KIRK FRANKLIN INTERVIEW
BET.com: What’s your role with the show? What do you hope to accomplish?
Kirk: My goal as the host of the show and one of the Executive Producers is to really try to make it a show that uplifts the contestants … where everybody already feels like they’re winners walking through the door. This is a showcase of God-given talent. My goal is to make this more of an inspiring show. So that everyone feels like something. I don’t want anyone feeling they’re not good enough.
BET.com: So, you won’t be doing the Simon Cowell thing, and telling contestants they’re “dreadful.”
Kirk: That won’t be my swagger. My swagger will be to let cats know that you can’t forget who you sing for, no matter what these judges say. Don’t walk away from here thinking you’re not good enough. I want to encourage people to find out what their purpose on earth is. My job is to help be a cheerleader through that process.
BET.com: You’re not a judge, but what do you look for in a good gospel artist? How would you determine who has “it?”
Kirk: Since I’m not a judge, I don’t really have to do that. I think there’s a difference between a recording artist and a worship leader and singer. A person that may be good in church, may not be good in 60 minutes on a CD. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a purpose or a calling about what you do with your church, community center or nursing home. It doesn’t mean that you’re not called to do something. My job is to help people tap into what they’re called to do.
BET.com: When did you first realize your calling?
Kirk: I don’t know. I’m trying to figure it out still. I think that you figure it out as you get on the journey. It’s almost like Martin Luther King, Jr. He wasn’t trying to be the leader of the Civil Right Movement. He just opened up the door to his church for the meeting that night.
BET.com: Most artists and celebrities are in the public eye. Do you feel like gospel artists are held to an even higher standard and scrutinized more?
Kirk: I think that it can be when you do gospel music because the image of those in church is holier than thou. I say, ‘tell junk on yourself before they tell it.’ Don’t put yourself in the position where you’re looked at as better than. I’m nothing without God’s grace. I can be tempted to curse somebody who cuts me off on the freeway, or to be afraid about paying bills. Focus on God’s power and not your own. I don’t know that we’ve always been good at that in the church.
BET.com: How would you respond to critics who question why this show is airing on BET?
Kirk: I don’t know why they would give criticism. BET is the platform for Black people for gospel music. It’s an African-American art form. It’s not going to be on the Country Music Channel. BET’s the right place for it.
NEXT PAGE: Kirk offers advice for aspiring musicians.