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 Mandisa was found dead in her home yesterday,” her spokesperson confirmed to local broadcaster The Tennessean. “At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any other details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

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The Christian radio station K-Love also paid tribute to the gospel and contemporary Christian singer.

“Mandisa loved Jesus and she used her unusually large platform to speak about him at every opportunity,” wrote David Pierce, K-Love’s chief media officer. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice powerful, but that was no comparison to 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 now with the God she sang about. Although we are sad, Mandisa is home. We are praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask that you join us.”

Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the singer auditioned for the fifth season of American Idol in 2005 and became a favorite when the show aired a year later. She made it to the top nine contestants before being eliminated. During her career, she sang hits such as “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.

After her breakthrough on American Idol, Mandisa released her first album, True Beauty, in 2007. It debuted at number 43 on the Billboard 200, becoming the first female artist to do so, and peaked at number 2 on the Christian Albums chart. Her first single from the album, “Only the World,” peaked at number 2 on the Hot Singles chart and reached number 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 victory finally came when Overcomer received a trophy for Contemporary Christian Album, plus an additional nomination for Gospel/Contemporary Christian Performance for the title track.

Mandisa was one of only five former American Idol stars to win a Grammy, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Tori Kelly.

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