Current:Home > Finance'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Stellar Wealth Sphere
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-18 23:04:19
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! (4836)
Related
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- House Speaker Mike Johnson has reservations about expelling George Santos, says members should vote their conscience
- Lawsuit seeks $5M for Black former delivery driver who says white men shot at him in Mississippi
- Lawsuit seeks $5M for Black former delivery driver who says white men shot at him in Mississippi
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Nigeria’s leader presents $34 billion spending plan for 2024, prioritizing the economy, security
- Will wolverines go extinct? US offers new protections as climate change closes in
- Indiana judge dismisses state’s lawsuit against TikTok that alleged child safety, privacy concerns
- Man can't find second winning lottery ticket, sues over $394 million jackpot, lawsuit says
- Barcelona may need water shipped in during a record drought in northeast Spain, authorities say
Ranking
- Former Syrian official arrested in California who oversaw prison charged with torture
- Three songs for when your flight is delayed
- Senate Majority Leader Schumer warns that antisemitism is on the rise as he pushes for Israel aid
- 4 news photographers shot, wounded in southern Mexico
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- The True Story Behind Kyle Richards Tattooing Her Initial on Morgan Wade's Arm
- UAW will try to organize workers at all US nonunion factories after winning new contracts in Detroit
- Suicide rates rose in 2022 overall but declined for teens and young adults
Recommendation
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
Travis Barker’s Son Landon Reveals He Hasn’t Held Baby Brother Rocky Yet
Eiffel Tower came to LA to hype 2024 Paris Olympics. Here's how
Fast-track legislative maneuvers hinder public participation, nonpartisan Kentucky group says
Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
Recall: Jeep Wrangler 4xe SUVs recalled because of fire risk
Search remains suspended for 4 missing crewmembers in Mississippi River
Ohio police review finds 8 officers acted reasonably in shooting death of Jayland Walker