Christian singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley passed away at 47, her representatives announced Friday morning. Her cause of death is unknown at this time.
Stream founder and publisher James Robison says, “Betty and I celebrate the life and memory of Mandisa, who entered into the presence of her Savior on Friday. We were so fortunate to have her on the show several times and were always blessed by her incredible talent and deep love for God.”
Mandisa, known for hit songs such as “Overcomer,” “Good Morning,” and “Bleed the Same,” first rose to fame after making it to the finals in the fifth season of American Idol. She would later go on to win a Grammy for her song “Overcomer” in 2014.
The statement on her Facebook page notes that “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.” She was open about her struggles with weight, which American Idol judge Simon Cowell poked fun at after her audition on the show. The singer would later turn the moment into an opportunity to show the love of Christ on national television.
“The next time I saw Simon,” she told James and Betty during an appearance on LIFE Today, “I told him that a lot of people wanted me to say a lot of things to him. But what I wanted him to know is that I forgave him. I said, ‘The reason I can forgive you is that Jesus Christ died so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven. I can extend that same grace to you.’”
During the racial tensions of 2017, Mandisa partnered with fellow Christian singers Toby Mac and Kirk Franklin to encourage Christians to lead the charge in racial reconciliation with their song, “Bleed the Same.”
Mandisa was also open about her struggles after her best friend lost a fight with cancer, telling Good Morning America that she sunk “into deep depression,” even to the point of considering suicide. “But God,” she said. “He saved my life, quite literally.” Her experience in that season would inspire her to write her Grammy-winning song, “Overcomer.”
Please join The Stream in praying for Mandisa’s family and friends in this difficult time.