Mandisa was a contemporary Christian singer who came to prominence when she competed in season five of “American Idol” in 2006.
- Died: April 18, 2024 (Who else died on April 18?)
- Details of death: Died at her home in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 47.
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Mandisa’s legacy
Mandisa Lynn Hundley was born in California and studied music at Tennessee’s Fisk University. She considered auditioning for “American Idol” several times before going for it in 2006. When she finally did, she made it to the finals, performing such songs as “Band of Gold” and “I’m Every Woman” during her time on the show. Judge Simon Cowell memorably made cruel comments about Mandisa’s weight during her time on the show, and shortly before being eliminated as one of the season’s top nine contestants, she confronted him about it and told him she forgave him. Cowell apologized for the comments.
Mandisa released her first album, “True Beauty,” a year after being eliminated from “American Idol.” It debuted at the top of the Top Christian Albums chart, a record-breaking feat for a female Christian artist. Mandisa’s music also had crossover appeal, and all of her six albums charted on the Billboard 200. “True Beauty” was nominated for a Grammy Award, her first of five nominations.
Mandisa was honored with the 2014 Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for “Overcomer,” which included the No. 1 hit title track. It was one of several of her songs in the Top 10 of the Christian music charts, including “Stronger” and “Waiting for Tomorrow.” In 2017, after a hiatus from music, Mandisa released her final album, “Out of the Dark,” and she spoke about her struggles with depression during her time away.
Mandisa on her Grammy win
“I know it sounds cheesy, but it really is an honor just being nominated and being mentioned. I really didn’t expect to win it, which was part of the reason I didn’t even go. I was actually watching the telecast on my computer when they said my name, and it was just utter shock and disbelief. To now be known as ‘Grammy-Award winning Mandisa,’ it’s like, ‘Are you kidding me?’ I grew up wanting that, and I used to practice the speech in my mirror.” —from a 2019 interview for Listen Iowa
Tributes to Mandisa
Full obituary: People
