ET can confirm the singer was found dead in her Nashville home on Thursday.
American Idol alum and GRAMMY winner Mandisa Hundley -- who went by "just Mandisa" in her singing career -- died on Thursday at 47.
The singer's publicist, Velvet Kelm, confirmed the sad news to ET, saying, "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. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."
Born and raised Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa studied vocal performance at Fisk University in Tennessee, and was living in the Nashville area at the time of her death.
She auditioned for season 5 of American Idol in Chicago in 2005, landing a spot on the show with her cover of Alicia Keys' hit "Fallin'" and ultimately finished in ninth place behind winner and runner-up Taylor Hicks and Katherine McPhee.
Following her elimination from the singing competition, Mandisa went on to release six studio albums in the Christian Contemporary genre, earning five total GRAMMY nominations and one win. Her 2013 release, Overcomer, won Best Contemporary Christian Music Album over a category of all male artists, including Christian music powerhouse Chris Tomlin.
Mandisa took several years out of the public eye following her GRAMMY win, returning in 2017 with a memoir titled Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy, as well as a new album, Out of the Dark. The singer opened up in her work and subsequent interviews about her struggle with depression and mental health.
A post to Mandisa's official Instagram page on Friday reads, "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. 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."
American Idol's official Instagram page paid homage to the late singer with a photo of her audition for the show.
"Mandisa was an adored icon on American Idol and in the music industry," the post read. "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."
Idol season 5 winner Taylor Hicks also posted a tribute to his fellow competitor, writing, "Mandisa was a power house vocalist on our season of Idol and she graduated to a wonderful career in gospel music. Better yet she was a power house person and all of us will miss her dearly."
ET interviewed Mandisa ahead of the release of Overcomer back in 2013, and the singer opened up about the album's themes of overcoming hardship -- which for her included Idol judge Simon Cowell's mockery of her weight during her time on the show.
"Knowing that so many of my listeners are battling with their weight as well, that just helps to understand the influence and the power of these songs," she explained. "I just love knowing that this song and this album can encourage people in the middle of whatever they're facing."
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