According to Lisa Respers France at CNN, soulful Christian artist Mandisa, known for her Grammy-winning vocals and initial rise to fame as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has passed away at the age of 47. Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley, she hailed from Citrus Heights, California, where her journey in music began within the walls of her local church.
Her roots in music deepened as she pursued studies in vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California. Later, she became a member of the renowned Fisk University Jubilee Singers during her time at Fisk University in Nashville.
In 2005, Mandisa auditioned for “American Idol” and subsequently became a contestant on the fifth season of the popular singing competition in 2006. Although she didn’t advance beyond the top 10, her passion for music persevered.
Undeterred by her “American Idol” journey, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. The album soared to No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart, marking the beginning of a successful career that included numerous Grammy nominations.
Throughout the years, Mandisa continued to release impactful albums, with highlights including Overcomer in 2013, which clinched her the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014. Her contributions to the gospel music scene will be remembered and cherished by fans worldwide.
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