Le'Andria Johnson facts for kids

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

Her winning song from Sunday Best, "I Shall Leap into My Destiny", quickly became a number 1 hit on the Billboard Gospel chart. Le'Andria's first album after the show, The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson, was released in August 2011. It reached number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Gospel Albums chart. It also made it to number 3 on the U.S. Billboard Independent Albums chart and number 24 on the Billboard 200. Le'Andria Johnson is the first Sunday Best winner to receive a Grammy Award. She won this award in 2012 for Best Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music Performance.

Early Life and Music Journey

Le'Andria Johnson was born in Palatka, Florida. Her parents, Bishop Gregory Johnson and Pastor Sharon Johnson, were also involved in music and ministry.

Le'Andria started singing at just two years old in her father's church in Altamonte Springs, Florida. She grew up leading praise and worship there. Before joining Sunday Best, she was already a performer, producer, and songwriter.

Le'Andria decided to audition for Sunday Best because she wanted to create a better life for her children. She had faced financial difficulties and even lost her home right before her audition. Friends and family helped her travel to the audition in New Orleans. Despite her simple appearance, her powerful voice impressed the judges. After singing "This is the day The Lord Hath made," she received a standing ovation and was chosen to continue in the competition.

Sunday Best Competition

Le'Andria had many strong performances on Sunday Best. However, the judges and her mentor, Kim Burrell, sometimes noticed she seemed to have something on her mind. During one conversation, Le'Andria shared that she had faced very difficult times and felt like giving up. But she felt that God helped her through those moments. This was why she chose to sing "In the Midst of It All" on the show.

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

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 was very excited and surprised by the news.

After Sunday Best

After her big win, Le'Andria's music label quickly released an album of seven songs on September 6, 2011. It was called The Awakening of Le'Andria Johnson. This album featured the hit song "Jesus," which later earned her a Grammy nomination and win. She also helped write this Grammy-winning song.

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

Helping Others

Le'Andria Johnson has always cared about helping people. She herself experienced homelessness before her audition for Sunday Best. She held a benefit concert called "Up From the Ashes" in Lansing, Michigan, to help others. The concert was postponed when her brother was tragically killed, but it was held later in May 2011. Le'Andria's personal challenges have not stopped her from sharing her gift of singing and ministry.

In June 2013, Le'Andria started IPC (Imperfect People Changing) Ministries in Atlanta, Georgia. On New Year's Eve 2014, she and IPC Ministries held an outdoor concert. They provided food, clothing, and worship to people on the streets of Atlanta. This event was very successful. It inspired Le'Andria to create iProgress, an outreach program that helps those in need in Atlanta. iProgress gives out food, clothing, Bibles, and other gifts once a month to people experiencing homelessness.

Personal Life

Le'Andria Johnson has four children. She has spoken about facing personal challenges in her life.

Music Albums and Songs

Albums

Singles

Awards and Recognition

Le'Andria Johnson has won several awards for her music: