Deitrick Haddon Slams BET’s Selection of Rapper GloRilla for Gospel Award

Gospel music powerhouse and pastor Deitrick Haddon has ignited a fiery debate across the gospel and entertainment communities after publicly criticizing BET's decision to award rapper GloRilla the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards.
The award, which recognizes excellence in gospel and inspirational music, was given to GloRilla for her hit collaboration "Rain Down on Me," featuring gospel icons Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music. While the song has drawn praise for its genre-blending approach, Haddon says the decision to honor a secular artist in a sacred category sends the wrong message.
"We wonder why gospel music is dying," Haddon stated in a video response posted to social media. "It's because we're doing things like that - giving gospel awards to mainstream rappers instead of honoring those who labor in the genre year-round."
Haddon, who has long championed the integrity of gospel music, also took issue with the repeated awarding of the same artists in the category, suggesting it reflects a lack of industry support for the broader gospel community.
"We're tired of seeing the same people celebrated year after year, like there's nobody else in gospel music. There are hundreds of gifted artists putting in the work, and they deserve their moment."
The remarks have since gone viral, with fans and fellow musicians weighing in across social media. Some have echoed Haddon's concerns, while others defended GloRilla's win as a sign of gospel music's expanding reach.
This marks the first time a female rapper has taken home the gospel award at the BET Awards. GloRilla, best known for her gritty Memphis style, has said she grew up in church and was honored to return to her roots through the collaboration.
Still, Haddon believes the industry must do more to preserve the sanctity and future of gospel music.
"This isn't about GloRilla personally," he clarified. "It's about what we're saying to the next generation of gospel artists - that you're not good enough unless you cross over."
The BET Awards have not issued a statement in response.
Tags : GloRilla Deitrick Haddon Dr. Bobby Jones best gospel/inspirational award 2025 BET Awards
Hot Trends
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Gospel Music Association Announces Nominees for 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards
-
Lauren Daigle Surprises Camp Mystic Survivor Who Rewrote “Hallelujah” in Tribute to Fallen Campers
-
Tricia Thornton on Parenting with Purpose: How Authentic Connection Transforms Families
-
Lakewood Church Announces the Passing of Co-Founder Dolores “Mama Dodie” Osteen at Age 91
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
Sean Feucht Pushes Forward With Canadian Tour Amid Cancellations, Protests, and Growing Crowds
-
Kenny Marks Dies at 67
-
Kutless' Guitarist James Mead Hospitalized After Stroke
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
The Longest-Running Christian Songs in Billboard History Unveiled
Most Popular
-
Two Additional Allegations Surface Against Former Newsboys Frontman Michael Tait
-
Lauren Daigle Announces New Single “Let It Be A Hallelujah” Releasing August 1, 2025
-
Skyler Derrington, 13-Year-Old Survivor of Texas Flood, Pens “Hallelujah;” Tribute to Beloved Camp Mystic
-
The Oak Ridge Boys Announce 2025 "American Made Christmas Tour"
-
Gospel Music Association Announces Nominees for 56th Annual GMA Dove Awards
-
Lauren Daigle Surprises Camp Mystic Survivor Who Rewrote “Hallelujah” in Tribute to Fallen Campers
-
Tricia Thornton on Parenting with Purpose: How Authentic Connection Transforms Families
-
Lakewood Church Announces the Passing of Co-Founder Dolores “Mama Dodie” Osteen at Age 91
-
Allison Eide Recounts Her Personal Journey & Struggles in Her Debut Album "Love Who I Am"
-
Sean Feucht Pushes Forward With Canadian Tour Amid Cancellations, Protests, and Growing Crowds
-
Kenny Marks Dies at 67
-
Kutless' Guitarist James Mead Hospitalized After Stroke
-
Forrest Frank Turns Pain into Praise with New Single “Lemons Into Lemonade”
-
The Tragic End of Kingdom Heir's Founder Steve French
-
The Longest-Running Christian Songs in Billboard History Unveiled