'American Idol' Season 5 Contestant Mandisa Passes Away at 47: Fans Mourn the Loss

American Idol alum Mandisa passed away on Thursday, April 18, at the age of 47. The sad news was confirmed by local California radio station K-Love.

On Friday, April 19, David Pierce, the Chief Media Officer for K-Love, shared, "Mandisa was a devoted follower of Jesus, and she made sure to share about Him whenever she could. Her kindness, infectious smile, and powerful voice were all remarkable, but it was her immense heart that truly stood out."

He continued by saying that Mandisa faced struggles and was open enough to share them with others. This openness allowed for discussions about our own challenges. Although Mandisa's struggles have ended, she is now with the God she sang about. While her passing brings sadness, it is comforting to know that she is now home. The speaker expressed prayers for Mandisa's family and friends, and invited others to join in prayer.

The cause of Mandisa's death has not been disclosed to the public at this time.

Mandisa had previously shared openly about her personal struggles. In a 2017 interview with Good Morning America, she mentioned that her friends once organized an intervention to support her.

During the interview, Mandisa recounted a moment when she left the movie theater. After isolating herself for years and avoiding everyone, she noticed sticky notes all over her car. The notes had messages like 'We love you', 'Come back to us', and 'We miss you'. As she approached her car, she saw a group of friends whom she had pushed away, waiting for her.

American Idol Season 5 Alum Mandisa Dead at 47 2

Mandisa Ray Mickshaw/WireImage

Mandisa shared that her friends waited for over four hours at the movie theater while she watched two movies. They eventually had an intervention, expressing their love and concern for her well-being.

Rising to fame as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol in 2006, Mandisa impressed viewers with her kindness and resilience, finishing in the Top 10 despite facing tough criticism from the judges.

One year after being eliminated from the singing competition, Mandisa released her debut album, True Beauty, in 2007. She has worked with well-known artists such as TobyMac, Matthew West, Michael W. Smith, Kirk Franklin, Jordan Feliz, and Jon Reddick.

Following True Beauty, Mandisa has put out five more full-length albums and a holiday-themed EP. She has received four Grammy awards for her contemporary gospel music.

Editor's P/S:

's passing is a heart-wrenching loss for the music industry and her countless fans. Her powerful voice and infectious smile brought joy to many, and her openness about her struggles inspired others to embrace their own challenges. The fact that she passed away at the young age of 47 is a sobering reminder of life's fragility.

While the cause of her death remains undisclosed, Mandisa's previous struggles with isolation and mental health issues serve as a reminder of the importance of seeking help when needed. Her story highlights the power of friendship and love, as her friends' intervention played a crucial role in her recovery. Mandisa's legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift others, reminding us of the transformative power of kindness, resilience, and faith.