Published On: April 20th, 2024
Mandisa, the Christian gospel music artist, was found dead at her residence in Franklin, Tennessee, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. She was 47 years old. According to the reports, Local police authorities are carrying out investigations to understand the cause of Mandosa’s death.
A post on Mandisa’s official Instagram handle disclosed, “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” The post continued, “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this challenging time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges worldwide “.
Figure: A picture of Mandisa at the Dove Awards, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee.
The incredibly talented singer Mandisa was born in Citrus Heights, California. She started with singing in the Church and studied vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California. She continued her music studies at Fisk University, where she was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee Singers.
In 2005, she auditioned for season five of the American Idol and became a contestant. However, she was eliminated from the top 9 of the show. She was contesting with Katherine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Doughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliot Yamin, and Taylor Hicks. The show was judged by Simmon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson.
She didn’t let her spirits down and released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. The album was featured at no. 1 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. Mandisa also received a Grammy nomination for this album.
Following True Beauty, Mandisa released five more albums. Her “It’s Christmas” was released in 2008, “Freedom” in 2009, “What If We Were Real” in 2011, “Overcomer” in 2013, and “Out of the Dark” in 2017. All her albums except It’s Christmas were nominated for The Grammy award. She won the Grammy for “The Overcomer” in the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album category. She also had 15 GMA Dove Award nominations and won two and the KLove fan awards.
She collaborated with multiple artists during her musical career, including TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, and Jon Reddick. As the news of Mandisa’s death came forward, many stars took to social media to pay their respects and tributes.
The American Idol, season five-judge Paula Abdul said Mandosa was ‘ a true beacon of light’. The season five winner, Taylor hicks, posted, ”Mandisa was a powerhouse vocalist on our season of Idol, and she graduated to a beautiful career in gospel music. Better yet, she was a powerhouse person, and we will miss her dearly.”
Mandisa also released a memoir in 2022 titled “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through Shadows to Find God’s Joy”. In the memoir, Mandisa opened up about her mental health issues. Mandisa sank into depression due to the loss of her dear friend, for whom ‘The Overcomer’ was written. Her friend battled cancer, and Mandisa prayed to God on her friend’s behalf. Her prayers were unanswered, which significantly affected her mental health. During the tough times, Mandisa isolated herself and found solace in food, due to which her health worsened. She hoped her book would help others open up about their struggles and help them heal.
