Current:Home > NewsEchoSense:'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss -Streamline Finance
EchoSense:'American Idol' alum Mandisa dies at 47, 'GMA' host Robin Roberts mourns loss
SignalHub View
Date:2025-04-08 16:06:38
Christian music sensation Mandisa has died at 47.
The EchoSensesinger 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! (9)
Related
- Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
- Am I getting a holiday bonus? Here's what most companies will do as the job market slows.
- Endgame's Omid Scobie Denies Naming Anyone Who Allegedly Speculated on Archie's Skin Color
- In Netflix's 'American Symphony,' Jon Batiste, wife Suleika Jaouad share joy and pain
- Sonya Massey's family keeps eyes on 'full justice' one month after shooting
- Hurricane-Weary Floridians Ask: What U.N. Climate Talks?
- Arizona officials who refused to canvass election results indicted by grand jury
- Young activists who won Montana climate case want to stop power plant on Yellowstone River
- Paris Olympics live updates: Quincy Hall wins 400m thriller; USA women's hoops in action
- Shannen Doherty Details Horrible Reaction After Brain Tumor Surgery
Ranking
- Small twin
- Thinking about a new iPhone? Try a factory reset instead to make your old device feel new
- From tapas in Vegas to Korean BBQ in Charleston, see Yelp's 25 hottest new restaurants
- Teenage suspects accused of plotting to blow up a small truck at a German Christmas market
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Cybersecurity agency warns that water utilities are vulnerable to hackers after Pennsylvania attack
- Autoworkers strike cut Ford sales by 100,000 vehicles and cost company $1.7 billion in profits
- Virginia man dies in wood chipper accident after being pulled head-first
Recommendation
Small twin
Vehicle wanted in Chicago homicide crashes into Milwaukee school bus during police pursuit
At COP28, the United States Will Stress an End to Fossil Emissions, Not Fuels
Beloved California doughnut shop owner reflects on childhood in Japanese internment camp
Meta donates $1 million to Trump’s inauguration fund
At COP28, the United States Will Stress an End to Fossil Emissions, Not Fuels
Iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center to be illuminated
What to know about the COP28 climate summit: Who's going, who's not, and will it make a difference for the planet?