By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights native and contemporary Christian music recording artist Mandisa passed away on Thursday, April 18 at her home in Tennessee. She was 47.
A statement from Mandisa’s official Facebook page posted on Friday, April 19, read in part: “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.”
The most recent post on her Facebook page prior to the announcement was from December 2023. The death is under investigation by the Franklin Police Department according to The Tennessean.
Mandisa Lynn Hundley was born in October 1976 in Citrus Heights, California, and grew up singing in choir in church according to several interviews and biographies. She reached national fame when she competed in season five of “American Idol” where she went on to break into the Top 10, despite harsh criticism from former American Idol judge Simon Cowell, which centered around her weight.
After being eliminated as the ninth contestant in 2006, Mandisa was signed by Sparrow Records in early 2007, then produced multiple albums along with multiple singles and collaborative pieces. Her most recent full-length album, “Out of the Dark” released in 2017. Mandisa also released at least two books, including IdolEyes and Out of the Dark.
From 2021 to 2022, Mandisa co-hosted a podcast with Laura Williams, where the two frequently unpacked topics of mental health struggles growing up.
After graduating from a Sacramento-area high school, Mandisa studied Vocal Jazz at American River College and then studied Music and Vocal Performance at Fisk University in Tennessee. Mandisa was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and also worked as a backup singer for various artists before she auditioned for “American Idol” in 2005.
“Mandisa, best known for her incredible talent, joyful spirit and genuine love for people, was a celebrated artist with 15 GMA Dove Award nominations and two wins,” A representative of GMA Dove Awards wrote in a statement on their official Instagram page, adding that Mandisa had won Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year in 2014 for her breakout album Overcomer.
According to KLOVE radio, Mandisa won two KLOVE Fan Awards in 2014, including Female Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year for “Overcomer.”
Mandisa has collaborated with multiple Christian artists, including TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, and most recently, Jon Reddick.
Fellow Christian recording artist TobyMac, who Mandisa frequently collaborated and toured with, spoke highly of her on his official Instagram page, calling Mandisa “encouraging and supportive” and “authentic.”
“From ‘Lose My Soul’ to ‘Bleed the Same’ to ‘Good Mornin,’” I was honored to call her friend,” TobyMac wrote.
A representative of KLOVE radio could not be reached for comment before press time, but KLOVE has released a press release and tribute to the artist on their website.
