Brandon Lake & Kirk Franklin Set To Appear In ‘American Idol’ Finale Episode Airing May 18
On this week’s episode of American Idol, it was officially announced that GRAMMY-winning gospel icons Brandon Lake and Kirk Franklin will appear on the season finale of the hit ABC singing competition. The grand finale airs Saturday, May 18, promising a star-studded lineup that continues the show’s recent embrace of Gospel and Contemporary Christian music.
Earlier this season, American Idol featured performances from both Brandon Lake and CeCe Winans during its Easter special, bringing powerful worship moments to the national stage. This latest announcement builds on the show’s celebration of inspirational music throughout the competition.
American Idol continues to air Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC, with episodes streaming the following day on Hulu.
About Kirk Franklin:
Kirk Franklin is a 20-time GRAMMY Award-winning gospel artist, songwriter, and producer who has redefined the genre by infusing gospel music with R&B and hip-hop. Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Franklin began directing choirs at just 11 years old and rose to fame with his groundbreaking debut album Kirk Franklin & The Family—the first gospel album to go platinum.
Known for iconic hits like “Stomp,” “Revolution,” and “Brighter Day,” Franklin has become a global ambassador for gospel music. Through his label Fo Yo Soul Entertainment, a partnership with RCA Records, he continues to mentor emerging artists and create culturally resonant, Christ-centered content.
Beyond music, Franklin is a bestselling author and community leader, with initiatives focused on education, mentorship, and faith-based empowerment. His legacy includes 13 gold or platinum albums, 33 Stellar Awards, 9 Dove Awards, and a Soul Train Award—a testament to his enduring influence across genres and generations.
About Brandon Lake:
Brandon Lake is a celebrated GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award-winning artist known for his powerful worship anthems and dynamic presence as a worship leader. Based in Charleston, South Carolina, Lake lives with his wife, Brittany, and their three sons, and travels the country igniting hearts toward passionate, Spirit-led worship.
With five GRAMMY wins and 12 nominations to date, Lake has earned acclaim through solo albums and collaborations with top Christian artists. His mission is clear: to help people “live free and be everything that God has called them to be.” His children’s book, Little Lion Lungs, is part of his broader effort to empower families and cultivate worship in the home.
Lake continues to invite listeners into deeper intimacy with God through songs that declare truth and inspire faith in the miraculous.
As the American Idol finale approaches, fans of both artists and Christian music enthusiasts alike can expect a powerful, uplifting performance celebrating faith, freedom, and inspiration on a national stage.
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