Friends and Friends of Mandisa 'American Idol' Alumni Talk Tribute to Late Singer: 'Christian Music Lost Its No. 1 Cheerleader'

Monday Night Live (April 29) episode. American Idol will feature a tribute to Mandisa, the Season 5 finalist who died on April 19 at the age of 47.

Melinda Doolittle (season 6), Danny Gokey (season 8) and Colton Dixon (season 11) — who were all personal friends and professional colleagues of the late Grammy-winning artist — will return to Idol stage in Hollywood to honor the late singer with the song “Shackles (Praise You),” a 2000 Top 10 hit by Mary Mary.

Doolittle and Mandisha became friends before they even competed Idol. “I met Mandisa at the studio,” Doolittle said Advertising sign while waiting for her flight to Los Angeles to appear on the show. “We were both background on a project that our good friend Chance Scoggins produced. Mandysa sang soprano, of course, and I definitely sang alto, and we hit it off. He told me he was going to compete American Idol and I said, “It couldn't be me. You're having a great time.'

“I remember watching Simon Cowell say some things to her that weren't kind, but she was so resilient. She was willing to forgive him while I thought, “What kind of man is he?”

The following week, Cowell made a rare on-air apology to the offending singer. “I've learned from her since then how to navigate life and treat people well,” Doolittle says. A year later, he told Mandisa that he was going to audition Idol despite all these.

He immediately said: “What will be difficult is Hollywood Week. That almost broke me, so I did a Bible study and I'm going to give it to you so that every day you have something to read.'' He gave me this pink frosted Bible study folder to go through. Her other advice was “Take snacks.” Those were the two best things he could have said to me about Hollywood Week.”

The two singers stayed in touch during Doolittle's season. “She was the biggest cheerleader anyone could ever have. After my shows, he would text me or call me and tell me all the good things. If I mentioned something that was going wrong, he would say, “We're not here to talk about that.” She remained a cheerleader for the rest of her life. He would buy front row seats to my concerts and be the loudest audience member ever.”

Their friendship continued to grow as the years passed. “We were going to dinner together. We were both confused about each other the whole time. I would just say, “Thank you.” And when I was alone, people would come up to me and tell me how the song “Overcomer” [which spent 10 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart in 2013] changed their lives. I couldn't wait to pass it on to her.”

With her flight delayed, Doolittle spoke about her return Idol 16 seasons after her appearance on the show. “I'm petrified every time. This scene has such a beautiful rhythm to me and a scary part, all at the same time. I am so grateful that they chose to honor Mandisa and be a part of it with my friends Danny and Colton. We are good friends and go to church together. I'm glad to have them with me. But I'd be lying if I didn't tell you that I'm still extremely nervous about this stage.”

Advertising sign also reached out to Dixon, who was in Alabama on the last stop of a four-show tour before flying to Los Angeles Monday morning. Like Madisha, Dixon was signed to Capitol, which led to his own very successful career in contemporary Christian music.

“I remember when I first met Mandisa, I found out what a fan she was. She was so supportive of what I was doing. Not only has our industry lost a truly great voice and a powerful individual, but Christian music has lost its No. 1 cheerleader. She was the one for everyone.”

Asked about Mandisa's hit single 'Overcomer', Dixon said, 'It was a huge song with so much truth. Everyone needs to hear it. Buckle up, go ahead and you're good to go. And she was too. I liked all her songs. There is so much joy in her music.”

Dixon recalled touring with Mandisha once. “We were out with TobyMac. Mandisa and I were on a bus together. Every morning, I would knock her into the front living room, and when she came up, I would sing her “Good Morning” song. I'm sure he hated that song by the end of the tour. But we had so much fun together. What I will miss most are those conversations with Mandisa, those hugs. I think I'll get them back one day, but I'll miss it while I'm here.”

Advertising sign also asked Dixon about his thoughts on returning to Idol. “Whenever American Idol it's coming, it's an honor for me to be a part of this scene. I wish it were under different circumstances. But as a fan of the show and as a friend and colleague of Mandisa, when I get there today, I'm going to say, 'Thank you for paying tribute to her,' because she was a great voice on the show and a great voice in our industry off the air. It means a lot to those close to her that they would recognize this. So I'm humbled and honored to be a part of this tribute.”

On Sunday, Gokey sang at an afternoon worship service in Maui to offer hope to survivors of the devastating Lahaina fire of August 2023. He sent Advertising sign written declaration of participation Idoldedication of Mandisa.

“Mandisa was not only an Idol friend, but a true friend and a huge part of the CCM music community. I had the privilege of touring with her several times and it was always fun to sing together. Her joy was contagious and encouraged people on and off stage! When I debuted in Christian music, he was my biggest supporter. It wasn't easy coming out of a failed record deal after the show, but she was the one who welcomed me first and loudest and rallied everyone to support me. She loved to encourage people, to help them see their God-given purpose in the world. It's an honor to be the one to cheer her on this time and highlight the impact she's had on so many people's lives.”

showrunner and executive producer Megan Michaels Wolflick, who was with Idol since season 2, he says Advertising sign“Mandisa was a shining light that brought joy to the millions who fell in love with her American Idol in 2006. She went on to have a storied career, always showing her dedication to her fans and her loyalty. She will be missed on an immense level. It is with deep gratitude that we can celebrate her life on our show.”

American Idol airs live Monday nights at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on ABC.