By Paige Daniels // Death // EEW Magazine Online

*Christian singer, Mandisa Hundley, has passed away at age 47.*

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the Grammy-winning Christian songstress whose journey on "American Idol" touched hearts nationwide, has passed away at the age of 47, as confirmed by her representative on Friday.

The heavens have gained a powerful voice in Mandisa, who was discovered deceased in her Nashville residence Thursday, as reported by NBC News. Her representative solemnly shared, "We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased."

The cause of her death at the time of publishing remains unknown, as further details are yet to be released.

In this sorrowful period, the family and friends of Mandisa are enveloped in prayers by fans and supporters, as requested in the statement from the late singer’s representatives. The death of the mental health advocate, who openly shared her battle with depression and anxiety, was initially reported by The Tennessean.

A touching tribute appeared on the artist's Facebook page Friday, saying, “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”

Mandisa, who shined the light of Christ everywhere she went, rose to fame after placing ninth on “American Idol.” She went on to win a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for her album, Overcomer.

The singer’s roots trace back to Sacramento, California, where she was raised lifting her voice in church choirs, honing her vocals at American River College before further pursuing musical education at Fisk University in Nashville. Her career pre-"Idol" included harmonizing behind Country music stars such as Shania Twain and Trisha Yearwood. The wealth of experience gained in this role fueled her celebrated journey on “American Idol.”

Facing the adversities of life head-on, Mandisa candidly shared with “Good Morning America” in 2017 about the dark times she encountered following the loss of her cherished friend, Lakisha Mitchell, to breast cancer in 2014, sinking deep into depression.

“It got pretty bad — to the point where if I had not gotten off that road I would not be sitting here today,” Mandisa said. “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.’" “It almost happened. ‘But God,’ is what I say. He saved my life, quite literally,” she added.

Mandisa revealed that in her dark state, she resorted to emotional eating and isolation, a topic she explored in her book, Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy, released in 2022. In the memoir, Mandisa got vulnerable about the depths of her mental anguish and how her friends’ intervention helped her claw her way out of despair.

On Friday, the Christian radio network K-Love paid tribute to the singer on social media, saying: “Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.”

“American Idol” also posted a tribute on its social media pages, saying, “Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry. She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.”