Le'Andria Johnson facts for kids

Le'Andria Delores Johnson (born January 23, 1983) is a talented American gospel singer. She became famous after winning the third season of Sunday Best, a popular gospel singing competition on BET.

Le'Andria's winning song from Sunday Best, "I Shall Leap into My Destiny", quickly reached number 1 on the Billboard Gospel chart. Her first album after the show, The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson, came out in August 2011. It debuted at number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Le'Andria made history as the first Sunday Best contestant to win a Grammy Award. She won it in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Le'Andria Johnson was born in Palatka, Florida. Her parents are Bishop Gregory Johnson and Pastor Sharon Johnson. She grew up in a musical family.

Le'Andria started singing at just two years old in her father's church. She later became the leader of praise and worship there. Before joining Sunday Best, she was already a performer and songwriter.

Journey to Sunday Best

Le'Andria decided to audition for Sunday Best to create a better life for her three children. She was going through a difficult time financially. Friends and family helped her travel to the audition in New Orleans. She arrived with very little, even auditioning in flip-flops.

Some judges, like Erica Campbell from Mary Mary, were concerned about her appearance at first. However, after Le'Andria sang "This is the day The Lord Hath made," she received a standing ovation. All the judges voted for her to move forward in the competition.

Becoming Sunday Best Winner

Le'Andria had many strong performances on Sunday Best. Even though she sometimes seemed hesitant, she always impressed the judges. She shared that God helped her through tough times, which inspired her song choice "In the Midst of It All."

The Grand Finale

In the final show, Le'Andria competed against Elder Goldwire McLendon. She performed "I Love the Lord", "He Was There", and "In the Midst of It All".

On June 20, 2010, Le'Andria Johnson was announced as the winner of Sunday Best. Her prize included a national recording contract, a new car, and a cash prize. She found out she had won while watching the show at home with her family. She said it was an amazing and exciting moment for everyone.

Life After Sunday Best

After her big win, Le'Andria's music label quickly released her first EP (Extended Play) of seven songs. It was called The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson and came out on September 6, 2011. This EP included the hit song "Jesus," which earned her first Grammy nomination and win. She also helped write this Grammy-winning song.

Le'Andria was the first Sunday Best winner to release more than one project after her first EP. She released a Christmas EP called Christmas Best on November 21, 2011. Then, she released another project, The Evolution of Le’Andria Johnson, on February 14, 2012. A deluxe version of this album with 14 songs was also released on the same day.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Le'Andria Johnson has a big heart for helping people. She once held a benefit concert called "Up From the Ashes" in Lansing, Michigan. The concert aimed to help those in need.

She also started IPC (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. Their first service was in June 2013. On New Year's Eve 2014, Le'Andria and IPC Ministries held an outdoor concert. They provided food, clothing, and worship to people on the streets of Atlanta.

This event led Le'Andria to create iProgress. This is an outreach program that helps people who are less fortunate in Atlanta. iProgress gives out food, clothing, Bibles, and other gifts once a month near a homeless shelter.

Preachers of Atlanta

In 2015, Le'Andria Johnson joined the cast of Preachers of Atlanta. This reality show on the Oxygen channel follows the lives of five preachers in Atlanta. Le'Andria stood out because of her unique way of ministering.

She believes in meeting people where they are, even if it's outside a traditional church setting. She aims to start conversations about God and share positive messages. Many people appreciate her approach because she doesn't judge them. She simply talks with them and encourages them to make positive changes in their lives.

Discography

Albums

Singles

Awards and Recognition

Le'Andria Johnson has won several important awards for her music.