Mandisa, Grammy-winning singer and 'American Idol' alum who struck chord by sharing struggles, dies at 47 (2024)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album ‘Overcomer’, has died. She was 47.

A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. The representative said the cause of Mandisa's death was not yet known.

“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” the representative said in a statement. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was born near Sacramento, California, and grew up singing in church. She gained stardom after finishing ninth on “American Idol” in 2006.

As she left, host Ryan Seacrest told the singer that she was “a great spirit on the show."

Mandisa moved on, releasing her debut album in 2007 called “True Beauty,” which received a Grammy nomination that year for best pop and contemporary gospel album.

She went on to release five more albums, including a Christmas album.

In 2014, she won a Grammy for best contemporary Christian music album for “Overcomer,” her fifth album.

Mandisa spoke openly about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir entitled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy” in 2022 that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith.

“Even in our darkest and lowest moments, God is in the trenches with us. He's always at work on our behalf, loving on us and carrying us up out of the dark,” Mandisa wrote in anInstagrampost celebrating her memoir. “He NEVER fails. I'm forever thankful that He keeps hope alive.”

On Friday, the Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute to the singer on social media. David Pierce, the station's chief media officer, praised Mandisa.

“Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart,” Pierce said in astatement. “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.”

The Los Angeles Times contributed to this report.