Current:Home > Contact'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Infinite Edge Capital
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
SignalHub Quantitative Think Tank Center View
Date:2025-04-11 00:27:07
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! (8)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Why Demi Lovato Feels the Most Confident When She's Having Sex
- Police say a Virginia mom, her 3 kids are missing. Her husband says he's not concerned.
- Nigeria’s opposition candidate appeals election verdict, asks court to declare him winner instead
- Spooky or not? Some Choa Chu Kang residents say community garden resembles cemetery
- McCarthy faces seemingly impossible task trying to unite House GOP and avoid government shutdown
- Comedian Gary Gulman hopes new memoir will bring readers 'laughter and nostalgia'
- Book excerpt: The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
- NFL Week 15 picks straight up and against spread: Bills, Lions put No. 1 seed hopes on line
- Biden is unveiling the American Climate Corps, a program with echoes of the New Deal
Ranking
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Rihanna and A$AP Rocky share first photos of their newborn baby, Riot Rose
- Video shows high school band director arrested, shocked with stun gun after he refused to stop music
- FTX attorneys accuse Sam Bankman-Fried’s parents of unjustly enriching themselves with company funds
- Selena Gomez engaged to Benny Blanco after 1 year together: 'Forever begins now'
- VA Suicide hotline botched vet's cry for help. The service hasn't suitably saved texts for 10 years.
- Some Virginia Democrats say livestreamed sex acts a distraction from election’s real stakes
- Japanese crown prince to visit Vietnam to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations
Recommendation
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Fentanyl found under sleeping mats at Bronx day care where 1-year-old child died
‘ABC World News’ anchor David Muir chosen for Arizona State University’s Cronkite Award
California may limit how much company behind Arrowhead bottled water can draw from mountain springs
At site of suspected mass killings, Syrians recall horrors, hope for answers
Lahaina's 150-year-old banyan tree that was charred by the wildfires is showing signs of new life
What will Federal Reserve do next? Any hint of future rate hikes will be key focus of latest meeting
3 fake electors want Georgia election subversion charges against them to be moved to federal court