“You Carried Me” by Jekalyn Carr, Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Blanca Reigns at the Top
Jekalyn Carr’s powerful single “You Carried Me,” featuring the talented Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Blanca, has soared to the coveted No. 1 position on Billboard’s Gospel Airplay chart for the week of November 30. This remarkable achievement comes after the song experienced a significant 10% increase in plays during the tracking week of November 8-14, as reported by Luminate. The song’s uplifting message and captivating melody have resonated deeply with listeners, leading to its impressive climb up the charts and solidifying Carr’s status as a prominent figure in contemporary gospel music.
For Jekalyn Carr, “You Carried Me” represents a significant milestone as it marks her eighth No. 1 hit on the Gospel Airplay chart and her fifth consecutive chart-topper. This follows the success of her previous single “I Believe God,” which dominated the charts for two weeks last October. Other notable hits in her impressive discography include “My Portion,” which held the top spot for one week in 2022, “Jehovah Jireh,” reigning for two weeks in 2021, and “Changing Your Story,” which topped the charts for one week in 2020. Carr’s journey began with her first No. 1 track, “You’re Bigger,” which captivated audiences for four weeks in 2016, establishing her as a leading voice in gospel music.
Tasha Cobbs Leonard has also made significant strides with this release, marking her eighth No. 1 on the Gospel Airplay chart and extending her streak to six consecutive chart-toppers. This achievement ties her with Jonathan McReynolds and Pastor Mike Jr. for the longest active streak in the genre. Prior to this week’s accomplishment, Cobbs Leonard enjoyed success with tracks like “Burdens Down,” which topped the charts for two weeks in June, and “The Moment,” also reigning for two weeks in 2023. Other chart-topping hits include “Gotta Believe” (one week, 2022), “In Spite of Me,” featuring Ciara (one week, 2021), and “You Know My Name (Live)” (one week, 2019). Her journey to the top began with the iconic “Break Every Chain,” which dominated the charts for seven weeks in 2013, establishing her as a powerhouse in gospel music.
Both Carr and Cobbs Leonard now share the distinction of holding the second-most Gospel Airplay No. 1s among female artists since the inception of the list in March 2005. Tamela Mann leads this impressive list with 11 No. 1 hits, while Kirk Franklin follows closely with 10, and James Fortune & FIYA holds third place with nine. Carr and Cobbs Leonard’s remarkable achievements place them in a strong fourth position overall, showcasing their significant contributions to the gospel music industry and their ability to resonate with audiences across the board.
For Blanca, who is primarily known as a Christian artist, “You Carried Me” marks her first entry into the Gospel Airplay chart, illustrating her versatility and appeal within the genre. In addition to this new achievement, she has made her mark on Christian Airplay, where she has successfully secured four top 10 hits. This crossover highlights her ability to connect with a diverse audience and her potential for continued success in the evolving landscape of gospel and Christian music.
