Christian singer-songwriter and “American Idol” finalist Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as Mandisa, has died in her Nashville, Tennessee, home at age 47, according to multiple reports.
The platinum-selling artist and five-time Grammy nominee, born in California, rose to fame when she responded with grace to “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell’s critique following her performance on Season 5 of that show. She finished in the top 10 and released her first album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. In 2014, she won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music album for her iconic release, “Overcomer.”
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K-LOVE, one of the first outlets to break the news of her death, released the following on social media platform X:
Mandisa; 1976-2024.
— K-LOVE (@KLOVERadio) April 19, 2024
"Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. 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… pic.twitter.com/jXYRyhtGBf
Over the course of her career, Mandisa released five full-length projects and one Christmas LP. Her memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy,” was published in 2022 after she went public with her longtime struggle with depression and trust in God’s healing power.
Top Christian artist and fellow “American Idol” alum Danny Gokey posted his condolences on X, saying he was “devastated” to hear of her passing:
Devastated to hear about the sudden loss of Mandisa. Her joy was infectious & I loved her heart to encourage people on & off stage! When I made my debut in Christian music she was my greatest supporter. Mandisa you left too soon—our community will never be the same without you. pic.twitter.com/GNASOaFDxL
— Danny Gokey (@dannygokey) April 19, 2024
“While we are saddened, Mandisa is home,” says David Pierce, K-LOVE’s chief media officer. “We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
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