Deitrick Haddon Criticizes BET for Honoring GloRilla with a Gospel Award
Renowned gospel singer and founding pastor of Hill City Church in California, Deitrick Haddon, has voiced strong objections over BET’s decision to award secular rapper GloRilla the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the BET Awards. Haddon contends that gospel music does not belong to the realm in which GloRilla normally operates.
Background on the Award and the Controversial Choice
The Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award, introduced in 2001 and named for the legendary gospel singer and television host, is traditionally presented to urban contemporary gospel artists based on record sales and the overall quality of their music. Despite this history, 25-year-old GloRilla—born Gloria Hallelujah Woods—received the honor for her track “Rain Down on Me,” which features prominent gospel figures Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music.
During the award presentation, Franklin and members of Maverick City Music joined GloRilla on stage as she accepted the accolade. In her acceptance speech, the rapper expressed gratitude for the recognition, admitting that she had been hesitant to approach Franklin to contribute to the track due to her well-known rap style.
GloRilla, known for her explicit and edgy lyrics that often explore themes like sex and street hustle, acknowledged her initial apprehension. She recalled feeling both nervous and thrilled at the prospect of collaborating with a gospel icon, emphasizing that the track had been a long-standing project close to her heart.
Haddon’s Statement and Concerns for Gospel Music
In a recent statement posted on social media, Haddon argued that although BET’s move might boost their ratings, it ultimately tarnishes the reputation of gospel music. Without explicitly naming GloRilla, he stated that bestowing the award upon an artist from an unrelated musical genre is both discouraging and damaging to the integrity of gospel music.
Haddon also criticized BET for repeatedly recognizing the same handful of artists. While he himself is a multiple-time recipient, he pointed out that gospel pioneer Kirk Franklin holds the record for the most awards in this category—with seven trophies—a pattern that leaves little room for other deserving contributors in the genre.
He went on to say, “We’re tired of seeing the same names year after year as if there is no one else working in gospel music. Last night may have been a ratings win for BET, but it was not a win for the gospel community. We need to do better.”
Haddon proposed that BET should invite individuals who are deeply immersed in and knowledgeable about the gospel music industry to participate in the award selection process, ensuring that the recipient truly represents the genre’s legacy and future.
Community Reactions and Broader Implications
Other voices from the gospel community have also expressed their reservations about the decision. Leaders such as Jodie Walton III from Bridging the Gap Urban Ministries remarked on the significance of what the term “gospel music” historically represents. Walton explained that while those less familiar with the faith might view gospel music as simply uplifting tunes, true gospel carries eternal implications. He expressed his unease about an award bearing Dr. Bobby Jones’ name being given to someone outside the traditional gospel sphere.
Walton also noted that this is not the first time a secular artist has been recognized in the gospel or inspirational category. He recalled that, in the past, even artists like Snoop Dogg received nominations when producing music with gospel themes. Despite his reservations, Walton expressed hope that this moment might inspire GloRilla to explore a deeper spiritual connection.
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