Sad news coming in this Friday morning: Beloved Christian music artist Mandisa, who was best known for her powerful voice and inspirational lyrics, who has passed away at age 47.
Christian media outlet K-LOVE reported the heartbreaking news, sharing Mandisa died at her Nashville home on Thursday, April 18.
Originally from California, Mandisa Lynn Hundley, a Fisk Jubilee Singer, gained national attention as a contestant on “American Idol.” She finished in the Top 10 on season five of the competition show. She later released her successful album, “True Beauty,” which was just the beginning of a successful music career that included hits like “Overcomer.” It earned her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. She also won the K-LOVE Fan Award twice.
David Pierce, K-LOVE Chief Media Officer released a statement on her passing. He said,
“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart,” David Pierce began. “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.”
RELATED:‘American Idol’ Contestant Nikki McKibbin Passes Away At 42
RELATED:American Idol Star CJ Harris Dies At Age 31
In an interview with ABC News in 2017, Mandisa opened up about about struggling with depression. At the time she shared that she even contemplated suicide.
“It got pretty bad — to the point where if I had not gotten off that road I would not be sitting here today,” Mandisa said while on “Good Morning America.” “I was this close to listening to that voice that told me, ‘You can be with Jesus right now, Mandisa. All you have to do is take your life.’
“It almost happened,” she continued exposing at the time. “But God is what I say. He saved my life quite literally.”
As of right now, more information on her passing has not been shared.
“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,” David ended his statement.
Mandisa will be greatly missed.
rest in peace angel in Gods loving arm,my deepest sympathy to her family