On this week’s episode of American Idol, it was announced that both Kirk Franklin and Brandon Lake will appear on the finale episode of ABC’s singing competition show airing May 18. Throughout this season, multiple artists have performed covers of Gospel and Contemporary Christian artists’ songs. CeCe Winans and Brandon Lake performed earlier this season on the Easter special episode.
American Idol airs on ABC Sundays at 8pm ET. Streams next day on Hulu.
About Kirk Franklin:
Kirk Franklin, a 20-time GRAMMY Award-winning gospel artist, songwriter and producer, has revolutionized the gospel music genre by blending gospel, R&B and hip-hop. A Fort Worth, Texas native, Franklin began playing piano at age four and directing choirs at 11. His debut album, Kirk Franklin & The Family, was the first gospel album to sell more than a million copies, spending 100 weeks on the Billboard Gospel charts. Known for hits like “Stomp,” “Revolution” and “Brighter Day,” Franklin’s music has achieved widespread crossover success and transformed the genre.
Through the joint-venture partnership between RCA Records and his company, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, Franklin has fostered diverse, Christ-centered content while mentoring urban youth. His 13 albums, all certified gold or platinum, have earned him nine Dove Awards, 33 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award. Collaborating with artists like Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Chance the Rapper, Franklin has consistently bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream music, reaching broader audiences. In 2011, he also authored The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms , which focuses on a transparent approach to addressing issues ranging from marriage and politics to sex and religion.
Through his foundation, he leads community outreach initiatives focused on education and mentorship, empowering future generations and promoting personal growth through faith and music. Franklin’s renowned leadership of urban contemporary gospel choirs—including The Family, God’s Property and One Nation Crew (1NC)—continues to dominate the Billboard Gospel chart while achieving mainstream success. A trailblazer in music, Franklin’s legacy resonates globally, uniting audiences through the power of faith.
About Brandon Lake:
Brandon Lake is a GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-winning artist and songwriter. He lives with his wife, Brittany, and their three sons in Charleston, South Carolina. As a worship leader for gatherings around the nation, he has found his purpose in calling followers of Jesus into a posture of freedom and confidence – creating space to boldly declare truth and expect the miraculous. Through releasing his solo albums and collaborating with artists across the country he has taken home five GRAMMY Awards and has been nominated for a total of twelve over the course of his professional music career.
Believing that God has a unique and powerful purpose for each and every one of us, Lake longs to see individuals and families “live free and be everything that God has called them to be.” His Little Lion Lungs book is one of the many projects and resources to serve the home in discovering the powerful weapon of worship.