Mandisa, ‘American Idol’ Star and Grammy-Winning Christian Singer, Dies at 47

Mandisa, the Grammy-winning Christian singer who began her career on “American Idol,” was found dead in her Nashville home on Thursday. She was 47.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” her representative confirmed to local outlet The Tennessean. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

The Christian radio network K-Love also honored the gospel and contemporary Christian singer.

“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn,” wrote David Pierce, chief media officer of K-Love. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. 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.”

Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the singer auditioned for Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2005 and became a favorite on the show when it aired a year later. She advanced to the top nine contestants before being eliminated. During her run, she sang hits like “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.

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After her “American Idol” breakthrough, Mandisa released her first album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. It debuted at the top of Billboard’s Christian album chart, a first for a female artist, and at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. Her first single off the album, “only the World,” debuted at No. 2 on the hot singles chart and reached No. 1 in its second week.

Her other albums included “It’s Christmas” (2008), “Freedom” (2009), “What if We Were Real” (2011), “Overcomer” (2013), “Out of the Dark” (2017) and a greatest hits album in 2020. She received Grammy nominations for best pop/contemporary gospel album for “True Beauty” and “Freedom” and for contemporary Christian music album with “What if We Were Real.” Her win finally came when “Overcomer” earned a trophy for contemporary Christian album, plus an additional nom for gospel/contemporary Christian performance for the title track.

Mandisa was one of just five “American Idol” alumi to win a Grammy, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly.