CHRISTIAN singer Mandisa was widely recognized for her Grammy-winning album Overcomer and her appearance on American Idol.
On Friday, April 19, 2024, it was revealed the 47-year-old passed away — here’s everything to know about the life and death of Mandisa.
Who was the singer Mandisa?
Mandisa Lynn Hundley, who went by her first name professionally, was born on October 2, 1976, in Citrus Heights, California.
Mandisa studied vocal jazz at American River College before receiving her bachelor’s degree in music from Fisk University.
The California native rose to fame after competing in the hit talent competition show American Idol.
While she didn’t win on the show, this helped launch her career.
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In 2007, Mandisa released her first single, Only the World, which landed a spot on the Billboard Hot Singles Sales chart.
That same year, she released her first studio album called True Beauty.
Over the span of her career, she released six studio albums including her Grammy-winning album Overcomer.
When did Mandisa appear on American Idol?
Before becoming an award-winning singer, Mandisa started her career on American Idol, like many aspiring musicians.
She auditioned for the show in 2005 during season five, singing her rendition of Alicia Key’s song Fallin’.
She advanced throughout the competition, making it to the top nine before she was eliminated.
Before her elimination, Mandisa never made it to the bottom three.
While on the show, Simon Cowell took a jab at Mandisa’s weight, saying: “Do we have a bigger stage this year?”
He later apologized, and Mandisa forgave him.
Speaking with MTV after her elimination, Mandisa said her song choice or faith could have been why she was booted off the show.
“I don’t know what ultimately cost me the competition. It could have something to do with my song choice, it could have something to do with my stance on my faith, it could be people thinking I was safe and not voting,” she told the outlet.
“I was surprised.”
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When did Mandisa die?
On April 19, 2024, Christian radio network K-Love revealed Mandisa passed away in her Nashville home on April 18.
David Pierce, K-Love chief media officer, said in a statement announcing her 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.”
While her cause of death has not been released, it seems Mandisa struggled with her mental health.
“Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles,” Pierce revealed.
“Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home.”
In 2011, Mandisa spoke with People about her struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts after her friend died from a battle with breast cancer.
“When she passed away, it shook the foundations underneath me,” Mandisa said.
“I sank into a deep pit of depression. I was so miserable; I felt so hopeless.
“I am a woman of faith, and I believe that heaven is real, and when I do leave here, I’m going to be in heaven with Jesus.”
She also revealed the troubling thoughts she had during her time of grief.
“One of the things I started hearing during that dark period was: ‘You’re in so much pain. If you take your life, you could be in heaven right now with Jesus.'”
Following that period, Mandisa sought treatment. In 2017, she released her final album, Out of the Dark, to help those struggling with their mental health.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), chat on 988lifeline.org, or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.