Gospel singer Kirk Franklin explains reason behind 'Losing My Religion'

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Arguably the biggest name in gospel music, multi-platinum singer Kirk Franklin rocked the stage at the Revention Music Center downtown Monday night.

"To be able to come to Houston and give people two decades of the body of work that I've been trusted to do, it's a really great honor," Franklin says.

Franklin has sold millions of albums worldwide. His new project "Losing My Religion" has been at the center of controversy. He says his goal was to spark conversation.

"When you look at the decline of church attendance in America, or when you look at the decline of millennials that are not going to church in America, you want to have the conversation that a lot of times people are hit more with religion and rules and the systems than they are with the love of God and having a personal relationship with Christ," he said.

The tour stop in Houston was homecoming for one of his background singers. Nikki Ross has been singing soprano and touring with Franklin for 11 years. She was born and raised in Houston.

"I grew up in Studewood. I went to Booker T. Washington High School. And I went to UH a little bit," Ross tells us.

She grew up in Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church. She's currently a member of the Renaissance Church of Houston. But much of her time is spent on the road away from her two sons.

"Sometimes that was a little harder for them when they were younger. But now that they're older, they kind of know what mom does. They're kind of like my push to do what it that I do," Ross said.

She says it's great to be home.

"It's a good thing to be able to share this experience with my friends, my family, and my loved ones here who will be able to see what it is that I'm gone away to do," Ross shares.

In true Franklin form, he joked with Ross towards the end of our time together. But his message was sincere.

"I just want to thank you for all the years you've given me. I'm so happy that Houston done shared you with me. Houston...God Bless You," he said.