Mandisa, the Christian music singer who competed on “American Idol” after which pursued a Grammy-winning profession, has died. She was 47.
A consultant confirmed to The Instances on Friday that the California-born artist “was present in her residence [in Tennessee] deceased.”
“At the moment, we have no idea the reason for demise or any additional particulars,” the consultant stated in a press release. “We ask in your prayers for her household and close-knit circle of associates throughout this extremely troublesome time.
Ok-Love, a Christian radio station, first reported the information of Mandisa’s demise Friday morning. David Pierce, the station’s chief media officer, praised Mandisa for her devotion to Jesus and God.
“Her kindness was epic, her smile electrical, her voice huge, however it was no match for the dimensions of her coronary heart,” Pierce stated in a assertion. “Mandisa struggled, and she or he was weak sufficient to share that with us, which helped us discuss our personal struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. Whereas we’re saddened, Mandisa is residence. We’re praying for Mandisa’s household and associates and ask you to hitch us.”
The singer, born Mandisa Lynn Hundley on Oct. 2, 1976, is a five-time Grammy-nominee who earned her first prize in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.” The 22-track album additionally earned Mandisa a gospel/modern Christian music efficiency nomination on the 56th Grammy Awards. Her Grammys haul additionally included two pop/modern gospel album nominations and a recent Christian music album nod.
Years earlier than incomes her first Grammy nomination, and finally her sole Grammy win, Mandisa showcased her abilities on Season 5 of “American Idol.”
“Mandisa … simply ‘Mandisa‘” was how the singer launched herself in 2006 to judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, earlier than belting the opening notes of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin.’”
“Terrific, all the things I hoped you’ll be you had been that, Mandisa,” Cowell stated, “and I like the truth that you need to be often called one individual.”
With out hesitation, the trio of unique “Idol” judges despatched Mandisa alongside to Hollywood, the subsequent step on a weeks-long journey that will finish along with her cracking the High 10 finalists. She was eradicated after her efficiency of Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine,” which landed her within the backside three.
“I need to thank my followers a lot, your assist has meant the world to me and the prayers which were lifted up for me I do know will proceed to have full pressure for me,” she stated upon her elimination. “I thanks, and I bless you within the identify of Jesus.”
Mandisa attending the Ok-Love Fan Awards in Might 2018 in Nashville, Tenn.
(Terry Wyatt / Getty Photos )
After her time on “American Idol,” Mandisa launched her first album, “True Magnificence,” in 2007. The debut album earned Mandisa her first Grammy nomination. Additionally identified for albums “Freedom” and “What If We Have been Actual,” Mandisa labored with a wide range of Christian artists all through her profession, together with TobyMac, Kirk Franklin and Jon Reddick, in response to Ok-Love.
Mandisa launched her last album, “Out of the Darkish,” in 2017, that includes songs “Unfinished” and “Bleed the Identical.” The 18-track challenge shares its title along with her 2022 memoir, which chronicles her rise to fame and the challenges that examined her religion. That got here years after she launched her first memoir, “Idoleyes,” in 2008.
“Even in our darkest and lowest moments, God is within the trenches with us. He’s at all times at work on our behalf, loving on us and carrying us up out of the darkish,” Mandisa wrote in an Instagram submit celebrating her 2022 memoir. “He NEVER fails. I’m perpetually grateful that He retains hope alive.”
