Current:Home > Scams'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -FundPrime
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-15 16:25:04
Christian music sensation Mandisa has died at 47.
The singer was found deceased in her home on Thursday, a rep for Mandisa confirmed to USA TODAY on Friday.
“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," her team said via email.
A post from her official Facebook account addressed her death Friday.
"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best. 'I'm already home, You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now—And I am not alone,'" the statement read.
The California native first rose to fame on Season 5 of "American Idol," where she finished within the Top 10.
Later, she released her debut album "True Beauty" and went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in the Christian music industry. The five-time Grammy Award nominee snagged the best contemporary Christian music album award for her 2013 album, "Overcomer," featuring the popular title song.
Passages 2024:Dickey Betts, Eleanor Coppola, Roberto Cavalli, more stars we've lost
Robin Roberts mourns loss of Mandisa, who she listened to during cancer treatments
In 2017, during an interview with Robin Roberts on "Good Morning America," Mandisa recounted her struggle with a deep depression three years prior. She said she became depressed after the death of her best friend LaKisha "Kisha" Mitchell, who was also a background singer for the star, from breast cancer.
“It got pretty bad to the point where if I had not gotten off that road I would not be sitting here today,” Mandisa told Robin Roberts on “GMA.” "I was this close to listening to that voice that told me, ‘You can be with Jesus right now, Mandisa. All you have to do is take your life.'"
Roberts, who listened to Mandisa's song "Stronger" during her own breast cancer treatments, mourned Mandisa's loss in a Facebook post Friday, recounting how the "Idol" alum was present during her first day back on "GMA" after her cancer battle.
"My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on GMA after my long medical leave. Her beautiful music and spirit lifted me and countless others. Sending prayers and condolences to her family & loved ones." she said, adding a link of Mandisa's performance.
Mandisa's death shared by Christian radio station: 'Struggles are over'
Mandisa's death was first shared in a blog post by Christian radio station K-Love.
In a statement, K-Love Chief Media Officer David Pierce said she "loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn" and asked for prayers for the star's family and friends.
"Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it wasno match for the size of her heart. 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," the statement read.
veryGood! (1422)
Related
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- ‘Short corn’ could replace the towering cornfields steamrolled by a changing climate
- USC fumbling away win to Michigan leads college football Week 4 winners and losers
- In cruel twist of fate, Martin Truex Jr. eliminated from NASCAR playoffs after speeding
- 2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
- Mother of Georgia school shooting suspect indicted on elder abuse charges, report says
- India Prime Minister’s U.S. visit brings him to New York and celebration of cultural ties
- COINIXIAI: Embracing Regulation in the New Era to Foster the Healthy Development of the Cryptocurrency Industry
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Trump’s goal of mass deportations fell short. But he has new plans for a second term
Ranking
- Sarah J. Maas books explained: How to read 'ACOTAR,' 'Throne of Glass' in order.
- TCU coach Sonny Dykes ejected for two unsportsmanlike penalties in SMU rivalry game
- Four Downs and a Bracket: Bully Ball is back at Michigan and so is College Football Playoff hope
- Excellence Vanguard Wealth Business School: The Rise of the Next Generation of Financial Traders
- John Galliano out at Maison Margiela, capping year of fashion designer musical chairs
- Antonio Pierce calls out Raiders players for making 'business decisions' in blowout loss
- Princess Kate makes first public appearance at church service after finishing chemo
- Flash Back and Forward to See the Lost Cast Then and Now
Recommendation
Louvre will undergo expansion and restoration project, Macron says
How many points did Caitlin Clark score in WNBA playoff debut with Indiana Fever?
Cowboys' reeling defense faces tall order: Stopping No. 1-ranked Ravens offense
Pennsylvania college investigates report of racial slur scratched onto student's chest
Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
What game is Tom Brady broadcasting in Week 3? Where to listen to Fox NFL analyst
Week 3 fantasy football rankings: PPR, half-PPR and standard leagues
In cruel twist of fate, Martin Truex Jr. eliminated from NASCAR playoffs after speeding