The 2025 BET Awards came to a soul-stirring conclusion as Kirk Franklin, the undisputed king of contemporary gospel, led a thunderous and emotional finale that left the audience on their feet and in tears. In honor of receiving the Ultimate Icon Award, Franklin did what he does best—he turned his tribute into a worship experience.
A Gospel Medley for the Ages
The medley featured iconic hits like “Silver and Gold,” “Do It Again,” and the high-energy crowd favorite “Stomp.” But the real surprise—and the heart of the night—came when Jamal Roberts, fresh off his American Idol win, emerged mid-performance to join Franklin in a duet that fans online are calling “electrifying,” “anointed,” and “a holy moment.”
Wearing a crisp white suit and radiating humility and fire, Roberts matched Franklin’s legendary fervor note for note. Their chemistry was undeniable—one voice seasoned by decades of spiritual warfare, the other soaring with the hunger and purpose of a new generation.
Joined by Tamar Braxton and Muni Long
As the performance swelled, Tamar Braxton and Muni Long took the stage, adding a rich, emotional texture to the medley. Each artist brought their own flavor to the celebration, elevating the moment into something much more than just a musical number—it became a cross-generational revival.
More Than Music: A Prophetic Moment
The performance wasn’t just a showstopper. It was a statement.
In true Kirk Franklin fashion, the spotlight wasn’t on himself, but on the future of gospel music. And in Jamal Roberts, the future looked bright.
“That wasn’t just a duet. That was Kirk Franklin passing the torch,” wrote one fan on X.
“Jamal Roberts is him. Get ready for the next era,” said another.
“BET saved the best for last — chills, tears, hallelujahs. This is history,” echoed a TikTok clip now going viral under #GospelRevival2025.
What This Means for Jamal Roberts
For Jamal Roberts, the appearance marks his biggest stage yet since his American Idol victory. Sharing a stage with gospel’s greatest icon at the BET Awards will no doubt accelerate his already meteoric rise. From church pews in Mississippi to Idol’s main stage—and now, the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles—Roberts is cementing his place not just in country music, but as a formidable new voice in modern gospel.
With his debut album Cowboy Confessions already in the works and now this viral BET moment under his belt, it’s clear: Jamal Roberts isn’t just a rising star. He’s a force.
