Current:Home > InvestFormer 'American Idol' contestants return for Mandisa tribute-InfoLens
Former 'American Idol' contestants return for Mandisa tribute
View Date:2024-12-23 17:11:42
"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! (7765)
Related
- Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn is ending her retirement at age 40 to make a skiing comeback
- Cissy Houston, Mom of Whitney Houston, Dead at 91
- Courts keep weighing in on abortion. Next month’s elections could mean even bigger changes
- Small business disaster loan program said to be in danger of running out of funds by end of month
- Advance Auto Parts is closing hundreds of stores in an effort to turn its business around
- Flaming Lips member Steven Drozd's teen daughter goes missing: 'Please help if you can'
- RHONY Preview: How Ubah Hassan's Feud With Brynn Whitfield Really Started
- Man injured after explosion at Southern California home; blast cause unknown
- Black, red or dead: How Omaha became a hub for black squirrel scholarship
- Daniel Craig opens up about his 'beautiful,' explicit gay romance 'Queer'
Ranking
- Dallas Long, who won 2 Olympic medals while dominating the shot put in the 1960s, has died at 84
- Are colon cleanses necessary? Experts weigh in on potential risks.
- Texas governor offers $10K reward for information on fugitive accused of shooting chief
- Taylor Swift in Arrowhead: Singer arrives at third home game to root for Travis Kelce
- Jury awards Abu Ghraib detainees $42 million, holds contractor responsible
- Movie armorer on Alec Baldwin’s film ‘Rust’ pleads guilty to gun charge in separate case
- Could Milton become a Category 6 hurricane? Is that even possible?
- As Milton takes aim at Florida, why is Tampa Bay so vulnerable to hurricanes?
Recommendation
-
SNL's Chloe Fineman Says Rude Elon Musk Made Her Burst Into Tears as Show Host
-
How would Davante Adams fit with the Jets? Dynamic duo possible with Garrett Wilson
-
Drake Bell Details His Emotional Rollercoaster 6 Months After Debut of Quiet on Set
-
NFL Week 5 winners, losers: What's wrong with floundering 49ers?
-
Nearly 80,000 pounds of Costco butter recalled for missing 'Contains Milk statement': FDA
-
Bigger or stronger? How winds will shape Hurricane Milton on Tuesday.
-
Appeals Court Hears Arguments in Case Claiming Environmental Racism in Cancer Alley Zoning
-
6-year-old dies after stepfather allegedly beat him with baseball bat