Kirk Franklin expresses profound gratitude to those who elevate him. The gospel legend, alongside Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg, will be feted with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award at the 2025 BET Awards, taking place on Monday, June 9. This accolade honors "decades of groundbreaking achievements in music, entertainment, advocacy, and profound community impact." Franklin, now 55, and his fellow honorees possess talents spanning the entertainment landscape, encompassing music, business, film, and television.
Past recipients of the BET Ultimate Icon Award include Janet Jackson in 2015, Deborah L. Lee in 2018, and Tyler Perry in 2019.
Introducing Franklin was T.I., who reminisced, "There was once a divide between gospel and hip-hop, miles apart," but Franklin revolutionized the game. "Kirk's brilliance and ingenuity shone through when he kicked off the 2022 BET Awards with his hit 'We Win,' featuring Lil Baby," T.I. elaborated. "It's an honor tonight to present the man whose musical genius seamlessly blended the streets with sacred hymns."
Franklin's acceptance speech commenced with heartfelt thanks to Gertrude, a "64-year-old woman who opened her heart to adopt a 4-year-old boy rejected by all." He shared, "I never knew the warmth of parental love. The only solace I found was behind the piano, penning songs to Jesus." "My songs resonated with people, and the more I composed, the more ears they captured. Thank you, all of you, for continuing to listen." He expressed gratitude to "every group, singer, musician," who appreciated his music, and especially thanked his wife, Tammy Franklin.
"You sit beside me as your father, one of my heroes, battles for his life. Your support is immeasurable. You've bestowed upon me a legacy—Caziah, my young leader; Carrington, my closest confidant; Kennedy, my twin. And you've joined forces with the mother of my eldest, Kerrion, whom I cherish deeply," Franklin said, addressing Tammy.
He also acknowledged Rodney Hill for saving "my life and career," continuing, "Thank you, my soul family, for your unwavering support." Franklin humbly admitted, despite receiving this honor, "I am not flawless. I falter. I sin. I'm not a perfect Christian, husband, or even father. Nor am I a perfect artist; I can barely sing! This award astounds me even more."
Franklin, a 20-time Grammy winner and the reigning king of urban gospel, emerged in the 1990s. Renowned for hits like "Imagine Me," "I Smile," "Lean on Me," and "Wanna Be Happy?", he revolutionized gospel music with his visionary debut album, "Kirk Franklin and the Family," released in 1993. He holds the record for most wins in the Best Gospel Artist category, renamed the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award in 2017, with eight victories.
In 2025, Franklin secured his eighth Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for his collaboration on "Rain Down on Me" with GloRilla and Maverick City Music. Most recently, at the 2024 BET Awards, he joined Will Smith, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service choir onstage to premiere Smith's new song, "You Can Make It."
The BET Awards will air live from Los Angeles' Peacock Theater on BET on Monday, June 9.
