Christian Music Industry Reacts to Mandisa’s Death: ‘Her Joy Was Infectious’
By Movieguide® Staff
Christian artist Mandisa died on Thursday, and those in the Christian music and entertainment community are sharing their memories of the powerhouse singer.
“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’s team announced.
Great American Family star Candace Cameron Bure commented, “💔💔💔”
“Already deeply missed. Love you, Disa. 💔🙏🏼” singer Meredith Andrews wrote.
“We lost a beautiful soul,” singer TobyMac said. “I have never met an artist who is more encouraging and supportive to other artists than Mandisa. She was honest and authentic but I always left her side feeling better. She watched every act, every night on every tour singing along with a smile that made you feel alive.”
“She was honest about her struggles and viewed her break throughs as an opportunity to let others know that they can experience victories just like her,” he added. “She saw us as a family. God’s family. In all our diversity. All flawed. And all in need of the love of a Good Father, a Heavenly Father.”
“Mandisa is the sweetest, kindest soul that @anniedixon__ and I have met on the road. After hearing she went to be with the Jesus last night I was reflecting this morning on the times we had together,” singer Colton Dixon posted. “What I remember most was her kindness and ministering spirit into both Annie and I.”
“Devastated to hear about the sudden loss of Mandisa,” Danny Gokey wrote. “Her joy was infectious & I loved her heart to encourage people on & off stage! When I made my debut in Christian music she was my greatest supporter.”
Devastated to hear about the sudden loss of Mandisa. Her joy was infectious & I loved her heart to encourage people on & off stage! When I made my debut in Christian music she was my greatest supporter. Mandisa you left too soon—our community will never be the same without you. pic.twitter.com/GNASOaFDxL
— Danny Gokey (@dannygokey) April 19, 2024
“I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room,” Matthew West posted.
I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room. The first song she released after… pic.twitter.com/Xk04rdwxme
— Matthew West (@matthew_west) April 19, 2024
“You were such an incredibly bright light to this world,” Jordan Feliz, who collaborated with Mandisa, wrote. “You called me and screamed when Jesus Is Coming Back went Number 1 and the we talked about the goodness of God in both of our lives for an hour. You were such an incredible supporter of every single person in our industry.”
“Thankful for your music, your honesty and testimony that helped thousands upon thousands of people find the hope of Jesus,” Natalie Grant wrote of Mandisa. “I rejoice that you’re in the arms of Jesus, whole in every way, and understanding just how completely loved you have always been.”
Crowder said, “Your heart and spirit will be greatly missed,” along with a video of the pair singing together.
Podcaster Annie F. Downs wrote, “An absolute beauty in every way. What a gift to the world. We love you so, Mandisa. Rest well, my friend.”
“Heartbroken to have learned of Mandisa’s passing,” producer Alex Kendrick posted. “What a joy to have met her. Her beautiful voice and powerful songs will stir your heart and bless you deeply. We are grieved today, but we know that she is with Jesus now!”
“To know Mandisa was to love her,” Lisa Harper posted. “It will be difficult to tell Missy that she’s no longer with us here but is instead with Jesus now b/c she was intentional about expressing kindness to my daughter from the day I brought her home from Haiti.”
“The news of Mandisa’s passing this morning was truly a shock,” musician Don Moen said in a statement. “Not only was she a powerhouse of a talent but she also possessed a genuinely kind spirit. We ministered together several times, she sang background vocals on my album ‘Thank You Lord’ and joined me on several tours.”
“On one particular tour, notes kept appearing in everyone’s bunk on the bus or in their instrument cases. These were encouraging messages like: ‘You are blessed and highly favored,’ or ‘You’re such a blessing on this tour.’ Only at the end of the tour did we discover it had been Mandisa,” he recalled.
“I love you Disa!! You were a bright light, and a beautiful friend,” posted Britt Nicole. “You made a difference in thousands of lives! There’s no one like you, not another Disa! Thank you for being you.”
Speaker and author Sheila Walsh said of Mandisa, “She was a bright beautiful light with a stunning voice and an even bigger heart. Praying for her family and friends who loved her. Home with Jesus.”
“I have never known a more beautiful woman in every possible way than Mandisa,” Beth Moore said. “We are heartbroken. Our only consolation in this terrible loss is having gotten the privilege to serve with her so many times and love her deeply.”
Movieguide® reported:
The California native first found fame during Season 5 of AMERICAN IDOL, where she earned a spot in the Top 10.
She released her first album, “True Beauty,” in 2007.
“The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums charts — a historic feat that made Mandisa the first new female artist ever to debut on the top of the chart’s 27-year history,” PEOPLE reported.
K-LOVE added that she “released five full-length projects and one Christmas LP over the course of her nearly two-decade tenure. 2013’s career-defining album, ‘Overcomer,’ earned the powerhouse vocalist numerous accolades, as well as an array of critical praise and high-profile media coverage, including multiple appearances on GOOD MORNING AMERICA.”
Her music, including “Stronger,” “Good Morning” and “My Deliverer,” became staples of Christian radio.