Former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa has reportedly passed away at the age of 47. The Grammy Award-winning gospel singer is said to have been found dead in her home in Nashville.
K-Love, a Christian Radio Network, announced Mandisa’s death and paid tribute to her, highlighting her “kindness” and talent. The singer’s father also confirmed her passing, noting how unexpected it was for the family.
Mandisa, Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Dies At Age 47
On Friday, K-Love radio shared the news of Mandisa’s passing in a heartwarming tribute to the late singer’s legacy.
“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn,” David Pierce, the radio’s Chief Media Officer, said per Deadline. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart.”
Pierce continued, “Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
Mandisa’s father also confirmed her passing in a statement to TMZ. He told the news outlet that his daughter’s death was “unexpected and a total shock to the family.”
The Grammy Award winner reportedly had no known health issues, and there is no cause of death at the moment.
Mandisa Rose To Fame Following Her Appearance On ‘American Idol’
In 2005, Mandisa found some fame after sharing her talent with the world by appearing on the fifth season of “American Idol.”
The singer, who was born Mandisa Hundley and raised in California, finished in the top ten on the show. Following her stint on the music competition, Mandisa released her debut album, “True Beauty.”
In 2013, Mandisa found major success following the release of her fifth studio album, “Overcomer.” The album was a hit with critics and audiences and was also popular on Christian radio, with singles such as “Stronger” and “My Deliverer.”
Mandisa went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album thanks to the success and positive reception of “Overcomer.”
Mandisa Once Talked About Being Suicidal And Her Mental Health Challenges
In 2017, while promoting her album, “Out of the Dark,” Mandisa spoke candidly about her mental health challenges following the death of her best friend, Kisha Mitchell, who battled with cancer.
She revealed she sequestered herself and gained 195 pounds, and even contemplated committing suicide to help deal with the grief she felt.
“When she passed away, it shook the foundations underneath me. I sank into a deep pit of depression,” Mandisa said at the time, per People magazine.
Mandisa revealed that to cope with her emotions, she “turned back to [her] old ways, which is food,” and gained back the weight she had lost, plus extra. The singer also became a recluse.
“You’re battling shame, and you don’t want to leave the house,” she stated. “I didn’t leave the house, for the most part. When I got up, I went downstairs, sat in the recliner, and I watched television nonstop. The only time I left was when I got tired of pizza delivery and decided to get McDonald’s.”
The Singer Shut Out Her Friends And Loved Ones
Mandisa revealed at the time that the loss of her best friend caused her to shut out her loved ones and refuse any help offered.
“I was so miserable; I felt so hopeless. I am a woman of faith, and I believe that heaven is real, and when I do leave here, I’m going to be in heaven with Jesus,” Mandisa recalled.
She added, “One of the things I started hearing during that dark period was: ‘You’re in so much pain. If you take your life, you could be in heaven right now with Jesus.”
Mandisa’s Friends Staged An Intervention
An intervention eventually came along for Mandisa during one of her rare outings to watch a movie.
“When I left the movie theater, I saw my car: It had a bunch of sticky notes all over it. The notes said things like ‘We love you’ and ‘We miss you’ and ‘Come back to us,'” Mandisa said, per People.
She continued, “As I walked closer to my car, I realized a bunch of my friends had been sitting there waiting for me. They insisted that I get counseling, and that is what helped me finally start dealing with my grief. If that hadn’t happened, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Gradually, Mandisa started to find herself again with the help of counseling. According to the late singer, “It only takes one flicker of light to chase out the darkness.”
Rest in peace, Mandisa.
