Grammy winner gospel singer Mandisa found dead in her apartment
Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album ‘Overcomer’, has died. She was 47.
A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. The representative said the cause of Mandisa’s death was not yet known.
Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was born near Sacramento, California, and grew up singing in church. She gained stardom after finishing ninth on “American Idol” in 2006.
As she left, host Ryan Seacrest told the singer that she was “a great spirit on the show.”
Mandisa moved on, releasing her debut album in 2007 called “True Beauty,” which received a Grammy nomination that year for best pop and contemporary gospel album.
She went on to release five more albums, including a Christmas album.
In 2014, she won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for “Overcomer,” her fifth album.
Mandisa spoke openly about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir entitled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy” in 2022 that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith.
On Friday, the Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute to the singer on social media, saying: “Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.”
Fellow musicians have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late singer.
Danny Gokey, another American Idol alum, wrote on X, “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”.
Matthew West, another American Christian artist said, “I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room.”z
Fellow musicians have taken to social media to pay tribute to the late singer.
Danny Gokey, another American Idol alum, wrote on X, “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”.
Matthew West, another American Christian artist said, “I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room.”
