Current:Home > ContactFormer 'American Idol' contestants return for Mandisa tribute -Prime Money Path
Former 'American Idol' contestants return for Mandisa tribute
View
Date:2025-04-18 01:06:39
"American Idol" is remembering late singer and former contestant Mandisa, who died on April 18 at age 47.
On Monday's episode of the singing competition, former contestants Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey and Melinda Doolittle came together to sing Mary Mary's "Shackles (Praise You)," a song Mandisa performed on Season 5 of "Idol."
The trio dressed in all white as they performed the gospel tune and photos of the late singer appeared at the end.
"I’ve known her for over 20 years," Doolittle said following the performance. "We started off singing background and sessions together, and then she got on 'Idol,' and I cheered for her. Then I came the next season, and she cheered for me. So that is my girl through and through."
Gokey remembered Mandisa as always being "a cheerleader for other people," including himself when he was going through a difficult time.
"Idol" host Ryan Seacrest asked the group to elaborate on Mandisa's connection to "Shackles," to which Dixon said, "The song sums up her life. I think she came in praising, I think she left praising. We’re gonna miss her, but our loss is heaven's gain."
Reps for "American Idol" issued a statement to USA TODAY about the loss of Mandisa on April 19.
"Mandisa was an adored icon on 'American Idol' and in the music industry. She had become a platinum-selling artist and had won several Grammys for her music. Her passing has left everyone on the show heartbroken, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family," the statement read.
'American Idol':Watch Emmy Russell bring Katy Perry to tears with touching Loretta Lynn cover
Police did not suspect foul play in Mandisa's death
The singer was found deceased in her home on April 18, a rep for Mandisa confirmed to USA TODAY.
“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," her team said via email.
On April 22, Franklin Police Department officials told The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network, that no foul play is suspected in the death of Mandisa. However, a suspected cause of death was not provided.
"At this time, there is no indication the death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity," police spokesperson Max Winitz said. "The Franklin Police Department sends its condolences to (Mandisa's) family, friends and fans."
The California native first rose to fame on Season 5 of "American Idol," when she finished within the Top 10.
Police don't suspect foul playin death of 'American Idol' alum, singer Mandisa
Later, she released her debut album "True Beauty" and went on to become one of the most recognizable voices in the Christian music industry. The five-time Grammy Award nominee snagged the best contemporary Christian music album award for her 2013 album, "Overcomer," featuring the popular title song.
"Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best. 'I'm already home, You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now—And I am not alone,'" a statement posted Friday on her official Facebook account read.
Contributing: Jay Stahl
veryGood! (96)
Related
- 'Vanderpump Rules' star DJ James Kennedy arrested on domestic violence charges
- Sydney Sweeney says political photos from mom's party sparked 'so many misinterpretations'
- Paper exams, chatbot bans: Colleges seek to ‘ChatGPT-proof’ assignments
- The FAA, lacking enough air traffic controllers, will extend limits on New York City-area flights
- South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
- Person shot and wounded by South Dakota trooper in Sturgis, authorities say
- Maria Menounos Says She’s “Grateful to Be Alive” After Welcoming Baby Girl
- Bill Maher Ken-not with Barbie fighting the patriarchy: 'This movie is so 2000-LATE'
- Current, future North Carolina governor’s challenge of power
- Sixto Rodriguez, musician subject of 'Searching for Sugar Man,' dies at 81
Ranking
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer Sells Once Every 4 Seconds: Get 50% Off Before It's Gone
- New school bus routes a ‘disaster,’ Kentucky superintendent admits. Last kids got home at 10 pm
- Irish mourners say goodbye to Sinéad O'Connor
- Six takeaways from Disney's quarterly earnings call
- The company planning a successor to Concorde makes its first supersonic test
- Save $50 on the PlayStation 5 and shop deals on PS5 games now
- Closure of 3 Southern California power plants likely to be postponed, state energy officials decide
- GOP donor Anton Lazzaro sentenced to 21 years for sex trafficking minors in Minnesota
Recommendation
Rolling Loud 2024: Lineup, how to stream the world's largest hip hop music festival
Biden will ask Congress for $13B to support Ukraine and $12B for disaster fund, an AP source says
Virginia prison officials won’t divulge complaints about facility where inmate died
Bay Area mom launches Asian American doll after frustration with lack of representation
Rylee Arnold Shares a Long
Irish mourners say goodbye to Sinéad O'Connor
Lahaina, Hawaii, residents share harrowing escape from devastating wildfires: 'Everything is gone'
Family sues Georgia doctor after baby was decapitated during delivery, lawsuit alleges