(ReliableNews.org) – Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as “Mandisa,” starred in season five of “American Idol.” She was a gospel singer who finished in ninth place. Sadly, the singer recently passed away.
On April 18, officers with the Franklin Police Department in Tennessee found Mandisa dead in her home. The Tennessean reported that a representative for the singer confirmed the 47-year-old’s death the following day asking for “prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends” while they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Police spokesperson Max Winitz released a statement on April 22 and said there was “no indication the death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity.” The department couldn’t provide a cause of death.
Mandisa was born in Citrus Heights, California, in 1976. She graduated from Fish University in Tennessee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music. Before she began a solo career, she performed as a backup singer for Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, and others.
In 2005, Mandisa appeared on “American Idol” after auditioning in Chicago. Although she didn’t win, her career took off afterward. In 2007, she released her album “True Beauty.” In 2014, she won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian Music Album for “Overcomer.”
Jennifer Hudson, another “American Idol” alum and Grammy winner, posted a tribute to Mandisa on X, formerly Twitter. She said the news left her heartbroken and called the singer, “A bright light that made such a powerful imprint on this world.”
Broke my heart when I heard the news ! She was truly a woman of faith. A bright light that made such a powerful imprint on this world. Rest in heaven, Mandisa! pic.twitter.com/S0VMdt1Yr9
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) April 21, 2024
Jason Crabb, a Christian singer, said, “Mandisa was a friend to everybody.” He said he was “blessed” to have shared a stage with her many times and that she “lit up every room” she was in. He asked his fans to pray for her family.
Mandisa was a friend to everybody. I was blessed enough to share the stage with her numerous times and watched her bring people together. She lit up every room and everyone around her. Her music & story touched many with the love of Jesus. Join me in praying for her family today. pic.twitter.com/O6YNHmIzeY
— Jason Crabb (@JasonCrabbMusic) April 19, 2024
Singer TobyMac, who released the song “Bleed the Same,” with Mandisa said he was “honored to call her [a] friend.” He called her “honest and authentic,” saying he always felt better after he was with her.
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