Current:Home > Finance'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Thrive Financial Network
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-17 14:44:36
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! (45)
Related
- Megan Fox's ex Brian Austin Green tells Machine Gun Kelly to 'grow up'
- White House considers welcoming some Palestinians from war-torn Gaza as refugees
- The Daily Money: Will the Fed make a move?
- Air Pollution Could Potentially Exacerbate Menopause Symptoms, Study Says
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- Arizona’s Democratic leaders make final push to repeal 19th century abortion ban
- 'Welcome to Wrexham' Season 3: Release date, where to watch Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's docuseries
- Ariana Madix and Tom Sandoval Slam Raquel Leviss' Revenge Porn Lawsuit
- Selena Gomez's "Weird Uncles" Steve Martin and Martin Short React to Her Engagement
- Police fatally shoot a man who sliced an officer’s face during a scuffle
Ranking
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Jersey Shore's Pauly D Shares Rare Update on Life With 10-Year-Old Daughter Amabella
- What is May Day? How to celebrate the spring holiday with pagan origins
- US has long history of college protests: Here's what happened in the past
- Will the 'Yellowstone' finale be the last episode? What we know about Season 6, spinoffs
- The Daily Money: Will the Fed make a move?
- More Republican states challenge new Title IX rules protecting LGBTQ+ students
- Bounce house swept up by wind kills one child and injures another
Recommendation
North Carolina trustees approve Bill Belichick’s deal ahead of introductory news conference
The Islamic State group says it was behind a mosque attack in Afghanistan that killed 6 people
Elon Musk says Tesla aims to introduce a $25,000 model in 2025
Celebrate May the 4th with These Star Wars Items That Will Ship in Time for the Big Day, They Will
'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
Ex-Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has been threatened with jail time in his divorce case
Jerry Seinfeld Shares His Kids' Honest Thoughts About His Career in Rare Family Update
St. Louis school district will pay families to drive kids to school amid bus driver shortage