‘Overcomer’ Singer Mandisa Dead At 47
‘Overcomer’ Singer Mandisa Dead At 47 – According to reports, she was found dead in her home.
Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who rose to fame on season five of “American Idol,” died Friday, her representative confirmed. She was 47.
“We can confirm that Mandisa was found deceased at her home yesterday,” her representative told NBC News. “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,” the statement revealed.
She was discovered dead in her Nashville home, according to The Tennessean.
Early Friday, the artist’s Facebook page posted: “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all over the world.” She wrote this song for a close friend who died in 2017.
“Her own words express it best. I am already home, you must lay it down because Jesus holds me now— And I am not alone.”
The singer, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, rose to fame after finishing ninth on “American Idol.” In 2014, she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her album “Overcomer.”
Mandisa, who is originally from Sacramento, California, grew up singing in church and went on to study vocal performance at American River College before continuing her education at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. After college, she worked as a session and backup vocalist for artists such as Shania Twain and Trisha Yearwood before appearing on “American Idol.”
In 2017, the singer told “Good Morning America” that she experienced a deep depression in 2014 and nearly committed suicide after the death of her close friend, Lakisha Mitchell, who had breast cancer.
Tributes Following News of Mandisa’s Death
“Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart,” Christian radio station K-LOVE Chief Media Officer David Pierce shared.
“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,” he added.
“Good Morning America” host Robin Roberts wrote on X: “My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on @GMA following my long medical leave. Her beautiful music & spirit lifted me and countless others.”
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