Current:Home > Invest'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -FundPrime
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-18 08:46:04
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! (845)
Related
- Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
- The U.S. takes emergency measures to protect all deposits at Silicon Valley Bank
- Death of migrant girl was a preventable tragedy that raises profound concerns about U.S. border process, monitor says
- Officer who put woman in police car hit by train didn’t know it was on the tracks, defense says
- DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
- Only New Mexico lawmakers don't get paid for their time. That might change this year
- Jecca Blac’s Vegan, Gender-Free Makeup Line Is Perfect for Showing Your Pride
- A Legacy of the New Deal, Electric Cooperatives Struggle to Democratize and Make a Green Transition
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- California aims to tap beavers, once viewed as a nuisance, to help with water issues and wildfires
Ranking
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- ‘Reduced Risk’ Pesticides Are Widespread in California Streams
- Fossil Fuel Companies Are Quietly Scoring Big Money for Their Preferred Climate Solution: Carbon Capture and Storage
- Silicon Valley Bank failure could wipe out 'a whole generation of startups'
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Margot Robbie's Barbie-Inspired Look Will Make You Do a Double Take
- Activists Urge the International Energy Agency to Remove Paywalls Around its Data
- Kate Spade 24-Hour Flash Deal: Get This $360 Reversible Tote Bag for Just $89
Recommendation
NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
Racial bias often creeps into home appraisals. Here's what's happening to change that
Officer who put woman in police car hit by train didn’t know it was on the tracks, defense says
An Oil Industry Hub in Washington State Bans New Fossil Fuel Development
The White House is cracking down on overdraft fees
A Legacy of the New Deal, Electric Cooperatives Struggle to Democratize and Make a Green Transition
‘Reduced Risk’ Pesticides Are Widespread in California Streams
New Federal Report Warns of Accelerating Impacts From Sea Level Rise