'Grammy-winning singer' and 'American Idol' winner Mandisa has died at 47

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, She professionally known as Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on "American Idol" and won a Grammy for her album 'Overcomer' in 2014, has died. She was 47.

A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. they informed, “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” her representative confirmed to local outlet The Tennessean. “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.”

Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was born near Sacramento, California, and grew up singing in church. She gained stardom after finishing ninth on "American Idol" in 2006.

 Mandisa's Career journey

Mandisa participated for Season 5 of “American Idol” in 2005 and became a favorite on the show when it aired. She had managed to the top nine contestants after that she was eliminated. During her run, she sang hits like “I’m Every Woman,” “I Don’t Hurt Anymore,” “Don’t You Worry 'bout a Thing", “Any Man of Mine", “Shackles (Praise You)” and many more.

After her “American Idol” success, Mandisa released her first album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. It debuted at the top of Billboard’s Christian album chart, a first for a female artist, and at No. 43 on the Billboard 200. Her first single off the album, “Only the World,” debuted at No. 2 on the hot singles chart and reached No. 1 in its second week.

Her other albums included “It’s Christmas” (2008), “Freedom” (2009), “What if We Were Real” (2011), “Overcomer” (2013), “Out of the Dark” (2017) and a greatest hits album in 2020. She received Grammy nominations for best pop/contemporary gospel album for “True Beauty” and “Freedom” and for contemporary Christian music album with “What if We Were Real". Her win finally came when “Overcomer” earned a trophy for contemporary Christian album, plus an additional nomination for gospel.

Mandisa's struggles with Depression

Mandisa openly spoke about her struggles with depression, releasing a memoir entitled "Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy" in 2022 that detailed her experiences with severe depression, weight-related challenges, the coronavirus pandemic and her faith.