Tributes pour in following the passing of Mandisa Lynn Hundley, the Grammy-winning American Idol singer, at the age of 47.
Paula Abdul, who served as a judge during Mandisa’s Idol season in 2006, hailed her as a “true beacon of light” in a statement to People.
Another Idol alum, Danny Gokey, expressed being “devastated” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
Mandisa’s publicist confirmed to BBC News that she was discovered deceased in her home on Thursday.
“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” they added. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
Known simply as Mandisa, the singer clinched a Grammy in the best contemporary Christian music category for her album “Overcomer” in 2014. She rose to prominence through her participation in season five of American Idol in 2006, securing the ninth spot.
She subsequently enjoyed substantial success in Christian music, with her albums, including “What If We Were Real” (2011), “Freedom” (2009), and “True Beauty” (2007), earning Grammy nominations.
In her 2022 memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy,” Mandisa openly discussed her battles with depression and grief.
An Instagram statement on her page commemorated her as “a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
