Is This the State of Gospel Music? – Deitrick Haddon

Gospel artist Deitrick Haddon shares a heartfelt message about the state of gospel music after GloRilla wins Best Gospel Song at the 2025 BET Awards. Is it time for a spiritual reset?

What just happened at the BET Awards?

Many are still buzzing about the 2025 BET Awards, but not everyone is clapping. Gospel singer and pastor Deitrick Haddon recently took to Instagram with a burden on his heart, and it’s one many in the gospel world feel but haven’t voiced aloud.

In a raw, passionate video, Haddon opened up about his disappointment with rapper GloRilla winning the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award for her song “Rain Down On Me,” which features Kirk Franklin. While the track has elements of faith, Haddon believes one inspirational song doesn’t make someone a gospel artist.

“The gospel music industry needs an overhaul. Period,” he said. “After last night’s show, it’s clear we need a complete reset.”

His concern isn’t personal; it’s about the spiritual space gospel music is meant to hold. For Haddon, the gospel is sacred ground, a space losing its footing in the mainstream spotlight. He expressed deep frustration over how true gospel artists are often overlooked, while others with only a tangential connection to the genre take center stage.

“It’s hard to watch the Bobby Jones Gospel Award go to someone not in our space,” he continued. “No shade to the artist, but that’s not where she lives musically.” 

In his caption, Haddon poured out his heart even more, explaining how gospel music gave him a calling, a purpose, and a reason to keep singing. But now? He’s tired. Tired of the politics. Tired of seeing talented gospel voices passed over. Tired of a system that honors the same few names while fresh, anointed voices wait in the wings.

“The culture is shifting, but the system is stuck,” he wrote. “Gospel music deserves better. The next generation deserves better. We all do.”

So, what do we do with this moment?

Maybe like Haddon says, it’s time for a reset, not just in the industry, but in our hearts. Maybe it’s time to pray for revival, not only in churches but also in the way we champion gospel music and its message. Let’s keep the main thing the main thing: lifting Jesus through song, truth, and authenticity.