Grammy Award-winning singer Mandisa has died at the age of 47.
The American Idol contestant passed away at her home in Nashville, Tennessee on Thursday, according to Christian radio station K-LOVE.
“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,” said David Pierce, K-LOVE’s Chief Media Officer.
“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.”
The gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist, full name Mandisa Hundley, competed on the fifth season of American Idol in 2006 alongside winner Taylor Hicks and runner-up Katharine McPhee. After finishing in ninth place, Mandisa released her debut album True Beauty in 2007.
She released five more albums over the course of career, mostly recently 2017’s Out of the Dark.
Mandisa was nominated for a Grammy five times and took home the gramophone trophy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her 2013 record Overcomer.
Her cause of death is not yet known.
