(April 19, 2024) The music world is mourning the far too young death of Grammy-winning Gospel singer Mandisa at age 47. She was found dead in her Nashville, home, with her cause of death currently unknown. The Franklin, Tennessee Police Department is currently investigating.
The star’s Instagram page posted “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. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
(April 19, 2024) The music world is mourning the far too young death of Grammy-winning Gospel singer Mandisa at age 47. She was found dead in her Nashville, home, with her cause of death currently unknown. The Franklin, Tennessee Police Department is currently investigating.
The star’s Instagram page posted “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. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.”
It was 18 years ago that the world discovered Mandisa Lynn Hundley, when she stormed into our consciousnesses as the big-voiced marvel on American Idol season five. And though Mandisa was “voted off” the show early in the finals round, she was roundly hailed as one of the greatest pure singers in the history of the show.
Mandisa took her AI fame into the Gospel world, hitting #1 with her debut album, the first of several hit Gospel projects. And her career would hit its zenith in 2014, when her Overcomer disc won for her the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian album.
Mandisa’s friend and occasional singing partner, CCM star Matthew West, posted today on X,
I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room. The first song she released after appearing on American Idol Was a song we wrote called “Only the World” and the lyrics hit different right now…
Heaven is a place Where the tears on every face will be wiped away
Oh and I can't wait to go But for now, it's enough to know This is only temporary
This is only Yes it's only the world I'm living in It's only today I've been given
There ain't no way I'm giving in 'Cause it's only the world I know the best is still yet to come
'Cause even when my days in the world are done There's gonna be so much more than only the world for me.
Despite her musical success, Mandisa was honest about her struggles with both depression and an eating disorder, with the two issues co-existing for several years. These challenges were laid out with candor in her 2022 autobiography, Out of the Dark.
Mandisa’s death is yet another of the sad passings of music stars that we’ve had in 2024, but it is particularly biting when it is of such a young person. Rest in peace.
By Chris Rizik