Mandisa, the powerhouse singer “American Idol” fans voted for in 2006, has died at the age of 47.
Reps for the Grammy Award-winning artist confirmed she was found dead at her home in Nashville on Thursday.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” her team shared on Instagram Friday. “At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details.”
Mandisa’s father also confirmed her death to TMZ, telling the outlet her passing was unexpected and that she had no known health problems.
Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the singer was among the Top 10 finalists on season 5 of “American Idol.”
Though she was publicly ridiculed by judge Simon Cowell for being overweight, the Citrus Heights, Calif. native wowed viewers with her powerhouse rendition of the Chaka Khan classic “I’m Every Woman.” Her version of the song appeared on the 2006 “Encores” compilation, alongside other covers by finalists from that season — including winner Taylor Hicks.
After “Idol,” Mandisa released six Christian music and gospel albums, including her 2013 opus, “Overcomer,” which won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album the following year.
After gaining 200 pounds and going public with her struggles with depression in 2017, Mandisa authored the memoir “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy” in 2022.
In Friday’s social media post, her team referred to her as “a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
