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Mandisa, who forgave Simon Cowell on 'American Idol,' dies

​Mandisa became a fan favorite for her public kindness on "American Idol," responding with forgiveness to judge Simon Cowell's comments about her weight.

WASHINGTON — Mandisa, the Grammy-winning artist who sang her way into the top 10 on "American Idol" in 2006, has died. She was 47. 

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, best known by her stage name Mandisa, was a celebrated Christian musician who used her fame from the iconic singing show to launch her career. She was born near Sacramento, California, and grew up singing in church.

A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the singer was found dead in her home in Nashville, Tennessee, on Thursday. The representative said the cause of Mandisa's death was not yet known.

The news of her death was first reported by Christian rock radio station K-Love, where Mandisa's music was often a staple. It was later confirmed on Mandisa's official Facebook page. 

"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," the Facebook post read. "We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world." 

The post ended with some of Mandisa's own lyrics: 

'I'm already home/You've got to lay it down/'cause Jesus holds me now — And I am not alone.'  

Credit: AP
Mandisa performs during the Dove Awards Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Mandisa became a fan favorite for her public kindness on "American Idol," responding with forgiveness to judge Simon Cowell's comments about her weight during the early rounds of the competition. 

"What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I've forgiven you and that you don't need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody," she told Cowell later in the season.

She finished ninth in the season and went on to launch a career in Christian music. Her debut album, "True Beauty," was released in 2007. Mandisa's 2013 album, "Overcomer," won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Her last album, "Out of the Dark," was released in 2017.

In a 2022 memoir, Mandisa wrote about the trauma she survived as a teenager after being raped, and her mental health struggles in the years since. 

K-Love chief media officer David Pierce said in a statement that the singer's struggles are “over.”

“Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles,” he said. “Mandisa’s struggles are over. She is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”

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