Mandisa is remembered as “A True Beacon of Light” by Paula Abdul, Taylor Hicks, Danny Gokey and others

On Thursday the music world lost an irreplaceable voice. In a statement to Advertising signspokesperson for the Grammy Award-winning Christian contemporary music artist and American Idol Alum Mandisa confirmed the singer died aged 47 at her home.

“We can confirm that Mandisa was found dead at her home yesterday,” the statement said. “At this time, we do not know the cause of death or other details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close circle of friends at this incredibly difficult time.”

A contestant in his 5th season American Idol, Mandisa went on to have significant success in the Christian music industry. All six of her studio albums reached the Billboard 200, with half of those LPs reaching No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums: 2007 chart True beautyof 2013 Overcomer and of 2017 Out of the dark. He has also sent several songs to Hot Christian Songs, including the chart-toppers “Stronger” and “Overcomer,” the latter of which spent 10 weeks at the top of the chart.

In 2014, Mandisa won her first and only Grammy, taking home Best Contemporary Christian Music album for Overcomer. In addition to her five career Grammy nominations, the star has amassed 15 GMA Dove Award nominations, including a win for Pop/Contemporary album of the Year for Overcomer.

On Friday (April 19), Billboard Hot 100 topper Paul Abdul, who served as a judge during Mandisa's Idol season, called the late singer “a true beacon of light.” In a statement to People“, he said, “Her warmth and unwavering kindness to all, even in the face of harsh criticism, was truly unparalleled. Not only was she a beautiful person, but she was also a real performer with power.”

“I'm still thinking about him going on stage during American Idol to perform her cover of Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman' and she absolutely brought the house down,” she continued. “I will always remember her poise, grace and dignity — and how could anyone forget those incomparable vocals!”

Read on for more tributes to the late Mandisa, including messages of love and remembrance from others American Idol alums like Danny Gokey and Season 5 champion Taylor Hicks.