Current:Home > Markets'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Trailblazer Capital Learning
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-14 05:25:12
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! (45959)
Related
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Trump issues order to ban transgender troops from serving openly in the military
- Pressure on a veteran and senator shows what’s next for those who oppose Trump
- Have Dry, Sensitive Skin? You Need To Add These Gentle Skincare Products to Your Routine
- A South Texas lawmaker’s 15
- 'We're reborn!' Gazans express joy at returning home to north
- Juan Soto praise of Mets' future a tough sight for Yankees, but World Series goal remains
- Alex Murdaugh’s murder appeal cites biased clerk and prejudicial evidence
Ranking
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
Recommendation
2 killed, 3 injured in shooting at makeshift club in Houston
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
All That You Wanted to Know About She’s All That
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Working Well: When holidays present rude customers, taking breaks and the high road preserve peace
Who are the most valuable sports franchises? Forbes releases new list of top 50 teams
'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
DeepSeek: Did a little known Chinese startup cause a 'Sputnik moment' for AI?