Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend Hit No. 1 on Gospel Airplay With ‘Church’
Tasha Cobbs Leonard and John Legend move 3-1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart dated Nov. 29 with their collaboration “Church,” marking a significant week for both artists. Cobbs Leonard adds to an impressive streak at the top of the format, notching her 10th leader, while Legend earns his first appearance — and thus first No. 1 — on the chart. The song increases 15% in plays in the United States during the Nov. 14-20 tracking week, according to Luminate.
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Cowritten by Cobbs Leonard with five others, including her husband and producer Kenneth Leonard Jr., “Church” becomes her 10th No. 1 on Gospel Airplay and her eighth consecutive leader. “The sound, the lyrics and the heart behind it seemed to resonate across audiences,” Cobbs Leonard tells Billboard. “I’m so grateful to the stations who gave it a chance and to the listeners who kept showing up for it.”
For Legend, the achievement represents multiple firsts in the Gospel space. “I grew up singing and playing in the church,” he adds. “So, I have a profound respect for the tradition of gospel music and gospel radio. To have ‘Church’ reach No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart and to get my first ever Grammy nomination in the Gospel category is a blessing.” The song is nominated for best gospel performance/song for the 2026 Grammy Awards, set for Feb. 1.
“Church” gives Legend his first entry and first No. 1 on Gospel Airplay. Cobbs Leonard’s 10 leaders equals James Fortune & FIYA’s 10 No. 1s among all acts, and represents the second-most among women on Gospel Airplay since the chart launched in 2005. Overall, Kirk Franklin and Tamela Mann are tied with 12 leaders each, followed by Fortune & FIYA and Cobbs Leonard’s 10 each.
“Church” appears on Cobbs Leonard’s latest album, Tasha, which debuted at No. 1 on Top Gospel Albums in August and is also up for best gospel album at the upcoming Grammy Awards. Since her first charting release, Grace, she has placed six of 10 projects at the top of the list since 2014.
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