Current:Home > Stocks'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -ProsperityStream Academy
'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
View
Date:2025-04-13 17:42:47
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! (2259)
Related
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Get a free Krispy Kreme doughnut if you dress up like Dolly Parton on Saturday
- Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion
- Sean 'Diddy' Combs apologizes for assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 video: 'I'm disgusted'
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- Simone Biles wins gymnastics US Classic by a lot. Shilese Jones takes 2nd. How it happened
- Designer David Rockwell on celebrating a sense of ritual
- Israeli War Cabinet member says he'll quit government June 8 unless new war plan is adopted
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- Biden will deliver Morehouse commencement address during a time of tumult on US college campuses
Ranking
- Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
- ‘No sign of life’ at crash site of helicopter carrying Iran’s president, others
- Dive team finds bodies of 2 men dead inside plane found upside down in Alaska lake
- Horoscopes Today, May 18, 2024
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- Psst! Target Just Dropped New Stanley Cup Summer Shades & You Need Them in Your Collection ASAP
- Oleksandr Usyk beats Tyson Fury by split decision to become the undisputed heavyweight champion
- As PGA Championship nears enthralling finish, low scores are running rampant at Valhalla
Recommendation
This was the average Social Security benefit in 2004, and here's what it is now
Sean 'Diddy' Combs apologizes for assaulting Cassie Ventura in 2016 video: 'I'm disgusted'
Man wins nearly $2 million placing $5 side bet at Las Vegas casino
The video of Diddy assaulting Cassie is something you can’t unsee. It’s OK not to watch.
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
Slovak prime minister’s condition remains serious but prognosis positive after assassination bid
Tempers flare between Tigers and Diamondbacks' dugouts over pitching mound at Chase Field
Child is among 3 dead after Amtrak train hits a pickup truck in upstate New York