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'American Idol' Season 22: Viewers claim ABC show should be 'ashamed' over Mandisa's short emotional tribute

'American Idol' alums Melinda Dolittle, Colton Dixon and Danny Gokey pay tribute to Mandisa

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' has recently lost its legendary singer Mandisa, prompting alums to return to the ABC show to honor her. Former contestants Melinda Dolittle, Colton Dixon, and Danny Gokey made a special appearance to perform 'Shackles (Praise You)' by Mary Mary. However, viewers expressed disappointment with the brief tribute.

During the episode, host Ryan Seacrest revealed that 'Shackles' was the first song Mandisa performed when she first graced the Idol stage in 2006. The ABC show alums donned white outfits to pay tribute to Mandisa and revealed what she meant to them.

The alums also discussed the importance of 'Shackles.' Colton told host Ryan that the gospel song "sums up her life. I think she came in praisin' and she left praisin'." He added, "But our loss is heaven's gain." However, the disappointed viewers called out the ABC show over Mandisa's tribute.

Meanwhile, On X, a fan wrote, "The tribute should have been a Mandisa song. What a disappointment." Another fan added, "I ❤️all four of these ladies but we could've skipped this quartet singing Katy for a few more minutes of Mandisa tribute..."

One fan wrote, "You know would have been a better #Mandisa tribute? Having the contestants sing her songs tonight instead of doing Judge's Contest." Another added, "👏WE👏COULD👏HAVE👏DONE👏MORE 👏-- I mean AT LEAST have Melinda sing "Overcomer"???"

One fan stated, "@AmericanIdol instead of having folk sing a Mandisa song, so her catalog can get a boost in streams, you chose to roll with a Mary Mary song? You should be ashamed of yourselves for this nonsense." Another viewer noted, "Oh -- THAT'S IT?!? ONE SONG -- we got ONE SONG (but at least Danny, Melinda, and Colton are getting to TALK about her..."

'American Idol' alums recall Mandisa in their tribute

Following the emotional tribute to Mandisa, the 'American Idol' alums, Melinda Dolittle, Colton Dixon, and Danny Gokey reflected on their relationship with the legendary singer. Melinda shared, "I've known [Mandisa] for over 20 years." She added, "We started off playing background and sessions together, and she got on Idol and I cheered for her and I came the next season and she cheered for me."

Meanwhile, Danny said that Mandisa was a true 'cheerleader' of other people's music. He further noted that the legendary singer was someone to lean on when he was dropped by his label and subsequently picked up by another, years prior. He said, "It just felt amazing and she was always that person."

Mandisa's dad offers update on her death ahead of 'American Idol' tribute

Just hours before 'American Idol' paid tribute to Mandisa, the legendary singer's father shared new details about her death. According to the reports, Mandisa's father, John D Hundley, revealed that based on his conversations with a detective involved in the case, she did not die from 'self-harm.'

He shared, "I'm not a detective, but I have spoken to the detective twice." Mandisa's father added, "I've been in Mandisa’s home every day since last Saturday. I spent the night there and my wife didn't like it, but I stayed there. I've gone through a lot of stuff."

Mandisa was found dead at her Nashville home on April 18, 2024. She was 47. The singer's cause of death is yet to be revealed, but considering her history of depression and anxiety, many assumed her mental health played a role in her death.

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC.