Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who debuted on “American Idol” and earned a Grammy for her 2013 album ‘Overcomer’, has died. She was 47. A spokesman for the singer told The Associated Press that she was discovered dead in her Nashville, Tennessee, home on Thursday.
The spokesman stated that the cause of Mandisa’s death was unknown.
Mandisa Lynn Hundley was born near Sacramento, California, and spent her childhood singing at church. She became famous after coming ninth on “American Idol” in 2006. As she left, host Ryan Seacrest complimented the artist as “a great spirit on the show.”
The American Idol singer released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. That year, it received a Grammy nomination for best pop and contemporary gospel album. She went on to release five additional albums, including a Christmas CD.
Mandisa’s fifth album, “Overcomer,” earned her a Grammy in 2014 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
She was outspoken about her mental difficulties, releasing a memoir in 2022 titled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy” that described her experiences with severe melancholy, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus epidemic, and her religion.
On Friday, the Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute to the singer on social media, writing, “She struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.”
Mandisa was a highly regarded American gospel singer and songwriter. Her powerful singing and inspirational words have earned her countless awards, including several Grammys and Dove Awards.
Her music speaks to listeners, exploring themes of faith, self-acceptance, and tenacity. Her motivating songs urge individuals to accept their worth and find strength in their problems. Mandisa’s sincere performances continue to captivate audiences and raise souls, demonstrating her persistent commitment to her craft.
