Current:Home > Scams'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -WealthRise Academy
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-13 01:39:10
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! (6)
Related
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- Recreational marijuana sales in Ohio can start Tuesday at nearly 100 locations
- Gabby Thomas advances to women's 200m semis; Shericka Jackson withdraws
- Keep your cool: Experts on how to stay safe, avoid sunburns in record-high temps
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- Who will US women's basketball team face in Olympics quarterfinals? Everything to know
- Man charged with sending son to kill rapper PnB Rock testifies, says ‘I had nothing to do with it’
- For Novak Djokovic, winning Olympic gold for Serbia supersedes all else
- Charges tied to China weigh on GM in Q4, but profit and revenue top expectations
- Texas is back to familiar spot in the US LBM preseason college football poll but is it ready for SEC?
Ranking
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- College football season outlooks for Top 25 teams in US LBM preseason coaches poll
- 11 MLB hot takes with baseball entering dog days of summer
- Xochitl Gomez Reveals Marvel-ous Skincare Lessons and Products for Under $5
- The FBI should have done more to collect intelligence before the Capitol riot, watchdog finds
- Pressure mounts on Victor Wembanyama, France in basketball at Paris Olympics
- Tesla brings back cheap Model 3 variant with big-time range
- Jimmer Fredette injury update: 3x3 star to miss 6 months after Olympic-ending injury
Recommendation
Jorge Ramos reveals his final day with 'Noticiero Univision': 'It's been quite a ride'
'Whirlwind' year continues as Jayson Tatum chases Olympic gold
Pope Francis’ close ally, Cardinal Sean O’Malley, retires as archbishop of Boston at age 80
Robert F. Kennedy in NY court as he fights ballot-access suit claiming he doesn’t live in the state
Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
Kamala Harris is poised to become the Democratic presidential nominee
Noah Lyles wins Olympic 100 by five-thousandths of a second, among closest finishes in Games history
MLB power rankings: Losers of 20 in a row, White Sox push for worst record ever