Mandisa, Grammy award-winning ‘American Idol’ alum, passes away at 47

(CNN) —& Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on “American Idol” in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47. “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details,”& the post reads. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world.” Mandisa resided in Nashville,& according to The Tennessean.& CNN has reached out to her representative for comment. Born Mandisa Lynn Hundley in Citrus Heights, California, she got her start singing in church. Music became an integral part of her life. She studied vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento, California, before attending Fisk University in Nashville, where she was a member of the famed Fisk University Jubilee singers. She auditioned for “American Idol” in 2005 and ended up a contestant on the fifth season of the singing competition show, which aired in 2006. Even among her fellow competitors,...