How did Mandisa die? ‘American Idol’ alum and Grammy winner singer dead at 47
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Grammy-winning Gospel singer Mandisa who shot to fame after her appearance on 'American Idol' Season 5 has died at the age of 47. She took her last breaths on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Recently, an official statement was issued on Mandisa's Instagram to confirm the heartbreaking news of her passing.
"We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time," the statement read.
It further read, "Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world."
At the time of writing, the exact cause behind the death of Mandisa has not been revealed publicly.
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Did Mandisa win ‘American Idol’ Season 5?
Mandisa, who was originally from Citrus Heights, California, had an inclination towards music right from her teen years. Fueling her passion for music, she dedicated her college years to studying the intricacies of this art form.
Following her pursuit of a music career, Mandisa took a leap of faith and decided to audition for the widely acclaimed television show, 'American Idol' in the year 2005.
Known for her soulful voice and captivating personality, she rose to fame during the fifth season of 'American Idol' that aired in the year 2006.
Competing alongside notable contestants such as Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, and Chris Daughtry, Mandisa made it to the top 10 before being eliminated in the top 9. Taylor Hicks emerged as the winner of the season.
Despite facing criticism from judge Simon Cowell about her weight, she remained gracious and forgiving. Her performances of songs like 'I'm Every Woman' and 'Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing' earned praise from judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
When did Mandisa release her debut album?
Despite being eliminated from 'American Idol', Mandisa's determination to succeed remained unwavering. Undeterred by her setback, she persevered and launched her first studio album, 'True Beauty' in 2007.
This remarkable debut shattered records as it soared to the coveted No 1 position on the esteemed Top Christian Albums charts. Mandisa's incredible achievement etched her name in history, as she became the inaugural female artist to debut at the pinnacle of this chart's 27-year existence.
Mandisa's musical career began with the release of her first six albums, including the well-received 2008 holiday record, 'It's Christmas' and her latest album, 'Out of the Dark' which came out in 2017.
She received critical acclaim for four of these albums including 'True Beauty', 'Freedom', 'What If We Were Real' and' Overcomer'- all of which earned her Grammy nominations.
In 2014, the California native took home the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian music album for 'Overcomer' and was also nominated for best gospel/contemporary Christian music performance for the title track.
Over the years, the singer had the opportunity to work with several renowned artists such as TobyMac, Michael W Smith, Jordan Feliz, Jon Reddick, Kirk Franklin, and Matthew West. These collaborations have been highly praised by her peers, who have commended her not only for her exceptional talent but also for her generosity both on and off the stage.
'American Idol’ alum Mandisa suffered from depression and anxiety
Fame brought Mandisa a mix of positive and negative experiences. In her 2022 memoir titled 'Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy', the author candidly recounts her personal battle with depression and anxiety.
These mental health struggles were triggered by the devastating loss of a beloved friend to cancer, plunging her into what she refers to as her 'deep dark' period. During this challenging time, she turned to food as a source of solace, leading to her becoming increasingly withdrawn and her physical well-being deteriorating.
“When she passed away, it shook the foundations underneath me. I sank into a deep pit of depression. I turned back to my old ways, which is food," she told People magazine.
After successfully shedding 120 pounds through her dedicated efforts, she unfortunately experienced a setback and ended up regaining all the weight she had previously lost. In an unforeseen turn of events, not only did she regain those 120 pounds, but she also managed to accumulate an additional 75 pounds on top of that.
Throughout that time, Mandisa isolated herself from society and withdrew from social interactions, choosing to live a solitary and secluded life.
“You’re battling shame, and you don’t want to leave the house,” “I didn’t leave the house, for the most part. When I got up, I went downstairs, sat in the recliner, and I watched television nonstop. The only time I left was when I got tired of pizza delivery and decided to get McDonald’s," she recalled.
At her most desperate moment, she contemplated taking her own life as an option.
“I was so miserable; I felt so hopeless. I am a woman of faith, and I believe that heaven is real, and when I do leave here, I’m going to be in heaven with Jesus. One of the things I started hearing during that dark period was: ‘You’re in so much pain. If you take your life, you could be in heaven right now with Jesus,'” she said.
An intervention organized by her close friends proved to be a pivotal moment in her life, as it served as a powerful catalyst for her to confront and acknowledge the true extent of her mental health struggles. This intervention not only raised her awareness about the emotional burdens she had been carrying within herself, but also paved the way for her to embark on a journey towards healing and developing effective coping mechanisms.
"The darkness felt a little less dark. I could see a small flicker. Light was beginning to break through," she wrote in her book.
