Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the contemporary Christian singer who found fame on “American Idol” and won a Grammy for her 2013 album ‘Overcomer’, has passed away at the age of 47.
A representative confirmed that Mandisa was discovered deceased in her Nashville home on Thursday, though the cause of death remains unknown.
Born near Sacramento, Mandisa grew up singing in church before her breakthrough on “American Idol” in 2006, where she placed 9th. Host Ryan Seacrest praised her “great spirit” as she departed the show. She soon released her debut album “True Beauty” in 2007, earning a Grammy nomination.
Over the following years, Mandisa released five more studio albums, including a Christmas record. Her 2013 album “Overcomer” won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album at the Grammys in 2014.
Throughout her career, she was open about her struggles with depression and weight, chronicling these battles in her 2022 memoir “Out of the Dark.”
The Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute, stating “Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.” Her powerful voice and candid soul will be dearly missed.
