Who Is Mandisa? Age, Biography and Wiki
Mandisa, born on October 2, 1976, is an acclaimed American singer and a prominent figure in the gospel and contemporary Christian music scene. With a powerful voice and heartfelt lyrics, she first gained fame as a finalist on the fifth season of American Idol. Born in Cypress, California, her musical journey is marked by both personal struggles and professional triumphs, including multiple Grammy nominations.
| Occupation | Gospel Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 2, 1976 |
| Age | 47 Years |
| Birth Place | Citrus Heights, California, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 18 April, 2024 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Mandisa's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Mandisa stands tall at 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and maintains a healthy weight of approximately 150 lbs (68 kg). Known for her beautiful figure, her body measurements are estimated at 36-30-38 inches. She promotes body positivity and self-acceptance through her music and personal advocacy.
Idol judge Simon Cowell made several comments about Mandisa's weight after her successful audition. He quipped, "Do we have a bigger stage this year?" Then when Paula Abdul commented that Mandisa had a "Frenchie" growl to her voice, Cowell responded that a more apt comparison would be to France itself.
The comments and others drew the ire of the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, (NAAFA) and was one of the reasons Mandisa entitled her 2007 album, True Beauty.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Mandisa is reportedly single. Although she has been private about her personal life, she has shared her experiences with relationships through her music. Previously, she has openly discussed her journey with self-love and faith, indicating the importance of focusing on her growth rather than just her dating life. Mandisa often expresses gratitude towards her family, who have supported her throughout her career.
On April 18, 2024, Mandisa was found dead at her home in Franklin, Tennessee, at the age of 47. The Franklin Police Department announced the following day that they had opened an investigation into her cause of death.
At her memorial service, Mandisa's father John Hundley stated she was found unresponsive on the left side of her bed and speculated she had been unable to call for help with her phone on the right side of the bed. On June 4, 2024, it was ruled she died due to complications of class III obesity, with the manner of death listed as natural.
She reportedly weighed 488 pounds at the time of her death.
Net Worth and Salary
Mandisa's estimated net worth in 2025 is around $3 million. Her earnings primarily come from her successful music career, including album sales, concert tours, and public appearances. Additionally, she has taken part in various philanthropic endeavors, enhancing her profile and opportunities within the music industry.
Freedom was released on March 24, 2009. There had also been reports that Mandisa would be releasing "We Are Family" which is a Bonus Track on Napster on April 14, 2009. The song was available for a short time on Amazon.com added to Freedom labeled as "Freedom + Bonus Track". It also debuted at No. 83 on the Billboard 200.
Career, Business and Investments
Mandisa's career has evolved significantly since her American Idol days. With several studio albums to her name, including True Beauty and Overcomer, she enjoys a loyal fan base. Beyond music, Mandisa has ventured into brand partnerships and has participated in motivational speaking engagements. Her investments in her music career and community initiatives reflect her dedication to her craft and personal values.
Mandisa Lynn Hundley (October 2, 1976 – April 18, 2024), known mononymously as Mandisa, was an American gospel and contemporary Christian recording artist. She began her solo career as a contestant in the fifth season of American Idol finishing in ninth place.
Her album Overcomer won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album; she was the fifth American Idol contestant to win a Grammy.
Social Network
Mandisa is quite active on social media, where she engages with her fans and promotes her latest projects. Her presence on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook allows her to share insights into her life, updates on new releases, and motivate her followers with messages of hope and encouragement.
On the March 7, 2006, Idol show, she said in her pre-performance video that she sucked her thumb until she was 24 years old. She performed a rendition of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" which drew praise from all three judges. Mandisa was among the 12 contestants chosen on March 9, 2006, as a finalist in Idol's fifth season.
She was eliminated from American Idol on April 5, 2006, in the top nine (she, Paris Bennett, and Elliott Yamin were in the bottom three). None of them had previously been in the bottom three). She, like most of the eliminated contestants, appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno a day later.
Education
Mandisa attended San Diego State University, where she studied vocal performance. She honed her skills and developed her musical talents during her college years, contributing to her eventual success as a singer. Her educational background, combined with her real-life experiences, has equipped her with a unique perspective on both music and life.
Hundley (b. 1943) and Ruby Jewell (née Berryman; born 1940), where she was also raised. She was the youngest child of four children with two older brothers and one older sister. The Hundley family lived in Citrus Heights during Mandisa's growing up years and she attended school there, graduating from El Camino Fundamental High School in 1996.
Following high school, she attended American River College in Sacramento, where she studied vocal jazz. She then transferred to study at Tennessee's Fisk University for vocal performance, and was a member of the school's "Jubilee Singers". Mandisa graduated from Fisk in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music.
