Though she should be known as one of the most powerful voices in gospel music, Le’Andria Johnson can’t seem to escape the moniker of “The Bad Girl of Gospel”. The gospel community has a robust roster of well-known artists, creatives and their respective personalities, but Johnson is the most polarizing-good or bad. Since her win on BET’s Sunday Best, she has remained troubled, in the spotlight.
Alcoholism has been her crutch and her varying points of both sobriety and addiction have marked her career. Johnson is a decorated artist, notching numerous award wins and record sales. She has never however been able to shake her most visible crutch, alcoholism. Last summer, Johnson took to social media to lambaste the gospel community and the church for what she called being fake. Her expletive laced rant caught immediate fire and swept through the gospel industry and church community. Many defended the singer while for others, this was the last straw.
As to be expected, Johnson lost many dates due to her rant, but support from many others remained steadfast. Churchgoers, and fans could identify with Johnson’s frustration and fanned the flames of her disdain. Last month, Johnson found herself in the news again when a video surfaced of her speaking in between songs at a concert. In the clip that also went viral, Johnson confessed to a brief jail sentence and terms that included an ankle monitor.
Weeks later, she was live on social media again, this time checking into a rehabilitation facility for treatment of an alcohol addiction. For many keeping tabs on Johnson, there was a burning question regarding her decision to once again shut off the voices of reason in her life. She was headed down a path of an unforgiving path of self-destruction. This time would be worse, and everyone could see it.
Thankfully, Johnson checked into the rehabilitation facility and is seeking treatment for this long-battled addiction. Before she checked into rehab, she had already recorded a two-part episode of “Iyanla, Fix My Life” on the OWN Network. The first part airs today, March 16th at 9 ET/8CT and next Saturday March 23rd at the same time.
As perhaps the perfect precursor to this situation with Johnson facing her struggles head on, her feature with Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers “Deliver Me” has become an instant hit with listeners everywhere. Hopefully, Johnson’s plea is heard and she takes the journey seriously enough to press past her difficult past to finally see the “Better Days” we all long to see. We wish Le’Andria Johnson all the best going forward. She is a once in a generation gift and as we know all too well, with a great gifting comes a great struggle! We’ll be tuned in, watch with us and share your reactions online.