Thursday night, Mandisa, the Grammy-winning Christian singer who got her start on “American Idol,” was discovered dead in her Nashville residence. She was 47 years old.
Her agent told the local publication The Tennessean, “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased.” We don’t currently have any more information on the cause of death. At this extremely trying time, we kindly ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit group of friends.
The gospel and contemporary Christian vocalist was also recognized by the Christian radio network K-Love.
David Pierce, chief media officer of K-Love, commented, “Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn.” Her voice was enormous, her smile electrifying, and her generosity epic, yet none of it could compare to the enormity of her heart. We were able to discuss our own issues with Mandisa since she was open and honest about her struggles. Mandisa is now with the God she sung about, and her hardships are behind her. We are sorry, but Mandisa is at home. We invite you to join us in praying for Mandisa’s family and friends.
The singer, whose real name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, tried out for Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2005 and quickly rose to the top of the program when it debuted a year later. She made it to the final nine competitors before losing. She sung singles including “I’m Every Woman,” “I Don’t Hurt Anymore,” “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing,” “Any Man of Mine,” “Shackles (Praise You),” and more throughout her tenure.
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Following her success on “American Idol,” Mandisa released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. It made its debut at No. 43 on the Billboard 200 and at the top of Billboard’s Christian album chart—a first for a female performer. “Only the World,” the album’s lead track, peaked at No. 2 on the hot singles list before rising to No. 1 in its second week.
She also released a greatest hits album in 2020 in addition to the albums “It’s Christmas” (2008), “Freedom” (2009), “What if We Were Real” (2011), “Overcomer” (2013), and “Out of the Dark” (2017). Her albums “True Beauty” and “Freedom” were nominated for Grammy Awards in the categories of best pop/contemporary gospel and contemporary Christian music, respectively. Finally, she was victorious when her album “Overcomer” won a trophy for contemporary Christian album and received a nomination for the title track’s gospel/contemporary Christian performance.
Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Tori Kelly, and Mandisa were the only five “American Idol” alumni to win a Grammy.
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