Christian singer and former “American Idol” contestant Mandisa has died at the age of 47.
Mandisa Lynn Hundley, a native of Citrus Heights, California, was discovered deceased in her home in the Nashville metro area. An investigation into the incident is currently underway, per The Tennessean.
“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” a statement from the singer’s rep said. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
A spokesperson from the Franklin Police Department did not share any details about Mandisa’s death other than confirming that the investigation was currently active.
Hundley is best known for her appearance on the reality singing competition show “American Idol” after auditioning in Chicago in 2005, the outlet noted. She was among the top nine contestants on that season of “Idol.”
She released her first album, “True Beauty,” in July 2007. Her single “Only the World” debuted on the Top Christian Album charts, which was a first for a female artist. The song also debuted at number 43 on the Billboard 200.
Her other albums included “It’s Christmas” (2008), “Freedom” (2009), “What if We Were Real” (2011), “Overcomer” (2013), “Out of the Dark” (2017), and a greatest hits album released in 2020.
In 2014, Hundley took home the Grammy for best contemporary Christian Music Album for “Overcomer.” She is one of only five former “ Idol” contestants to win a Grammy, joining the ranks of Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, and Tori Kelly, per Variety.
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David Pierce, chief media officer for the Christian radio station KLOVE, expressed his feelings about Hundley’s untimely death with a tribute post on Instagram.
“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn,” he wrote. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over, she is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
