Mandisa, the celebrated Grammy Award-winning singer who rose to fame as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol, passed away on Thursday, April 18, at the age of 47.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” a representative for the singer informed PEOPLE in a statement.
“At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa pursued her passion for music while studying in college before auditioning for American Idol in 2005.
As a soulful singer with an undeniable charisma, she attracted audiences during the reality competition’s fifth season, making it to the top 10 alongside other notable contestants like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, and eventual winner Taylor Hicks.
Although she didn’t win the competition, Mandisa’s performances of iconic songs such as Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” and Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing” earned her praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. She graciously forgave Cowell after he made insensitive remarks about her weight.
Following her journey on American Idol, Mandisa embarked on a successful music career, releasing her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. The album made history by debuting at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums charts, establishing Mandisa as the first new female artist ever to achieve this feat in the chart’s 27-year history.
Throughout her illustrious career, Mandisa released six albums, including an acclaimed 2008 holiday record, It’s Christmas, and her most recent offering, 2017’s Out of the Dark.
Notably, four of her albums—True Beauty, Freedom (2009), What If We Were Real (2011), and Overcomer (2013)—earned Grammy nominations, with Overcomer winning the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014.
Despite her professional success, Mandisa faced personal struggles, including battles with depression and anxiety following the loss of a close friend to cancer.
In her 2022 memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, she candidly shared her journey of overcoming these challenges and finding hope amid despair.
Mandisa’s legacy as a talented artist and resilient individual will continue to inspire and uplift countless fans around the world.
