Note: Gladys Knight was introduced to the capacity Black Entertainment Television (BET) crowd by Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys, who said, "Ms. Gladys, you’re an inspiration to me and to so many, as a woman and as an artist. ["I love you!" was yelled from the crowd.] See, we love you. We love you! From the bottom of my heart, I love you, and I can’t wait for the day we get to work together. I hope that day comes very soon. But it is truly a pleasure and an honor—it is my joy to present you with the 2005 BET Lifetime Achievement Award. Give it up for Ms. Gladys Knight!" Following are Gladys Knight's acceptance comments, spoken to a standing ovation, which underscore her dedication to the gospel."Oh, my goodness! Hi. This is so humbling; it really, really is. And this [referring to the award trophy] is real, too, cause it’s heavy. It really is!
"You know, when I’d watch T.V. and I’d see awards shows like this, I don’t know why, but my mind went to, 'I wonder what their journey was like—how they got to where they were'—never thinking that I had a journey of my own. And then they would come to the podium, and they would thank all these people that I didn’t know.
"So, rather than do that tonight, I want to say three names that I think all of you will identify with—and if you don’t identify with them, then I know you’ve heard of them before. And that is, my Heavenly Father—God, who made such an awesome plan for my life. [Camera pans to audience, still standing, now erupting in applause.] My big brother, Jesus Christ; He is our brother, because we’re all God’s children. He came down here and showed us how it was supposed to be done, so I had a road map. And the Holy Spirit, because He’s been there to lead and guide and show me the way. [Throughout these remarks, the camera panned to a tearful Mary Blige and to Gladys’s husband William, daughter Kenya, and brother; the audience was still standing and appluading.]
"Even though I have not always done what my big brother did, and I have not always listened to that still small voice, I thank Him for putting the family in my life that He has—my mom and dad, and all of you. There are numerous people who have come my way who have made it possible for me to be standing in this place. I can’t name them all! [The camera panned to BET Owner Bob Johnson, who also owns the Charlotte Bobcats NBA franchise, with Michael Jordan standing next to him.] "I couldn’t go anywhere, because I went on the road with the Pips when I was eight years old, believe it or not. Steve [Steve Harvey—actor, comedian, and presenter] gave me a few years on it: it’s been 57 years, Steve. It has. And that young man that you saw earlier in the video, his name is William. That was not Langston. And I correct that because those are the three guys—Bubba, William, and Edward—who raised me all of those 40-plus years that we were on the road together. And I am so grateful for every single blessing that I’ve had—my wonderful, wonderful husband, who loves me unconditionally. You can’t find them these days. [The camera panned to husband William, who blew Gladys a kiss.]
Every record that you bought and every concert ticket that you’ve paid for has allowed me to be in this spot today, and I am so humbled, because you’ve helped me to come this far. Thank you so very much. You be good to yourselves, and love. . .one. . .another! Good night, everybody!
[Music started.] Thank you, Kenya! I love you! [The camera panned to a tearful Kenya.] You got me here. You stepped in when it was tough, baby, and you’ve done a great job!"
Following her acceptance speech, Gladys went on to sing three of her number-one hits songs with flawless and powerful vocals, with all of the famous people in the audience swaying and singing along.