Mandisa remembered. Fans, music industry, friends pay tribute to 47-year-old singer
Grammy-award winning musician and "American Idol" alum Mandisa was found dead at her Nashville home on Thursday.
The 47-year-old Christian singer dazzled audiences when she hit the stage of "American Idol" in 2005 and made it through to the final nine. From there she released her debut album, but dealt with pain from the loss of a beloved friend and having a personal crisis of faith. Her journey through heartache and depression to finding her faith again inspired many that were going through similar situations.
"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world," was written on an Instagram post announcing Mandisa's death.
Since the news of her death, family, fans and friends in and out of the music industry, have paid tribute to the singer.
What happened to Mandisa?
On Friday, The Media Collective, Mandisa's rep, issued this statement confirming her death, but did not disclose how the songstress died.
"We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. 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's story and journey to 'Overcome' touched many
Mandisa crisis of faith was an inspiration not only for an album, but inspired others who were going though hardship. Fans shared their stories on the Instagram post announcing her death.
"I’m devastated ?????? Overcomer help me healed when I loss my daughter at 16. She gave hope even when she didn’t have any to give herself. Mandisa is truly one of God’s Devine. I hope she finally has the peace she struggled so long to find. We have truly really loss one of God’s truest and purest creatures… I love you now and forever on Mandisa. God speed on your journey to heaven….," wrote user keishacraftsmith.
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Other's shared how her music and writing helped them through some of the toughest times in their lives. Actress Candace Cameron Bure shared broken heart emojis under the post, while Christian rap artist Wande offered condolences.
Fellow Christian musician and friend Colton Dixon, shared memories of being on the road with Mendisa and Toby Mac.
"Mandisa is the sweetest, kindest soul that @anniedixon__ and I have met on the road. After hearing she went to be with the Jesus last night I was reflecting this morning on the times we had together," Dixon wrote.
Singer and songwriter Matthew West paid tribute to his longtime friend and collaborator with lyrics from their song "Only the World", stating that they "hit differently" now that Mandisa was gone.
"I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room," West also wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room. The first song she released after… pic.twitter.com/Xk04rdwxme
— Matthew West (@matthew_west) April 19, 2024
Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts also paid tribute to the late singer.
"My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on ?@GMA? following my long medical leave. Her beautiful music & spirit lifted me and countless others," Roberts wrote on X.
My heart is heavy hearing about Mandisa. Incredibly blessed that she was there my first day back on ?@GMA? following my long medical leave. Her beautiful music & spirit lifted me and countless others. Sending prayers & love to her family.?????? https://t.co/WmBW8YZ18c
— Robin Roberts (@RobinRoberts) April 19, 2024
Fellow musician Don Moen provided a statement to The Tennessean, saying Mandisa was not only a powerhouse of a talent, but that she also possessed a genuinely kind spirit.
"We ministered together several times, she sang background vocals on my album 'Thank You Lord' and joined me on several tours," the statement read. "On one particular tour, notes kept appearing in everyone's bunk on the bus or in their instrument cases. These were encouraging messages like: 'You are blessed and highly favored,' or 'You're such a blessing on this tour.' Only at the end of the tour did we discover it had been Mandisa. Whether behind the scenes or center stage, her presence always brought joy and hope.
Where was Mandisa from?
Mandisa was born in California, but her home was in Tennessee.
She graduated Fisk University in Nashville in 2000 and was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers. She called Tennessee home after her graduation, through her "American Idol" tenure, a Grammy win, multiple albums and until her death on Thursday.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: What happened to Mandisa: Friends, fans honor singer found dead