In a heartbreaking turn of events, Mandisa, a beloved contestant from season 5 of American Idol, was found deceased at her home on April 18 at the age of 47. The cause of her death is yet unknown, as confirmed by a representative from the reality singing competition series.

During her time on American Idol, Mandisa captured the hearts of fans and made it to the top 9 alongside other notable contestants such as Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin, and eventual winner Taylor Hicks. Her powerful voice and soulful performances left a lasting impact on the show and its viewers.

Following her stint on American Idol, Mandisa released her debut album, "True Beauty," in 2007, which made history by debuting at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums Charts. This achievement marked her as the first new female artist in the chart's 27-year history to achieve such a feat. Throughout her career, Mandisa released a total of six albums, with four of them earning Grammy nominations.

Her 2013 album, "Overcomer," became a standout moment in her career as it won the Grammy award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. This accomplishment made Mandisa the fifth artist to receive a Grammy after emerging from American Idol. The album was inspired by her best friend and backup singer, Kisha Mitchell, who battled breast cancer. Sadly, Mitchell passed away in 2014, which plunged Mandisa into a deep pit of depression.

Mandisa openly spoke about her struggles during that period and her battle with food addiction. In her memoir, "Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God's Joy," she shared her experiences of sinking into depression, gaining weight, and even contemplating suicide. But Mandisa ultimately found hope and healing through counseling and the support of her friends, who staged a loving intervention for her.

With their encouragement, Mandisa embarked on a journey of recovery, addressing her internalized emotions and making healthier choices, both mentally and physically. She returned to the music scene in 2017 with her album, "Out of the Dark," which allowed her to channel her pain and offer hope to others who may be struggling.

Mandisa's story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope and that reaching out for help is essential. Her legacy as a talented artist and a beacon of strength and resilience will continue to inspire many.

As the news of Mandisa's death spreads, fans, friends, and the music industry mourn the loss of a remarkable artist who left an indelible mark on hearts worldwide. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and close circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.