Mandisa Gestorben

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, American Idol Alumna, Dies at 47

Mandisa, the Gospel Singer and American Idol Star, Passes Away

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as Mandisa, has passed away at the age of 47. The singer, who rose to fame on the fifth season of American Idol, died unexpectedly, according to her publicist.

Mandisa's death was confirmed by Christian radio station K-Love, which shared a statement from her family. "It is with deep and profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved Mandisa," the statement read. "She passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by her family."

No cause of death has been released at this time. Mandisa had been open about her struggles with depression and anxiety in the past, but she had not recently shared any concerns about her health.

Mandisa was born on October 2, 1976, in Citrus Heights, California. She began singing in church at a young age and later studied music at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee.

In 2006, Mandisa auditioned for the fifth season of American Idol. She finished in ninth place, but her powerful voice and positive attitude made her a fan favorite.

After American Idol, Mandisa signed with Sparrow Records and released her debut album, "True Beauty," in 2007. The album was a commercial success, selling over 500,000 copies and earning Mandisa a Grammy Award nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Album.

Mandisa released a total of five studio albums, including "Overcomer" (2011), "What If We Were Real" (2013), and "Out of the Dark" (2015). She also won several Dove Awards and was named Billboard's Top Christian Female Artist in 2013.

In addition to her music career, Mandisa was also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. She frequently spoke about her own struggles with depression and anxiety, and she encouraged others to seek help if they were struggling.

Mandisa's death is a tragic loss for the music industry and the Christian community. She was a talented singer, a compassionate advocate, and a beloved friend to many.