“Never forget when he was serenading Serena Williams at the ESPYS!”—while others marvel at how the performance wouldn’t fly in today’s more cautious climate.

The moment’s staying power lies in its authenticity. Foxx’s admiration for Williams was palpable, and her willingness to roll with the absurdity made it a genuine exchange rather than a contrived gag. It’s a snapshot of two stars comfortable in their own skin, unafraid to have fun on a national stage.

The serenade resurfaced in the public consciousness in 2023 when Foxx faced a health scare, prompting fans to share the clip as a tribute to his talent and spirit.

Tennis enthusiasts and Williams’ supporters alike used it to send well-wishes, highlighting its emotional resonance decades later.

Then, in 2024, when Williams returned to host the ESPYs herself—the fourth woman ever to do so—some fans noted the poetic full-circle moment, wondering if she’d nod to Foxx’s iconic tribute during her opening monologue.

A Timeless ESPYs Classic
Jamie Foxx serenading Serena Williams stands as a testament to the ESPYs’ ability to blend sports with spectacle.

It’s a reminder of a time when live TV thrived on spontaneity and star power, delivering moments that lingered long after the broadcast ended.

For Foxx, it was a showcase of his boundless creativity; for Williams, a testament to her ability to shine in any spotlight, even an unexpected one.

More than 20 years later, the serenade remains a gold standard for awards show moments—hilarious, heartfelt, and wholly unforgettable.

Whether you’re a fan of tennis, comedy, or just good entertainment, it’s a performance that demands a revisit.

As Foxx crooned atop that giant tennis ball, he didn’t just serenade Serena—he gave the world a gift that keeps on giving.