‘American Idol’ Alum and Grammy Winning Gospel Singer Mandisa Dead at 47
Mandisa, known for her time on "American Idol," has passed away at the age of 47. The California native, whose full name was Mandisa Hundley, died at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday (April 18).
Hundley's journey to musical stardom began on the fifth season of the hit reality television show "American Idol" in 2006.
Mandisa auditioned for "American Idol" in 2005, catching the attention of judges and viewers alike with her stunning voice and magnetic personality.
Throughout her time on "American Idol," Mandisa captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of various songs, earning praise from the judges and garnering a devoted fan base. Although she ultimately finished in the top nine, Mandisa's time on the show served as a springboard for her burgeoning music career.
Following her stint on "American Idol," Mandisa embarked on a successful journey in the Christian music industry. In 2007, she released her debut album, "True Beauty," which debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart and received critical acclaim for its uplifting messages and powerful vocal performances. The album's lead single, "Only the World," became a chart-topping hit, solidifying Mandisa's status as a rising star in Christian music.
Her subsequent albums, including "Freedom" (2009), "What If We Were Real" (2011), and "Out of the Dark" (2017), further showcased her versatility as an artist and earned her numerous accolades and awards, including a Grammy and Dove award.
No cause of death has been disclosed.