In a historic moment for the genre, 3x GRAMMY winner and Billboard’s Gospel Artist of the Decade Tasha Cobbs Leonard took center stage on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! Monday night, delivering a barrier-breaking performance of her hit single “Church” alongside EGOT winner John Legend.
Airing to millions following Monday Night Football, the performance was a rare and significant spotlight for Gospel music on late-night television. The duo’s raw, piano-driven rendition showcased the undeniable vocal chemistry that has made “Church” a standout cultural moment of the year.
Dressed in a striking cream ensemble with Legend in a tan tailored suit, Cobbs Leonard led a soul-stirring set backed by a choir and full band, all donning coordinating white tones. The visuals underscored the song's message of finding sacred connection outside traditional walls.
This performance comes on the heels of a major milestone for “Church,” which recently reached #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart, marking Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s latest chart-topper and John Legend’s first on the gospel airwaves. The song is also nominated for a 2026 GRAMMY Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song, with Leonard’s studio debut album, TASHA, also receiving a nod for Best Gospel Album. Read more on recent chart success at Billboard.
Released earlier this year on Motown Gospel, TASHA represents a turning point in Cobbs Leonard’s career. Her first-ever studio album — following over a decade of #1 live projects — weaves gospel, hip-hop, pop, bluegrass, and R&B into a deeply personal, genre-blending body of work that The New York Times praised as “a bold expansion of sound” in an Arts section cover profile. TASHA debuted at: #1 Billboard Top Gospel Album, #1 Current Gospel Album, and #1 Top Christian/Gospel Album. It has also earned acclaim from Billboard, Good Morning America, People, Essence, Grammy.com, Okayplayer, and more.
CRITICAL PRAISE:
“Gospel Star Tasha Cobbs Leonard Takes a New Leap”
"Taking inspiration from hip-hop, R&B and even bluegrass"
The New York Times (Cover of Arts Section)
“The elevation of gospel music”
Good Morning America, Pop News
"Genre-spanning first studio LP… an eclectic mix of pop, hip-hop and ‘80s R&B"
"Musicians flexing their powerhouse vocals"
"In a season of musical growth and expansion"
"One of gospel’s biggest celebrities”
Essence
"A chilling collaboration"
Okayplayer
"From gospel powerhouse to global truth-teller"
With over 5 billion career streams, multiple #1 Billboard albums, and recognition as Billboard’s Gospel Artist of the Decade, Tasha Cobbs Leonard continues to redefine the gospel landscape. Alongside her music, she is the author of the bestselling book Do It Anyway and co-pastors The Purpose Place Church in South Carolina.
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