4/19/24 - UPDATE: Christian Music Artist Mandisa Has Passed Away - Tributes

Mandisa enjoyed a long career in the Christian Music realm, encouraging millions while lifting the spirits of countless people around the world, and pointing listeners towards her Savior.

Grammy award winner and friend to countless individuals in the Christian music arena, Mandisa, has passed away. Mandisa was 47 years old.

The California native enjoyed a remarkable career which included a top 10 finish in the fifth season of American Idol. She went on to release her first album in 2007 entitled True Beauty which debuted at #1, marking the first time a female artists had her debut album reach #1, in 27 years.  

Mandisa went on to garner multiple nominations for Grammy and Dove Awards, winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Overcomer in 2014.   

In all, she released five albums and an EP over her career, not including the artists she collaborated with including Toby Mac, Matthew West, and Michael W. Smith.

Mandisa also took a turn at writing. She released a memoir, “Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy,” in 2022.

WCSG’s own Jeremy and Amanda spoke with Mandisa back in 2021 for their podcast. Mandisa shared her personal struggles, common for millions of Americans, that the images we see on social media, may not be a true reflection to judge ourselves by.

“For anybody that feels like their life is a mess, and maybe they’re measuring their life up to somebody else. I just want to ensure people; don’t base your internal life based on the outward appearance of others. Really measure your life by what God says about you, more than what anybody else says about you.”

If you’d like to listen to the full podcast, you can find it here Mandisa Interview with Jeremy and Amanda.  

Mandisa supported a number of causes surrounding anxiety and depression. If you or someone you know is hurting or in need of help, dial 988. The number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Others have expressed their appreciation for her and her ministry. K-Love's Chief Media Officer David Pierce released a statement.

“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles.”  

No cause of death has been released at this point and no word on any services have been shared.

TRIBUTE - 3:22pm

DON MOEN STATEMENT ON MANDISA'S DEATH:

The news of Mandisa's passing this morning was truly a shock. Not only was she a powerhouse of a talent but she also possessed a genuinely kind spirit. We ministered together several times, she sang background vocals on my album 'Thank You Lord' and joined me on several tours.

On one particular tour, notes kept appearing in everyone's bunk on the bus or in their instrument cases. These were encouraging messages like: "You are blessed and highly favored," or "You're such a blessing on this tour." Only at the end of the tour did we discover it had been Mandisa.

Whether behind the scenes or center stage, her presence always brought joy and hope.

MATTHEW WEST STATEMENT ON MANDISA'S DEATH

I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room. The first song she released after appearing on American Idol Was a song we wrote called “Only the World” and the lyrics hit different right now.

DANNY GOKEY STATEMENT ON MANDISA'S DEATH

Devastated to hear about the sudden loss of Mandisa. Her joy was infectious & I loved her heart to encourage people on & off stage! When I made my debut in Christian music she was my greatest supporter. Mandisa you left too soon—our community will never be the same without you.

COLTON DIXON STATEMENT ON MANDISA'S DEATH

Mandisa is the sweetest, kindest soul that @anniedixon and I have met on the road. After hearing she went to be with the Jesus last night I was reflecting this morning on the times we had together.
Remembering we shared a bus on @tobymac hits deep tour, where I would sing her song “Good Morning” to her every single morning 😂😂😂. Or the time I wore a shirt with her face on it to sing with her on stage.
But what I remember most was her kindness and ministering spirit into both Annie and I. She sent me this voice memo a few years back and it seemed right to share. @mandisaofficial you will be missed, but I know it’s only for a short while, cuz it’s see you again not goodbye.