Exclusive: Jamie Foxx took the stage, he spotted William in the audience and seized the moment. What followed was an impromptu performance of a song he titled “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” With a smooth R&B delivery and playful, suggestive lyrics, Foxx serenaded Williams, weaving in tennis-themed innuendos that left the crowd roaring with laughter….. Continue Reading

Jamie Foxx’s Serenade of Serena Williams: A Legendary ESPYs Moment
Few moments in awards show history encapsulate the perfect mix of humor, musical talent, and bold charisma quite like Jamie Foxx’s serenade of Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards.

This unforgettable performance, which unfolded over two consecutive years in 2003 and 2004, remains a standout in the annals of sports entertainment, showcasing Foxx’s multifaceted brilliance and Williams’ gracious star power.

What began as a spontaneous comedic riff evolved into a full-blown spectacle, cementing its place as one of the most audacious and beloved highlights in ESPYs history.

The Setup: 2003 ESPYs
The 11th Annual ESPY Awards, held on July 16, 2003, at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, marked Jamie Foxx’s debut as host.

Known for his quick wit, musical prowess, and fearless comedy, Foxx was a natural fit for an event that blends sports with entertainment.

That night, Serena Williams, already a tennis legend at age 21, was in attendance to accept the award for Best Female Tennis Player—an accolade she earned after a dominant year that included Grand Slam victories at the French Open and Wimbledon.

As Foxx took the stage, he spotted Williams in the audience and seized the moment.

What followed was an impromptu performance of a song he titled “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?” With a smooth R&B delivery and playful, suggestive lyrics, Foxx serenaded Williams, weaving in tennis-themed innuendos that left the crowd roaring with laughter.

Lines like “Can I be your tennis ball? Let you hit me all around the court” showcased his ability to merge humor with musicality, while his animated stage presence—complete with exaggerated gestures—amped up the absurdity.

Williams, seated in the audience, couldn’t hide her amusement.

Her infectious laughter and occasional face-covering embarrassment only fueled Foxx’s energy, turning the moment into a shared spectacle.

Celebrities like Tom Cruise, also in attendance, were seen doubled over with laughter, adding to the night’s electric atmosphere.

The performance was raw, unscripted, and delightfully over-the-top—a testament to Foxx’s improvisational genius.

Post-show, Williams spoke fondly of the experience to the Chicago Tribune. “Jamie Foxx is hilarious,” she said. “

He’s a great guy, and he’s a great character and a great spirit. I think he’s just an amazing actor. I love Jamie.”

When pressed on whether she found it a tad excessive, she added, “Maybe a little bit of it needs to be edited, but it doesn’t matter to me. I know him, and I know what’s in his heart.” Her response highlighted their mutual respect and the lighthearted spirit of the moment.

The Encore: 2004 ESPYs
If 2003 was the spark, 2004 was the full explosion.

Returning as host for the 12th Annual ESPY Awards on July 14, 2004, Foxx didn’t just revisit the bit—he supersized it.

Williams was once again honored as Best Female Tennis Player, fresh off another stellar year.

This time, Foxx came prepared with a polished version of “Can I Be Your Tennis Ball?”—complete with backup singers, choreography, and a giant tennis ball prop he rode onto the stage.

The performance escalated quickly. Foxx crooned with even more swagger, incorporating slick dance moves and culminating in a faux lap dance that had Williams laughing uncontrollably.

The grand finale saw her join him on stage, playfully engaging in the antics as the audience erupted.

It was a rare blend of rehearsed spectacle and spontaneous charm, pushing the boundaries of awards show decorum while staying just family-friendly enough to air on ESPN.

The 2004 rendition took the original’s audacity to new heights, proving Foxx’s knack for turning a one-off gag into a recurring masterpiece.

Fans and critics alike hailed it as a defining ESPYs moment, with some calling Foxx the greatest host in the show’s history.

The clip quickly became a viral sensation in the pre-YouTube era, passed around via early internet forums and later immortalized on video-sharing platforms.

The Cultural Impact
Jamie Foxx’s serenade wasn’t just a fleeting awards show stunt—it left a lasting imprint on pop culture. The performance showcased his versatility as an entertainer, blending his roots as a stand-up comedian with his musical talents (he’d