Mandisa, American Idol Alum & Grammy-Winning Singer, Dead At Age 47
Singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley (stage name Mandisa) has died at 47 years old. A post on Mandisa's official Facebook page confirmed that she was found dead in her home on April 18, 2024. "At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details," the post read. "We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."
Mandisa competed on Season 5 of "American Idol." Although she didn't win her season, she had a successful music career and won the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 56th Grammys for her album "Overcomer."
The "Good News" singer didn't shy away from sharing personal struggles. In an interview with "Good Morning America" in 2017, Mandisa spoke about how she almost committed suicide after her friend Lakisha "Kisha" Mitchell died from breast cancer. (Kisha was the inspiration for the title track on the "Overcomer" album.) "It almost happened," Mandisa said. "'But God!' is what I say. He saved my life quite literally." She also had a support system of friends to lift her out of that difficult time.
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Fans are pouring out love for Mandisa
Mandisa's music is inspiring for many people. The post on Facebook about her passing said, "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life's challenges all around the world." Many of her fans and friends have come forward to pay tribute to her after her death. Someone on X, formerly known as Twitter, shared the iconic clip where she politely but firmly confronted Simon Cowell about his fat-shaming comments after her "American Idol" audition. Instead of reacting with anger, she told him she forgave him.
On the official Instagram announcement about Mandisa's death, fellow "American Idol" alum David Archuleta commented, "my heart is breaking. She was truly an angel on this earth. We will miss you Mandisa. Your music got so many of us through hard times. Always a gem of a human being." Archuleta also sang along to her song "Overcomer" on his Instagram story.
David Pierce, the chief media officer for the K-Love Christian radio station, paid tribute to Mandisa as well. He spoke about how she was open about her faith and a loving soul. He continued, "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" (via Air1). Pierce then implored people to pray for Mandisa's loved ones.