Kirk Franklin Honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards

Gospel music legend Kirk Franklin received the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The award celebrates Franklin's transformative contributions to gospel music and his groundbreaking influence across genres and generations.
In a soul-stirring tribute, Franklin performed a medley of his most beloved hits, including "Revolution," "Stomp," "Melodies from Heaven," and "I Smile." He was joined by an all-star cast featuring Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, Salt (of Salt-N-Pepa), Jamal Roberts, and D.C. Young Fly. The performance was a powerful testament to Franklin's enduring ability to unite artists and uplift audiences through music that bridges the sacred and the contemporary.
In a deeply emotional acceptance speech, Franklin reflected on his personal journey, paying tribute to his Aunt Gertrude, who adopted him and nurtured his gift from a young age. "I never felt the love of a mother or a father," he said, "but I felt the love of God, and that gave me the strength to speak life through my music."
This year's BET Awards, hosted by Kevin Hart, also honored fellow Ultimate Icon Award recipients Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, and Jamie Foxx, in a ceremony that paid homage to artists who have made an indelible impact on music and culture.
Kirk Franklin's recognition affirms his unparalleled influence on the evolution of gospel music and its growing reach into mainstream consciousness. His legacy continues to inspire a new generation of artists to create music that uplifts, heals, and connects people across boundaries.
Tags : 2025 BET Awards Kirk Franklin Kirk Franklin Honored with the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards
Hot Trends
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
UPPERROOM Unites with Bethel Music, Abbie Gamboa, Jenn Johnson & Kristian Stanfill on “The Church”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
SENSERE Releases Long-Awaited Fourth Studio Album
-
McKamey Legacy Drops New Album "Holding To Truth"
-
Lakewood Church Announces the Passing of Co-Founder Dolores “Mama Dodie” Osteen at Age 91
-
Rachel Purcell Opens Up About Her Transition from Country to Christian Music
-
Actor Yoshi Barrigas Testifies How Spending "Forty-Seven Days with Jesus" Changes Him
-
Sean Feucht Pushes Forward With Canadian Tour Amid Cancellations, Protests, and Growing Crowds
-
Pat Barrett Announces Fall Tour with Patrick Mayberry
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
Most Popular
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
UPPERROOM Unites with Bethel Music, Abbie Gamboa, Jenn Johnson & Kristian Stanfill on “The Church”
-
Wanda Bell Launches LadyBellRadio.com 24/7 Gospel Music Platform
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
SENSERE Releases Long-Awaited Fourth Studio Album
-
McKamey Legacy Drops New Album "Holding To Truth"
-
Lakewood Church Announces the Passing of Co-Founder Dolores “Mama Dodie” Osteen at Age 91
-
Rachel Purcell Opens Up About Her Transition from Country to Christian Music
-
Actor Yoshi Barrigas Testifies How Spending "Forty-Seven Days with Jesus" Changes Him
-
Sean Feucht Pushes Forward With Canadian Tour Amid Cancellations, Protests, and Growing Crowds
-
Pat Barrett Announces Fall Tour with Patrick Mayberry
-
Lysa TerKeurst’s 22-Yr-Old Daughter Breaks Silence About Her Dad’s Affair
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce