Gospel singer and Hill City Church pastor Deitrick Haddon has publicly criticized BET for awarding secular rapper GloRilla the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2025 BET Awards, held Monday night. GloRilla, best known for her explicit rap lyrics, won the award for her song “Rain Down on Me,” a collaboration with gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Maverick City Music. While she expressed gratitude and credited God during her acceptance speech, Haddon argued the honor was misplaced.

In a statement shared Tuesday on Instagram, Haddon expressed his frustration with the decision, stating that the award, traditionally given to gospel or urban contemporary gospel artists, should be reserved for those dedicated to the genre. “No disrespect to the artist,” Haddon wrote, “but that’s not the space she’s in, and it makes it discouraging, disappointing, and it takes the wind out of all of it.” He added that such choices contribute to the decline of gospel music’s integrity and visibility.

Haddon also criticized BET for repeatedly recognizing the same artists, particularly pointing to Kirk Franklin, who holds a record seven wins in the category. “We’re tired of seeing the same people celebrated year after year like there is nobody else in gospel music,” he said. Haddon called on BET to include more gospel insiders in the award selection process. “We need people in the room that know gospel music… and are advocating for the genre as a whole,” he stated, suggesting that change is essential to preserve and elevate the gospel music industry moving forward.