Mandisa death investigated by cops after American Idol star dies aged 47

Police officials are carrying out an inquiry into the untimely demise of Mandisa Lynn Hundley, who was formerly a participant in the American Idol competition. The deceased was 47 years old at the time of her passing.

The musician who won a Grammy Award took part in the fifth season of the well-known talent competition, achieving the ninth position. Following that, she moved ahead to establish an admirable career in the realm of Christian music.

A message posted on Mandisa's Facebook profile indicated that she passed away in her residence on April 18th.

The Tennessean reported that the Franklin Police Department is conducting an investigation into her death since her reason of death is not yet determined.

Mandisa spread words of support and honesty to individuals dealing with hardships across the globe. The blog finished with a few lines of her personal songwriting.

'I have already reached my dwelling place/You must surrender it/For Christ is now my protector - And I have companionship.'

Mandisa revealed in a chat with ABC News in 2017 that she faced a battle with depression and had even thought about taking her own life.

K-Love, the Christian radio station, released a statement after the passing of Mandisa. They acknowledged that while the singer's music had earned her many accolades, what people will remember most about her is her unparalleled kindness and authenticity.

The vocalist participated in the fifth installment of the TV program (depicted), concluding in the ninth slot. Following that, she proceeded to have a recognized profession in religious music.

The gospel vocalist disclosed in 2012 that she had shed 100lbs. This happened when the judge Simon Cowell made a rude comment about her weight during her audition and questioned whether they 'had a larger stage this year.'

According to a statement from Christian radio station K-Love, the singer who sold Platinum records will always be remembered for her sincerity and having a big heart, even more so than her musical talents, after her death.

David Pierce, the media officer of the station, shared that Mandisa had a great love for Jesus and made it a point to talk about Him whenever she had the opportunity. He also praised her for her immense kindness, captivating smile, and powerful voice that left a lasting impression on people. However, it was her heart which was truly remarkable and larger than life.

Mandisa faced challenges and courageously opened up about them, allowing us to connect and discuss our own battles.

Mandisa hailed from Citrus Heights, a town in California. She pursued a degree in vocal jazz at American River College located in Sacramento, California. She also studied music at Fisk University situated in Tennessee.

In 2007, she put out her first record called True Beauty, but it wasn't until 2013 when she dropped Overcomer that she really hit it big in the Christian music scene. Overcomer even got her a Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Nowadays, she's considered one of the most popular Christian musicians in the nation.

In 2005, the vocalist tried out for American Idol and mentioned that her musical inspirations ranged from Def Leppard to Whitney Houston.

When she appeared on the show for the first time, Simon Cowell, who was a judge, made some remarks about her size. He asked, "Do we need a larger stage this year?"

During the show, when Paula Abdul complimented the sound of Mandisa's voice by saying it sounded like it was from France, Simon Cowell interrupted and stated that a better comparison would be to the entirety of France.

The humorous remark resulted in objections from the organization for advocating size inclusivity.

Towards the end of the season, Mandisa finally gave a reply to Cowell.

She expressed, "I need to convey that you caused me pain and made me cry, which was a distressing experience. Nevertheless, I want you to know that I hold no grudges against you and you don't need to apologize for me to forgive you."

I believe that Jesus sacrificed himself so that I could be forgiven for my mistakes and I feel that I can surely show you the same kindness.

Cowell expressed his regret and admitted that her words left him feeling modest.

Back in 2012, Mandisa made a stunning revelation that she had shed an incredible 100 pounds from her weight in the past six years after appearing on the show. The famous singer shared that she sought the aid of a personal fitness trainer and started doing the trendy Zumba dance routine. This was due to Simon Cowell's cruel and offensive comments, which hurt her deeply.

In 2007, Mandisa released her first ever album called True Beauty. Later on in 2013, she came out with a new album titled Overcomer which ended up winning a Grammy award for being the Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

In the year 2017, Mandisa disclosed her struggle with depression and her episodes of having suicidal thoughts.

Back in 2012, Mandisa announced that she had shed an impressive 100 pounds after her appearance on the program (as shown on the left during the show, and on the right in 2012).

Mandisa attributed her ability to overcome a serious episode of depression after her close friend Kisha passed away from breast cancer to the divine assistance of God.

She honestly admitted during an interview with Good Morning America that it was really awful. She even shared that if she did not leave that road, she might not be alive today.

I almost gave in to the voice that whispered, "Just end it all and be with Jesus now, Mandisa."

It was a close call, but I witnessed the intervention of God who literally rescued me from danger.

She continued by saying that she is not someone who gets angry at God and yells at Him. Rather, she is the type of person who becomes quiet and withdraws.

During the interview, Mandisa shared that when she was feeling depressed, she resorted to comfort eating.

For as long as I can remember, I have been guilty of indulging in emotional eating. Even though I previously shared my experience of shedding 120 pounds, I eventually regained all of it and even packed on an extra 75 pounds. My mental state plummeted into a severe and lasting depression following the loss of Kisha.

According to the blog post, the vocalist claimed that only when she was confronted by a group of her companions outside a cinema did she start to acknowledge her problems.

She recounted, "Upon exiting the cinema, which was a place I isolated myself in for years, I observed that my automobile was covered in numerous adhesive strips with messages written on them."

After that, her companions organized a meeting to address her behavior.

I came to the realization that it is not necessary for me to be flawless and have everything under control. I am a work of art that is still being crafted and perfected, currently incomplete.

This photograph captures Mandisa from 2006 when she participated in American Idol.

During an interview with the Christian Broadcasting Network in October 2022, Mandisa talked about the Cowell incident once more. She referred to it as her biggest nightmare that had come true.

This has been the most difficult challenge I have ever faced, and it's a topic that makes me feel exposed. When he expressed that on national TV, it completely crushed me.

Once the performance ended, a group of my pals huddled around me and commenced praying. They pleaded with the Almighty to show compassion towards Simon and requested divine assistance in my ability to pardon him.

She expressed that she had a sudden awareness that the situation had a deeper meaning beyond her personal emotional pain.

The vocalist disclosed that the circumstances were arranged by the producers who cautioned her that Cowell would likely mention her size and suggested that she "put him in his place."

During the interview, Mandisa talked about her childhood and shared that her father deserted the family when she was young. This caused her to turn to food as a source of comfort.

The artist stated that her dad inspired her to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

She expressed that she began sensing the need to impress him to earn his affection. From then on, she experienced a struggle with emotions of being left behind and having an absent paternal influence throughout her life. Despite this fact, he remains a significant part of her life, although not physically present alongside her.

In July 2006, Mandisa and the other contestants of American Idol were photographed in the Oval Office.

During the stunning conversation with CBN, Mandisa revealed a startling fact: at the age of 16, she was a victim of rape.

At the age of 16, something occurred that caused me to unleash my appetite and consume food without restraint. My actions were likely a way to protect myself from potential harm caused by others.

According to the vocalist, she has found it in her heart to pardon the individual who assaulted her.

Keith Stevens, the radio host of KTIS, expressed his admiration for Mandisa and acknowledged her as a significant inspiration in his life.

It is with great sorrow that I inform you of the passing of Mandisa, a beloved Christian artist who lived in Nashville. She had a significant impact on my life, as well as yours and everyone at KTIS. Mandisa graced us with her presence at numerous KTIS events, and you may have even attended one of her shows.

Nowadays, we are deeply mourning. We kindly request that you keep her family in your thoughts. Mandisa, we hold you in high regard. You brought joy to our lives and exemplified the love of Jesus in all that you accomplished," he continued.