Mandisa, the acclaimed Grammy Award-winning vocalist who rose to fame as a contender on the fifth season of American Idol, passed away on Thursday, April 18, at 47 years old.
A representative for the singer conveyed to PEOPLE, “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.”
Hailing from Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa pursued her passion for music while in college before stepping into the spotlight on Idol in 2005.
Recognized for her soulful voice and captivating presence, she captivated audiences during the show’s fifth season (which aired in 2006), securing a spot in the top 10 alongside other notable contestants like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, and eventual winner Taylor Hicks.
Throughout her journey on the show, Mandisa received praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson for her renditions of classics like Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” and Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.” Despite her elimination in the top 9, she displayed grace by forgiving Cowell for his remarks about her weight.
Undeterred by her Idol departure, Mandisa pursued her musical aspirations. In 2007, she released her debut album, True Beauty, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart—an unprecedented achievement that solidified her status as the first new female artist to achieve this feat in the chart’s 27-year history.
True Beauty marked the beginning of a prolific career that saw Mandisa release a total of six albums, including the well-received 2008 holiday album, It’s Christmas, and her latest offering, 2017’s Out of the Dark.