Deitrick Haddon Says Gospel Is Dead After GloRilla Win, Kirk Franklin Tribute At BET Awards

Gospel star Deitrick Haddon has voiced his disagreeance with BET awarding Memphis rapper GloRilla the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/ Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards. He also alluded to it being unfair that Kirk Franklin is consistently recognized for his contributions to the genre while others who are just as influential are largely ignored. Haddon took to his social media page with his critique of the awards show, starting off his stating that Gospel is in need of an “overhaul. “After last night’s show, it’s an indicator that we just need a complete reset,” he continued. “Like, what are we doing? Are we allowing this to happen over and over again, and wonder why the Gospel music industry is dying?” He went on to advocate for those who truly know Gospel music to be “in the room” when decisions are being made regarding awards, as it is “already a small genre” where artists often go unrecognized. “It’s hard for us to watch the Bobby Jones Gospel Award being given to somebody that’s not in our space. No disrespect to the artist, but that’s not the space she’s in,” he said of Glo winning for her song “Rain Down On Me” featuring Franklin, Maverick City Music, and Kierra Sheard. Her fellow nominees featured a variety of Gospel and mainstream artists who’ve created inspirational songs, including Common, Pete Rock, Jennifer Hudson, and Rapsody. Haddon then says the Gospel community is “tired of seeing the same people being celebrated year after year,” referring to Franklin receiving the BET Icon Award — alongside Mariah Carey, Snoop Dogg and Jamie Foxx that same night. “You cannot just give it to one person as if they’re the only one keeping it going. No, no, we’re done with that. Last night was a great win for the ratings for BET…but it was not a win for the Gospel music industry.” Within his caption, he elaborated, “We can’t keep honoring the same few people every year and expect the genre to grow. I’ve heard the cries behind the scenes. People are tired. The culture is shifting, but the system is stuck. Haddon followed-up with a post Thursday (June 12) stating he spoke to thee Bobby Jones and hinted without saying it outright that the legend agrees with his take, writing, “If you have to ask me what he thinks then you clearly have no clue! Those of us who truly know? We’ll keep preaching, pushing, pressing, raising our voices, voting and going to the meetings until we see real change.”

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