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
-
Wes King’s Landmark Album "Common Creed" Celebrates 30th Anniversary
-
Gracie Binion (formerly MDSN) Releases Bold New Single “Easy To Please”
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Brandon Lake & His Wife Are Expecting Their Third Child
-
Colton Dixon Unveils Heartfelt New Single “The Love I Have For You”
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Here Are Lyrics to Phil Wickham's "This is Our God"
-
'God's Not Dead' Climbs to #2 in Box Office in Opening Weekend, Big Win for the Film Opening in Select Theaters (VIDEO)
-
Gospel Singer Sharonda K. Mitchell is Cancer Free
-
Barry Rowland & Deliverance Talk About Their Passion Behind "The Light"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Dave Hollis, Ex-Husband of Christian Author Rachel Hollis, Dies
Most Popular
-
Wes King’s Landmark Album "Common Creed" Celebrates 30th Anniversary
-
Gracie Binion (formerly MDSN) Releases Bold New Single “Easy To Please”
-
Matty Mullins Takes the Postion of Lead Vocalist for Anberlin's 2024 Tour
-
Max Lucado Announces New Book "Tame Your Thoughts"
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Hillsong Worship Former Leader Miriam Webster Gets Married
-
Brandon Lake & His Wife Are Expecting Their Third Child
-
Colton Dixon Unveils Heartfelt New Single “The Love I Have For You”
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Here Are Lyrics to Phil Wickham's "This is Our God"
-
'God's Not Dead' Climbs to #2 in Box Office in Opening Weekend, Big Win for the Film Opening in Select Theaters (VIDEO)
-
Gospel Singer Sharonda K. Mitchell is Cancer Free
-
Barry Rowland & Deliverance Talk About Their Passion Behind "The Light"
-
Lysa TerKeurst Remarries Two Years After Divorce
-
Dave Hollis, Ex-Husband of Christian Author Rachel Hollis, Dies