‘American Idol’ singer Mandisa dies, aged 47

Tributes are being paid following the death of American Idol singer, Mandisa, who has died aged 47.

News of the singer’s passing was shared by her publicist, who issued a statement to BBC confirming that the singer was found dead in her home on Thursday (April 18).

At time of writing, few details have been publicly shared. “We do not know the cause of death or any further details,” the publicist said, also adding: “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

The singer, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley first rose to fame in 2006, when she famously appeared as a contestant on the fifth season of the US singing competition, American Idol. She finished in ninth place, with Taylor Hicks being the season’s winner.

In her time after the show, the singer – who went by the mononym Mandisa – went on to have success in the Christian music scene. Her albums included 2007’s ‘True Beauty’, 2009’s ‘Freedom’ and 2011’s ‘What If We Were Real’; all of which earned her Grammy nominations.

Ultimately, it was her ‘Overcomer’ album that secured her win at the Grammys in 2014, where she took home the trophy in the Best Contemporary Christian music category.

Throughout her career, she spoke openly about her ongoing battle with depression and grief. She also opened up about the struggle in her 2022 memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy.

“Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world,” read a statement on her Instagram page following news of her death.

Similarly, Paula Abdul – who was a judge during her Idol season in 2006 – paid tribute in a statement to People, calling Mandisa a “true beacon of light”, while another American Idol contestant Danny Gokey took to X to say the news left him “devastated.

Taylor Hicks, who also competed in American Idol season five and took home the crown, remembered Mandisa as “a power house vocalist on our season of Idol and she graduated to a wonderful career in gospel music.

“Better yet she was a power house person and all of us will miss her dearly,” he added.

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

A spokesperson for the show also shared a statement, describing Mandisa as “an adored icon” on the show.

“She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family,” the statement read in part (via ABC).

Mandisa’s most recent album, ‘Out of the Dark’, was released in 2017.