Current:Home > My'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -AssetLink
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-13 02:36:10
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! (638)
Related
- PHOTO COLLECTION: AP Top Photos of the Day Wednesday August 7, 2024
- Foul play not suspected after body found in vent at college arts center in Michigan
- The Excerpt podcast: Israel-Hamas cease-fire's second day, Adult Survivors act expires
- Tom Brady Shares Glimpse of Tropical Vacation With His and Gisele Bündchen's Kids
- What were Tom Selleck's juicy final 'Blue Bloods' words in Reagan family
- NFL Week 12 winners, losers: Steelers find a spark after firing Matt Canada
- Emily Hand, Israeli-Irish 9-year-old girl who was believed killed by Hamas, among hostages freed from Gaza
- Fighting the good fight against ALS
- Clay Aiken's son Parker, 15, makes his TV debut, looks like his father's twin
- Dolly Parton's cheerleader outfit can teach us all a lesson on ageism
Ranking
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Beyoncé Reveals Blue Ivy Carter’s Motivation for Perfecting Renaissance Dance Routine
- Kathy Hilton Weighs in on Possible Kyle Richards, Mauricio Umansky Reconciliation
- Civilian deaths are being dismissed as 'crisis actors' in Gaza and Israel
- New Orleans mayor’s former bodyguard making first court appearance after July indictment
- Google is deleting unused accounts this week. Here's how to save your old data
- The 40 Best Cyber Monday Deals on Celebrity Brands: SKIMS, Good American, Jordan, Fenty Beauty, and More
- Brazilian delivery driver called real Irish hero for intervening in Dublin knife attack
Recommendation
Bodycam footage shows high
2 men exonerated for 1990s NYC murders after reinvestigations find unreliable witness testimony
Giving back during the holiday season: What you need to know to lend a helping hand
4th victim in Alaska landslide is 11-year-old girl; 2 people still missing, officials say
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
Blackhawks forward Corey Perry remains away from team 'for foreseeable future'
Kathy Hilton Weighs in on Possible Kyle Richards, Mauricio Umansky Reconciliation
NFL RedZone studio forced to evacuate during alarm, Scott Hanson says 'all clear'