Grammy-Winning Gospel Artist Mandisa Dies; Personal Struggles Revealed in Memoir

Grammy-winning gospel artist Mandisa, who gained fame as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has tragically passed away according to statements shared on her official social media pages. Details regarding the cause of death or further information are not yet known and at this time we ask for prayers for her family and close friends during what must be an incredibly difficult period. Mandisa was a source of encouragement and truth for people facing life’s challenges around the world through her soulful gospel music, which she began singing in church as a child growing up in Citrus Heights, California. After studying vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California, Mandisa moved to Nashville where she attended Fisk University and became part of their renowned Jubilee singers group. Despite being eliminated from the top 10 on “American Idol” during its fifth season, Mandisa continued pursuing her professional dreams releasing a string of successful albums including ‘True Beauty’ in 2007 which debuted at number one on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart and earned Mandisa multiple Grammy nominations. She won the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album award for “Overcomer” in 2014, but also faced personal struggles including depression following her friend’s death from cancer. In a bid to help others facing similar challenges she detailed this chapter of her life through the release of ‘Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy’, published earlier in 2022. A previous version of this article included an incorrect date on a photograph’s caption and has since been replaced. Our thoughts are with Mandisa’s loved ones during their time of grief.