"Church" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard & John Legend Is Now a BET Award Nominee

As the 2026 BET Awards buzz builds toward the June 28 ceremony, one nomination is standing out in the gospel community - and it's one that's been making waves since it first dropped.

"Church" by Tasha Cobbs Leonard and John Legend is among the nominees for the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at this year's BET Awards, airing live June 28 at 8 PM ET on BET.

The nomination puts a spotlight back on one of gospel's most talked-about collaborations in recent memory. Released July 25, 2025, "Church" features Tasha and John leading a thunderous choir on a piano-driven anthem built around one central prayer: "God, it's just You and me now - teach me how to have church on a Monday."

The origin of the collaboration is just as compelling as the song itself. Cobbs Leonard revealed she was inspired by Legend's "It Don't Have To Change" and was looking for an artist who could help take "Church" to another level. A mutual friend named Jocelyn made the connection, and the rest followed. Legend echoes the song's message in the third verse: "Now I'm understanding / You're more than a building / When the service is over / I'll still be singing."

The song reached No. 1 on Billboard's Gospel Airplay Chart - marking Tasha Cobbs Leonard's latest chart-topper and John Legend's first ever on the gospel airwaves. It also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song earlier this year.

Now a BET nominee, "Church" continues to do exactly what its title suggests - bringing people into a moment of worship regardless of what stage they're standing on. For a generation asking what faith looks like in everyday life, this song keeps answering.

The 2026 BET Awards air June 28 on BET. Voting for the Viewers' Choice Award is open now at BET.com.