KIRK FRANKLIN INTERVIEW (cont'd)

BET.com: Will this show be a platform to spread the Gospel?

Kirk: I think there’s always going to be a thin line between entertainment and inspiration, and it should be. It should always be a hard thing to decipher. If there’s no question, you have to ask if you’re doing it right. Entertaining and inspiring people can always be a challenge. I have a comfortable mix of understanding what could be good entertainment that can lead to inspire people. As God gives me strength, I try to bob and weave the two.

BET.com: Talk about the show’s judges.

Kirk: Those are my people. Mary Mary are my girls. We’ve toured together, worked together. BeBe Winans is an icon from the first family of gospel. It’s a great mix. It should be really dope.

BET.com: Will you all be performing on the show?

Kirk: I don’t know … because we’re there, whatever jumps off.

BET.com: So, what’s up next for you? What projects are you working on?

Kirk: I just finished a record. I’m about 95% finished. I think it will come out next year. I will see what God’s agenda is on that.

BET.com: What advice would you give young aspiring gospel artists?

Kirk: This ain’t just music. It’s got to be a lifestyle. You’re not ready for this microphone. Go do pop or something. When I say it’s a lifestyle, I’m not talking about perfect cats. I’m talking about cats who’ve made a commitment. There’s a difference between marriage and dating. That’s what I’m always going to put in their ear whether we’re back stage, or wherever. How’s your life behind closed doors. That’s what I’m talking about. That’s what separates the genre and the show. It can’t look like a whole bunch of cats that who just wanna try gospel ‘cause they grew up in the church.

BET.com: What type of music do you listen to?

Kirk: I listen to a plethora of music. I listen to everything from Yo Yo Ma, Switchfoot to old RUN DMC to Layla Hathaway, Lauryn Hill, Aerosmith and U2. I listen to everything, man.

BET.com: What are you hoping viewers will take away from the show?

Kirk: I hope we can make it good, family TV -- good and entertaining. I don’t think it should be anything more than that. You don’t use a lawn mower the same way you use trimmers. Hopefully, it will lead all to the same point, and that’s giving glory to God.