Former American Idol contestant, Mandisa, passed away at the age of 47
Gospel singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley was found deceased in her Nashville home on Thursday, April 18th. Her team shared the heartbreaking news online saying:
“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.”
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While the cause of her untimely death remains unknown, TMZ reports that her father said it was sudden and unexpected, adding that she had no known health issues prior to passing.
Mandisa to be honored with two memorial services in Middle Tennessee
Two memorial services have been announced to celebrate the life of the beloved singer. The first will be held today (April 26) at Mandisa’s alma mater – Fisk University, in Nashville, Tennessee. This service is intended to be a “friends and family event” with the university opening its doors to “student body, faculty, staff and alumni.”
Mandisa’s former classmate, Caarne White, told the Tennessean:
“It will be a lot of music, because that’s what we do at Fisk. There will be tributes to Mandisa, a lot of good memories and maybe some tears. We just wanted it to be open community time to share in the music and the personality of Mandisa.”
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The second memorial is planned for Saturday, April 27th, and will be held at Brentwood Baptist Church. Visitation is planned from 9-10:30am and the service will begin at 11:00am. The event will be live-streamed here.
Mandisa’s musical legacy
After graduating from Fisk University, Mandisa competed on American Idol, where she gained the admiration of many music fans and finished in the Top Nine.
Mandisa’s first full-length album, True Beauty, became the first released by a new female artist to top the Top Christian Albums charts in the history of the chart.
Her fourth album, Overcomer, earned her a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
Enjoy a look back at Mandisa’s talent with her song “Overcomer” below!