Kirk Franklin Honored with Ultimate Icon Award, Delivers Powerful Performance at BET Awards

Kirk Franklin brought the 2025 BET Awards to an unforgettable close. The gospel legend was honored with the Ultimate Icon Award, and he didn’t just accept the trophy quietly. He turned the moment into a celebration, a testimony, and a high-energy finale that lit up the room.

He took the stage with a full lineup of guest performers including Tamar Braxton, Muni Long, Jamal Roberts, and Salt from Salt-N-Pepa. Together, they ran through a medley of his most beloved hits, proving why he’s been at the top of gospel music for decades.

An Emotional Speech About His Past

Before the music started, Kirk opened up in his speech. He spoke about being adopted and shared how he never felt the love of a mother or father growing up. But something changed when he sat at the piano.

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“The only time I felt love was when I sat behind the piano and wrote songs to Jesus,” he said. That one line carried so much weight. Music wasn’t just his career, it was his safe place, his escape, and his way of connecting to something deeper.

He thanked everyone who ever listened to his songs. He showed love to all the singers and musicians who helped bring his music to life. “You’ve been the microphone to my pain,” he told them.

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Honest Words That Hit Home

Kirk didn’t sugarcoat anything. He told the crowd straight up, “I am not perfect.” He admitted his flaws — as a Christian, as a husband, as a father, and even joked that he can’t sing. The crowd laughed, but also nodded, because the truth in his words was undeniable.

“This award don’t make sense,” he said. “That’s when you know it’s God, when it don’t make sense.” That moment hit home for a lot of people in the audience. It wasn’t about vocal runs or flashy performances. It was about heart, purpose, and faith.

A Medley That Brought the House Down

Then the music took over. Franklin brought the crowd to their feet with “Stomp,” “Silver & Gold,” and “Melodies From Heaven.” Each song was delivered with full energy, complete with a choir, live instruments, and a spirit that filled the room.

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D.C. Young Fly even stepped in to deliver a mini sermon like a pastor before Kirk hit the stage again with a remix of “Revolution.” The performance was loud, joyful, and soulful — exactly what you’d expect from a Kirk Franklin finale.

A Night of Legends

Kirk Franklin wasn’t the only icon recognized. Jamie Foxx, Mariah Carey, and Snoop Dogg also received Ultimate Icon Awards during the show. But closing the night with Kirk’s heartfelt words and explosive gospel energy was the perfect way to wrap it all up. It reminded everyone why gospel still moves people, and why Kirk Franklin continues to lead the way.