Gospel powerhouse Kirk Franklin, the 20‑time Grammy Award winner and trailblazer in urban gospel, was among the recipients of the prestigious BET Ultimate Icon Award during the 25th Annual BET Awards, held Monday, June 9 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Franklin shared the honor with fellow legends Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, and Snoop Dogg, in recognition of their decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact.

Introduced by Grammy-winning rapper T.I., Franklin took to the stage in a moment of heartfelt reflection, opening with gratitude toward his adoptive aunt Gertrude, who took him in at age four. He spoke candidly about a childhood marked by abandonment, declaring, “I never felt the love of a mother or a father… the only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus” . He also expressed deep appreciation for his wife Tammy and children, acknowledging Tammy’s unwavering support during her father’s illness: “Thank you. I will never be able to repay you”.

Franklin rounded out the night by delivering a show‑stopping medley of his most iconic hits—“Revolution,” “Stomp,” “Melodies from Heaven,” and “I Smile”—joined by renowned performers including Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, Salt of Salt‑N‑Pepa, Jamal Roberts, and D.C. Young Fly.

BET’s Ultimate Icon Award, created in 2015, honors veteran artists whose career achievements have profoundly shaped music and culture. As part of BET’s 25th‑anniversary celebration, Franklin joins an elite group of recipients whose creative impact transcends genres.

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