Tasha Cobbs Leonard Earns Two 2026 Grammy Nominations

Published: January 20, 2026

Gospel powerhouse Tasha Cobbs Leonard continues her reign as one of contemporary gospel’s most influential voices, earning two prestigious 2026 Grammy nominations while making waves with genre-defying music and high-profile television appearances.

Historic Grammy Nominations

Tasha Cobbs Leonard received Grammy nominations in two major categories:

• Best Gospel Performance/Song for “Church” (featuring John Legend)
• Best Gospel Album for her debut studio LP “TASHA”

“Church,” her collaboration with R&B legend John Legend, recently reached #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay Chart, marking Cobbs Leonard’s latest chart-topper and John Legend’s first on the gospel airwaves. The song’s success represents a rare crossover moment that brings gospel music to mainstream audiences.

Jimmy Kimmel Live Performance

In a rare and significant spotlight for Gospel music on late-night television, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and John Legend delivered a soul-stirring performance of “Church” on Jimmy Kimmel Live following Monday Night Football, reaching millions of viewers.

Dressed in a striking cream ensemble with Legend in a tan tailored suit, Cobbs Leonard led a powerful set backed by a choir and full band, all donning coordinating white tones. The performance showcased the raw, piano-driven sound and undeniable vocal chemistry that has made “Church” a standout cultural moment of the year.

TASHA: A Bold New Direction

Released 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.

The New York Times praised it as “a bold expansion of sound” in an Arts section cover profile, while other major outlets have celebrated her willingness to push boundaries:

• Good Morning America: “The elevation of gospel music”
• Billboard: “Genre-spanning first studio LP… an eclectic mix of pop, hip-hop and ’80s R&B”
• Grammy.com: “In a season of musical growth and expansion”
• Essence: “One of gospel’s biggest celebrities”

The album debuted at #1 on multiple Billboard charts:

• #1 Billboard Top Gospel Album
• #1 Current Gospel Album
• #1 Top Christian/Gospel Album

“TASHA” features high-profile collaborations with John Legend, Kirk Franklin, and Lecrae, with the lead single “Do It Anyway” topping both the Billboard Gospel Airplay and Mediabase Gospel charts.

Continued Success

Brad O’Donnell, President of Capitol Christian Music Group, shared his thoughts: “Tasha is one of the most important artists in contemporary music. Her willingness to take risks and her vocal mastery continue to set new standards across genres. We’re thrilled to celebrate these Grammy nominations alongside her, as she marks yet another milestone in a truly remarkable career.”

The song “Church” is currently Top 10 (#7) on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart, continuing its impressive run.

A Legacy of Excellence

With over 5 billion career streams, five #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 with her husband Kenneth Leonard.

Her unique ability to blend contemporary sounds with traditional gospel influences has made her music resonate with audiences of all ages, creating a bridge between generations and genre boundaries.

As she continues to inspire and uplift through her music and ministry, Tasha Cobbs Leonard’s two Grammy nominations serve as recognition of her profound impact on gospel music and her fearless approach to artistic expression.

The 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony will take place in February, where Cobbs Leonard will compete against other talented artists in both categories. Regardless of the outcome, her influence on contemporary gospel music remains undeniable.