Many entertainers were honored at the prestigious BET Awards 2025 last night (Monday, June 9), but four stars took home an extra special trophy: The Ultimate Icon Award, for their career achievements. The honorees this year were Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx, and Kirk Franklin.
Franklin has had an exceptional career, for which he has won many awards, including winning BET’s Best Gospel/Inspirational Award a record-breaking eight times. But he again felt honored when he took to the stage at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles to accept an award that celebrates “Decades of groundbreaking contributions to music, entertainment, advocacy, and community impact,” People reports.
Kirk Franklin Makes Heartwarming Speech At the BET Awards 2025
“It’s my honor to be here tonight to introduce the man whose musical genius combined the hood with hymnals,” T.I. addressed the audience before welcoming Franklin onstage to collect his award.
Franklin gave a powerful and inspiring speech about the lack of love in his childhood and how that was filled by music and religion. “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 said. “People loved my songs, and the more I wrote, the more people would listen. Thank you to all of you who still listen.”
Franklin’s wife, Tammy Franklin, accompanied him to the award ceremony. The couple has been married since 1996, and Tammy has been one of his biggest supporters as they navigate life together. The “My Life Is in Your Hands” artist chose to honor Tammy in his award speech.
“You sit here with me while your father, one of my heroes, is fighting for his life. Thank you. I will never be able to repay you for giving me a legacy,” he told Tammy. He also went on to praise their four children. “You gave me Caziah, my young leader. Carrington, my best friend. Kennedy, twin. And you partnered with the mother of my oldest, Kerrion, whom I love with all my soul.”
You can watch his full speech here:
Fans React to Kirk Franklin’s BET Ultimate Icon Award
Footage from Franklin’s speech was shared on the official BET Instagram page, allowing fans to react and praise him for his powerful speech. “A real one,” a fan commented. “Again, I thank you for giving God a ‘yes’ despite what life handed you. God bless!”
“Now that’s why the whole world fell in love with him since we heard ‘I sing because I am happy,” another shared. Other reactions include, “Kirk, this was powerful,” “Such a profound speech,” and “Loved every single word!!!!!”
Congratulations to Franklin on his achievement of excellence.
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Kirk Franklin Takes Home a Big Award at BET Awards 2025 & Celebrates His Wife