American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist Mandisa was found dead in her Nashville home on Thursday.

Mandisa, 47, began her career as an “American Idol“ contestant and won a Grammy Award for ‘Best Contemporary Christian Music Album’ in 2014.

“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. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time,” a rep for Mandisa said early Friday morning, according to The Tennessean.

“The singer competed on the fifth season of the popular talent show, finishing in ninth place. After that, she went on to have a celebrated career in Christian music.  Her cause of death is unknown. She was found dead in her home in Nashville on April 18.  In a 2017 interview with ABC News, Mandisa opened up about her struggles with depression, saying that she contemplated suicide,” Chief Nerd noted.

From The Tennessean:

Born in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa Lynn Hundley attended Fisk University in Nashville and was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers. She graduated from the university in 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in music, according to Fisk officials.

In 2005, Hundley auditioned for “American Idol” in Chicago, where she went on to finish in the final nine.

Hundley released her first album, “True Beauty” in July 2007, debuting on the Top Christian Album charts with her first single, “Only the World.”

The Christian artist would win best contemporary Christian Music Album for “Overcomer” at the 56th Grammy Awards in 2014.

“Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world,” Mandisa’s Facebook page posted.

Per Fox News:

During her time on “American Idol,” she became known not only for her powerhouse vocals, but also for an inspiring speech she gave to judge Simon Cowell. After her audition, Cowell made remarks about her weight, and later in the process she confronted him about his comments in a conversation with him and his fellow judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

“Simon, a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you,” she began. “But this is what I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you.”

Cowell immediately gave her a hug, telling her that he felt “humbled,” then noting that he felt “one millimeter small.”

His comments helped inspire the name of her first album – in 2013, she told the Hollywood Reporter, “Coming straight off ‘American Idol,’ and having Simon Cowell talk to me about the way I look, I recorded ‘True Beauty,’ [asking questions like] ‘where am I going to put my value?’, ‘am I going to determine my worth by people like Simon or am I going to put my trust into what God says about me?’”

 

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