Mandisa, who gained fame on season five of “American Idol,” died at 47 on Thursday, April 18, her representative confirmed on Friday. The representative stated, “Mandisa was found dead in her home yesterday,” and added that the cause of death is unknown.
The statement also requested prayers for her family and close friends during this challenging time.
An early Friday post on Mandisa’s Facebook page noted, “Mandisa inspired people facing life’s challenges worldwide. She wrote a song for a friend who died in 2017.”
Mandisa’s song included the lyrics, “I’m already home / You’ve got to lay it down / ‘cause Jesus holds me now— / And I am not alone.”
Mandisa, from Citrus Heights, California, studied music in college and auditioned for ‘Idol’ in 2005. She found stardom by finishing ninth on “American Idol” alongside Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, and Chris Daughtry.
After her ‘Idol’ elimination, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart.
Mandisa released six albums, including the 2008 holiday record, It’s Christmas, and 2017’s Out of the Dark.
She won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album “Overcomer.”
