‘American Idol’ Singer And Grammy Winner Mandisa, Found Dead

Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who became well-known during the fifth season of “American Idol,” passed away.

At the age of 47, she passed away on Thursday, April 18, according to her agent on Friday.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” her representative said 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,” the statement concluded.

A post on the artist’s Facebook page said early Friday: “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017.

“Her own words say it best. I’m already home / You’ve got to lay it down / ‘cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone.”

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Mandisa, who was up in Citrus Heights, California, studied music in college before going on the show as a contestant in 2005.

Mandisa’s ascent to fame following her ninth-place finish on “American Idol,” when she competed against fan favourites like Kellie Pickler, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, Katharine McPhee, and Taylor Hicks, the eventual winner.

Following her removal from Idol, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007.

Mandisa accomplished a historic first when her album debuted at the top of the Top Christian Albums rankings, becoming the first new female artist to do so in the 27-year history of the chart.

The first six albums Mandisa would release in her career, including the critically acclaimed 2008 holiday album It’s Christmas and her most recent release, 2017’s Out of the Dark, were together titled True Beauty.

For her album “Overcomer,” she went on to win a Grammy in 2014 for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli