Summary
- Mandisa, a beloved American Idol season 5 finalist, left behind a beautiful legacy in the music industry after her untimely passing.
- Mandisa’s powerhouse vocals impressed the American Idol judges and audience.
- Mandisa’s extraordinary performances on American Idol season 5 showcased her talent and star quality, leaving a lasting impact on the show.
Beloved American Idol season 5 finalist and Grammy Award-winning singer Mandisa passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 47, and she left behind a beautiful legacy. Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, placed 9th on American Idol season 5, and went on to become a very successful Christian recording artist. After her time on American Idol, in 2007, she released her first album, True Beauty, which debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian albums charts.
Mandisa then released five more studio albums, including It’s Christmas (2008), Freedom (2009), What If We Were Real (2011), Overcomer (2013), and Out of the Dark (2017). Mandisa won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for Overcomer. She also wrote a memoir titled Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, in which she revealed her battle with depression. In addition, Mandisa discussed her journey on her Out of the Dark podcast with co-host Laura Williams on AccessMore. Mandisa gave some truly extraordinary performances during American Idol season 5, and here they are remembered and celebrated.
20 Best Reality TV Shows Right Now
Reality TV is more popular than ever. With so many to choose from, here are some of the best reality TV shows to stream or watch right now.
Mandisa Blows The American Idol Judges Away With “Fallin'” By Alicia Keys
Mandisa’s American Idol Audition Song
When Mandisa first sang for American Idol season 5 judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell, they were completely impressed by her powerhouse vocals. Her version of “Fallin'” by Alicia Keys received rave reviews, with Simon telling her that she was terrific and everything that he’d hoped she’d be. Mandisa cheered as she received three votes of yes and her golden ticket to Hollywood.
Mandisa Sings & Dances During “Dim All The Lights” By Donna Summer
Mandisa’s American Idol Hollywood Week Solo Performance
During American Idol season 5 Hollywood Week, Mandisa sang a stellar version of “Dim All the Lights” by Donna Summer. During the song, she not only showcased her fantastic vocals, but she danced and literally let her hair down. Mandisa easily made it through to the next round.
Mandisa Harmonizes During “Band Of Gold” By Freda Payne
Mandisa’s American Idol Hollywood Week Group Performance
Mandisa sailed through the notoriously difficult Hollywood Week group round, as she and her group members performed an impressive version of “Band of Gold” by Freda Payne. During the song, Mandisa proved that she could be a powerful frontwoman, as well as a team player, as she took the lead with confidence, and also sang effortless harmonies with the group. Also, her smile was contagious, and she advanced to the next round with flying colors.
Mandisa Rocks Out To Heart’s “Never”
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 24 Song
Mandisa took the American Idol Top 24 stage by storm when she performed “Never” by Heart. This was the first time that the contestants sang in front of a studio audience. With flames blazing on a screen behind her, she was on fire during the performance. She was the first of the 12 women to perform that night, and she set the standard for singing with her incredible vocals. With this performance, Mandisa proved that she had not only an amazing voice, but star quality as well.
10 Ways A Golden Idol Spin-Off Could Transform American Idol As We Know It
American Idol has an age range of 15 to 28 years old for auditioning contestants, but a Golden Idol spin-off would change everything about the show.
Mandisa Expresses Emotion With Faith Hill’s “Cry”
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 20 Song
Mandisa slowed it down during her American Idol Top 20 performance with her emotional rendition of “Cry” by Faith Hill. During this song, she highlighted her soaring vocals. She also proved that she had the showmanship to carry a concert on her own by captivating the audience. As the competition was heating up, Mandisa was showing everyone that there was nothing that she couldn’t do.
Mandisa Brings The House Down With Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman”
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 16 Song
For Mandisa’s American Idol Top 16 performance, she sang a mind-blowing version of “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan. With her perfect vocals and infectious happiness, Mandisa had the whole audience up and dancing with her. Her unbelievable riffs brought the house down, and solidified her status as one of the best singers in the competition. It was her greatest performance up to that point, and it was so joyous. Mandisa later recorded a fantastic studio version of “I’m Every Woman” for the American Idol Season 5: Encores album.
Mandisa Smiles Through Stevie Wonder’s “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout A Thing”
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 12 Song
During American Idol season 5, the Top 12 contestants had the opportunity to meet the legendary Stevie Wonder when he mentored them during a week that celebrated his music. Mandisa sang “Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing.” When she raised the song to a higher octave, she gave a chill-inducing performance. Mandisa had nothing to worry about as her performance once again proved that she deserved to be in the competition.
Mandisa Soars On “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” by Dinah Washington
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 11 Song
The American Idol season 5 Top 11 finalists were mentored by the iconic Barry Manilow during Music from the 1950s Week. Mandisa sang a phenomenal version of “I Don’t Hurt Anymore” by Dinah Washington. She began the song with some soft notes and then built to a brilliant crescendo during the middle and end of the song. During this performance, Mandisa had the look of a timeless singer with the vocals to match. Her final notes in the song, when the band cut out, and it was just her singing, were crystal clear perfection.
American Idol Season 22: When Is The Finale & How Many Episodes Are Left?
American Idol S22 premiered on February 18, and is sure to be another thrilling musical journey. Here’s how many episodes are left until the finale.
Mandisa Brings American Idol To Church With “Shackles (Praise You)” By Mary Mary
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 10 Song
Mandisa began her American Idol Top 10 Music from the 2000s Week performance of “Shackles (Praise You)” by Mary Mary with an important message. She declared, “This song goes out to everybody that wants to be free. Your addiction, lifestyle, and situation may be big, but God is bigger.” The song meant a lot to Mandisa, and it was evident during her inspiring performance. She truly felt the lyrics, and she had the whole audience up and praising God with her. It was something that hadn’t been seen on American Idol, and she broke new ground on the show. It was the first glimpse of Mandisa’s future vibrant career as a Christian singer.
Mandisa Goes Country With “Any Man Of Mine” By Shania Twain
Mandisa’s American Idol Top 9 Song
During American Idol season 5 Country Week, Mandisa and her fellow Top 9 finalists were mentored by the late country music legend, Kenny Rogers. Although Mandisa wasn’t a country singer, she embraced the genre by singing “Any Man of Mine” by Shania Twain. She infused the song with her signature style. Unfortunately, Mandisa didn’t earn enough votes to advance to the next round, and she was eliminated during this week. However, she left the competition on a high note after this fabulous performance.
Mandisa left her mark on American Idol, and she was one of the most beloved finalists in the history of the show. She has now left behind a beautiful legacy of music. During American Idol season 5, she stayed true to herself and was an inspiration to everyone. She had a very successful career after the show, and was a beloved and celebrated Christian artist. Mandisa was one of a kind, and she’ll be greatly missed.
American Idol
season 5 airs Sundays and Mondays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: gabyvalla/YouTube, Queen Tangy/YouTube, missworldmagic/YouTube, reneejlee/YouTube, Domeju/YouTube, Domeju/YouTube, Domeju/YouTube, Top 10 of the world/YouTube, Domeju/YouTube, Domeju/YouTube
American Idol
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.
