Mandisa, the Grammy-winning Christian music artist who competed in the fifth season of “American Idol,” passed away on Thursday at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 47.
A spokesperson for Mandisa verified the information with The Tennessean. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. 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,” the statement reads.
K-LOVE radio, which honored Mandisa with its Fan Award twice, also acknowledged the artist’s death.
“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,” David Pierce, K-LOVE Chief Media Officer, said in a statement released on X. “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. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
Mandisa first gained national recognition during Season 5 of “American Idol,” where she finished in the Top 10 of the Fox competition show. After her time on the program, Mandisa released her first album “True Beauty” in 2007.
However, it was her fourth studio album, “Overcomer,” that garnered the artist critical attention. The album debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, Mandisa’s highest peak on the chart. It later won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 56th Grammy Awards, and the title song from the album also won Best Contemporary Christian Music Song.
Throughout her career, she worked with artists such as TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, and Jon Reddick.
The Tennessean was the first to report the news.
