“Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken,” a rep for ‘Idol’ said in a statement American Idol is paying its respects to former contestant Mandisa with a special performance. On Monday, April 29, the long-running singing competition series will feature a tribute to 2005 Idol alum Mandisa following her April 18 death. She was 47 years old. “Mandisa …

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 …