After a contentious start to the week, the Gospel Music Association has uploaded full acceptance speeches to their YouTube account. This is customary and usually comes without controversy. What has been reported here this week is response to the cutting room omission that so many took offense to during the telecast of the 50th GMA Dove Awards.
At SMG, we get it. Not all the great footage from these award shows will make it to the telecast. That’s why viewers and attendees flock to Youtube or other video hosting sites to re-live memorable moments and see for themselves what others are talking about when they return home. For our part reporting the angst and shining a light on what we consider to be a blind spot in culture, we also want to applaud the GMA for working to better include the gospel music industry in their work.
Reaction to the omission, what got so many in the gospel community so upset?
While in the media room, many of our media colleagues venture outside to the arena area to watch the show. Many of the performers and winners come back to engage the media and conduct interviews with many unaware of what was said on stage. This is in part why though Kirk gave an extensive interview backstage, he was not asked about his statements regarding Atatiana Jefferson.
Watch Kirk Franklin’s full acceptance speech and share your thoughts in the comment section, below.