Mandisa, a singer who rose to prominence in the fifth season of American Idol and went on to become a Grammy Award-winning Christian artist, died at her home in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday. She was 47.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” a rep for the singer told The Tennessean in a statement on Friday. “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.”
David Pierce, Christian radio station KLOVE’s chief media officer, posted a tribute to Mandisa shortly after news of her passing was announced:
“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. 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.”
If you’re a longtime American Idol viewer, you likely first encountered Mandisa’s soaring vocals in 2006. The California native made it to the Top Nine, impressing the judges with memorable performances of songs like Heart’s “Never,” Faith Hill’s “Cry” and Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman.”
Idol released a statement of its own, calling Mandisa “an adored icon” both on the show and in the music industry. “She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music,” the statement reads. “Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.”
Mandisa’s album Overcomer took home the trophy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the 2014 Grammy Awards. She had already been nominated for four additional Grammys.
How will you remember Mandisa? Drop a comment with your favorite songs and memories of the singer below.
I’m heartbroken to hear this news; her music has been such a blessing in my life.
Her rendition of PRECIOUS LORD TAKE MY HAND in the movie “Selma” rocked my world. Goodbye, dear sister. I’ll see you in Heaven.
Mandira drew me to Christian music. After hearing her sing with Toby Mac, I was hooked. I have no favorite song of hers, because they were all my favorite. God has taken a beautiful person to put in his choir. I am going to miss you. My condolences to you and your family. May you RIP
Mandisa- What a sweet and real person! Her music was for everyone..young or old and no religious preference bcz we are ALL children of God. I loved all her music but especially “Overcome”r”. The Lord has taken a beautiful and talented Angel. Will totally miss you 🙏♥️😘
Wow! Such a shock! So young! She had a beautiful smile & such a sweet spirit. Terribly sad. She’s with Jesus now. Heartbreaking for her loved ones, though.
She has always been one of my favorite and the song Overcomer forever resonates in my heart, and I can’t wait to meet her. One day with my Jesus.
So Jesus doesn’t save?
Nope. At least not indiscriminately. He is either all good or all powerful, but to claim he’s both (assuming he exits at all) is a pretty big slap to those who have experienced the darkness of the world. 😞
One day you will believe. I just hope it’s before you leave this planet.
Jesus DOES save and is BOTH all good and all powerful. However, He is a Gentleman Who does not force people to choose good over evil, and that is why there’s currently darkness in this world. There will come a day when the eternal light and love of Jesus Christ puts an end to the darkness and evil that has come about due to sin. No one can blame God for the rebellion and sin of those who choose to walk blindly in darkness in spite of having better options and choices provided by a good God.
AMEN JESUS CHRIST IS REAL…
Oh, there’s only one who truly does say and his name is Jesus Christ the son of God
Rest in Peace
I remember her on AI. When I used to watch it. I don’t anymore. Sorry about that. So sad. R.I.P
Ugh, this is so sad. Love Mandisa.
I’m so saddened she’s not here to bless us with her voice anymore.
She’s with our Lord Jesus!!
I’m praying for her family and friends.
I remember when she was on American Idol. She had an incredible voice. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. Rest in Peace.
She got me through my cancer journey with her song Overcomer. Her music will be missed
Very sad to hear about Mandisa’s passing. Love her music. It brought a lot of joy to people’s hearts. We will definitely miss her.
Had to tell her why living in Michigan meant the mitten. I gave her a pair of mittens with Michigan painted on them. She talked with me on twitter. She was real. I am so incredibly broken. She made an impact on me FOREVER. Miss DiSA you are so loved. Your voice is forever in my heart. Rest Easy. I will join you one day. You are so loved
Mandisa’s songs felt like she was having a conversation with the listener. Her lyrics were deeper than most other artists I have listened to. I hope she knew what an important impact she made on total strangers who loved her music and persona. I once thought of writing her a letter, encouraging her . I deeply regret not acting on that impression. See you in Heaven someday, from a fan in Annapolis.
🥹 Deepest Condolences… I voted years ago… Chaka fan… She dis it.
I won’t miss your support for anti-gay writers and refusal to perform at any gay events. It was disappointing that you wouldn’t love everyone like God does as they say. I’m glad you helped people but your words hurt and were very sad to take back during AI.
Anti-gay writers?!?! Please elaborate. How do you know she wouldn’t lover everyone? Watch casting stones please.
That’s OK you felt bad. There won’t be any gay people in heaven either unless they repent and leave lifestyle.
Nope None
I Really like the Song : Waymaker, by Artist : Mandisa …. Wow , you will be Terribly Missed by a Life you touched with your Beautiful Soul and Spirit. Rest In HEAVENLY Peace my dear Sister in Yeshuah Hamashiach ( Jesus Christ )
Her amazing encouraging spirit will never be forgotten. She is home. We all die twice. Once when our bodies give out. Second when our stories stop being told. As her fans (family) we have to keep her stories alive. RIP. Can’t wait to see you at the gate.
Incredible, Anointed voices, Amazing talent. Her song Overcomer spoke to me and countless others. She inspired. She leaves a legacy of loving GOD, using her Gift to point people to HIM as she also encouraged those who were struggling, and we are ALL struggling with something.
There is a young child, a little around 2 years old I believe. She has/has cancer. There is a video of her rocking out to Mandisa’s Overcomer. Overcomer became the mantra song in many cancer treatment centers, and hospital oncology units. It is the song assigned in my phone to my daughter who is battling Stage 4 Terminal Metastatic Cancer.
Mandisa was a bright light extinguished far too soon in our earthly perspective, finite minds and vision. But, GOD knew/designed before HE laid the foundation of the world HIS purpose(s) and plan(s) for Mandisa. HE also numbered her days. She accomplished what HE had assigned to her and reached the end of the days HE assigned to her. She is Home where All CHRISTians long to be someday.
Heartbroken to say the least!😭 She was one of my favorite Christian singers of all time… Always loved Mandisa and her music 🙏
I was introduced to Mandisa on Beth Moore Living Proof. I have followed her ever since then. Then Kingdom gained a lovely soul. The loss is great for us in this old sinful world.
Mandisa was very much loved by the Christian community and I know because of Jesus I will see her in heaven one day such a tragic loss, but Heaven’s gain
So sad to hear of the death of Mandisa! She was a wonderful talent and inspired many. I had the privilege of seeing her in person at Unity in Muskegon, MI a few years ago. Her hit song, “Overcomer” touched me deeply.
Mandisa was a very gifted Christian based singer. She was a very beautiful person inside and out. Her love for Jesus and people was evident in her smile, and the songs that she sang. I was fortunate to hear her perform at a concert held here in Omaha, Nebraska several years ago. God bless her family and prayers for them for comfort and strength.