American Idol contestant and Grammy Award winner Mandisa dies at the age of 47
The family of the Christian recording artist have asked for prayers in the wake of the news
Former American Idol contestant and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Mandisa has died at the age of 47.
News of Mandisa's death was confirmed on her official Facebook page today (April 19), and revealed that the singer, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was found deceased in her home on Thursday (April 18).
Mandisa first rose to fame following her audition for the fifth season of American Idol, when she earned praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
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During her time on the show, which aired in 2006, Mandisa performed tracks including Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman' and Stevie Wonder's 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing'.
Her soulful voice helped carry Mandisa through to the top 10 on the show, before she was ultimately eliminated in the top nine.
Her career was far from over, though.
In 2007 Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, and just six years later, she won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her album Overcomer.
Over the years, Mandisa experienced struggles with her mental health which she discussed in her 2022 memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy.
Mandisa detailed her experience with depression, anxiety and reclusiveness, recalling how she was 'battling shame' as she turned to food for comfort.
In 2017, she told People: “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 statement announcing Mandisa's death has not revealed a cause of death, which, according to the statement, is currently unknown.
"We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time," the post said.
"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best.
"I'm already home / You've got to lay it down / 'cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone."
Tributes have been pouring in for Mandisa in the wake of the news - with her fans describing her as 'a beautiful and talented soul'.
"So very sorry to hear this," one person wrote. "Her music encouraged me through some difficult moments in my life. Her voice and music will be dearly missed."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 to reach a 24-hour crisis center or you can webchat at 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
Topics: American Idol, Music, Mental Health, US News
Emily Brown