Current:Home > Contact'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -WealthRoots Academy
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
SafeX Pro View
Date:2025-04-10 06:56:20
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! (35591)
Related
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Man indicted in attempt to defraud 28 US federal bankruptcy courts out of $1.8M in unclaimed funds
- Man arrested in connection with device that exploded outside Alabama attorney general’s office
- How Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright Are Reuniting to Celebrate Son Cruz's 3rd Birthday Amid Separation
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Ohio’s DeWine focuses on children in his State of the State address
- Another Trump delay effort in hush money trial rejected, but judicial panel will take up appeal during trial
- 'You failed as parents:' Families of teens killed in Michigan mass shooting slam Crumbleys
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Wynonna Judd's daughter Grace Kelley arrested for indecent exposure, obstruction
Ranking
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Tara VanDerveer retires as Stanford women’s hoops coach after setting NCAA wins record this year
- Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter reaches top of Billboard country albums chart
- Sophia Bush Says She’s “Happier Than Ever” After Personal Journey
- The Grammy nominee you need to hear: Esperanza Spalding
- Single parent buys spur-of-the-moment lottery ticket while getting salad, wins $1 million
- Prince William Shares First Social Media Message Weeks After Kate Middleton’s Health Update
- Pennsylvania makes a push to attract and approve carbon capture wells
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
California student, an outdoor enthusiast, dies in accident on trip to Big Sur
Jessica Alba steps down from The Honest Company after 12 years to pursue 'new projects'
Masters Champions Dinner unites LIV Golf, PGA Tour players for 'an emotional night'
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
The View Cohosts Make Emergency Evacuation After Fire Breaks Out on Tamron Hall’s Set
USWNT wins SheBelieves Cup after penalty shootout vs. Canada
Paris Olympics slated to include swimming the Seine. The problem? It's brimming with bacteria