American Idol paid tribute to late Season 5 contestant Mandisa, who died at the age of 47 earlier this month.
To honor Mandisa’s life, statue Alumni Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey returned to the stage and performed “Shackles” by Mary Mary.
Mandisa sang “Shackles” as a contestant American IdolIn 2006 he said that the song meant a lot to him “because it’s proof that nothing is too hard for God.”
At the end of the performance, the trio shared a few words about Mandisa.
“I’ve known him for over twenty years,” Doolittle said. “We started singing background in sessions together. And then she came to Idol, and I cheered for her, and I came to the next season, and she cheered for me. She is my girl.
Gokey said Mandisa was “a fan of people,” adding, “She was a cheerleader for other people’s music.” The singer recalled that when she was dropped from a record label, Mandisa “was the greatest voice for me.”
Dixon said that “Shackles” summed up Mandisa’s life by saying, “I think she came to be admired, I think she left to be admired. We’ll miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain. Is.
Watch the video above.
Before the tribute, American Idol Issued a statement following the news of Mandisa’s death.
“Mandisa was a beloved icon American Idol and in the music industry,” the show said in a statement. “She became a platinum-selling artist and won multiple Grammys for her music. Everyone at the show is heartbroken by his passing and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Seacrest announces tribute to the late singer on April 21 episode statue And expressed condolences to Mandisa’s family and friends.
“We wanted to take a moment to honor a beloved member statue The family we sadly lost this week – Mandisa,” Seacrest said. “She was an inspiration on the show and beyond. Our thoughts are with his family and all those like us who called him our friend.
American Idol Former student Jennifer Hudson remembered Mandisa on social media, sharing on X, “I was heartbroken when I heard the news! She was truly a woman of faith. A bright light that left such a powerful mark on this world. Rest in heaven.”
Remember Mandisa’s performance of “Shackles” below.
