Tasha Cobbs Leonard Recruits Ciara for New Single ‘In Spite of Me’

GRAMMY® winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard surprised fans today with the release of “In Spite of Me,” featuring platinum-selling superstar Ciara.

The track comes just days after the powerhouse singer/songwriter scored a #1 debut on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart with her new album, “Royalty: Live at The Ryman,” released via Motown Gospel.

A reimagined studio version of the original, “In Spite of Me” featuring Ciara is a feel-good song set to lush backing vocals and punctuated by passionate leads. The song’s lyrics celebrate God‘s perfect love for imperfect people:

“Every scar, every flaw,
You see it all, You see it all
You still love me, love me
In spite of me”

“Tasha is one of the strongest voices in gospel music and we’ve always been huge fans of hers in our house,” shares Ciara. “In times like these, I am super thrilled to be part of a song filled with messages of hope and inspiration that can be shared with the world. With God’s love and grace, nothing in life is insurmountable. It’s truly a special moment.”

Tasha Cobbs Leonard is equally ecstatic about the collaboration. “Ciara is an icon. A role model. A wife, mother, and a lover of God,” she shares. “Her musical versatility is undeniable and I am so glad she joined me on this song to tell people about the unconditional love of God.”

“Royalty: Live at The Ryman” is one of the most anticipated new albums in gospel music this year. Recorded before a closed house, “for an audience of One” at Nashville‘s famed Ryman Auditorium, the project merges Tasha Cobbs Leonard‘s country, bluegrass and gospel music roots to create an authentic musical experience.

Check out the vibrant lyric video.