The season 5 contestant also courted controversy when she made anti-gay comments following her “Idol” elimination.
Mandisa, the Grammy-winning Christian singer who rose to stardom on American Idol season 5, has died at age 47.
“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,” a representative for Mandisa said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly.
The same statement was shared to the singer’s verified Facebook page, which also cited lyrics from a song she wrote about a friend’s death in 2017. “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
Mandisa won over judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson during the broadcast of her American Idol audition in 2006, during which she sang a cover of Alicia Keys’ classic single “Fallin.” She later advanced to the Hollywood round, and eventually landed a spot among the main cast of contestants. She was ultimately eliminated during the top-nine round — themed to country music — after singing Shania Twain’s “Any Man of Mine.”
Following her elimination, Mandisa courted controversy for making anti-gay comments in an interview with The Advocate. When asked if her Christian religion conflicted with her views on the LGBT community, Mandisa said that she had no right to judge anyone else, and that she harbored no hatred toward any group of people. Still, when she was asked if she’d feel comfortable performing for a gay audience, her answer ruffled feathers.
“I would not, no,” she said. “Based on what I believe, I’m not an advocate for [being gay], so it’s nothing I would take part in.” She later told a Baptist outlet that “God loves gay people just as He loves me, just as He loves anybody.”
Following her steady career as a Christian singer, Mandisa won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014, for her 2013 album Overcomer. Between 2008 and 2014, she received an additional four Grammy nods for albums True Beauty and Freedom.
Before her death, Mandisa released six albums of original music, and one greatest hits album in 2020. Her discography includes two Gold-certified singles, 2011’s “Stronger” and 2012’s “Good Morning,” as well as the Platinum song “Overcomer,” her biggest hit to date that reached No. 3 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart in 2013.
