Current:Home > News'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Pinnacle Profit Strategies
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
Charles H. Sloan View
Date:2025-04-10 05:06:41
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! (642)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Rodgers’ return will come next season with Jets out of playoff hunt and QB not 100% healthy
- Tesla’s recall of 2 million vehicles to fix its Autopilot system uses technology that may not work
- Rihanna gushes about A$AP Rocky's parenting: 'I loved him differently as a dad'
- Nearly 400 USAID contract employees laid off in wake of Trump's 'stop work' order
- What we know about Texas’ new law that lets police arrest migrants who enter the US illegally
- Mustafa Ahmed announces benefit concert for Gaza, Sudan with Omar Apollo, Ramy Youssef, more
- Italian fashion influencer apologizes for charity miscommunication, is fined 1 million euros
- As Trump Enters Office, a Ripe Oil and Gas Target Appears: An Alabama National Forest
- In a season of twists and turns, these 10 games decided the College Football Playoff race
Ranking
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Former Haitian senator sentenced to life in prison in 2021 assassination of Haiti’s president
- Justice Sandra Day O'Connor honored as an American pioneer at funeral
- Christian McCaffrey can't hide from embarrassing video clip of infamous flop vs. Eagles
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Man who helped bilk woman out of $1.2M is sentenced to prison and ordered to repay the money
- Japan’s trade shrinks in November, despite strong exports of vehicles and computer chips
- Judge orders release of over 150 names of people mentioned in Jeffrey Epstein lawsuit documents
Recommendation
Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
Firefighters rescue a Georgia quarry worker who spent hours trapped and partially buried in gravel
The EU’s naval force says a cargo ship hijacked last week has moved toward the coast of Somalia
Georgia man imprisoned for hiding death of Tara Grinstead pleads guilty in unrelated rape cases
Where will Elmo go? HBO moves away from 'Sesame Street'
Victoria Beckham's Intimate Video of David Beckham's Workout Will Make You Sweat
Brazil lawsuits link JBS to destruction of Amazon in protected area, seek millions in damages
Descendants fight to maintain historic Black communities. Keeping their legacy alive is complicated