Who Is Mandisa?

Mandisa Lynn Hundley, professionally known as Mandisa, is a Grammy-nominated gospel artist, singer and songwriter. After auditioning for the fifth season of American Idol and becoming a top 10 finalist, she released her debut album True Beauty in 2007. Since then, Mandisa has released seven studio albums and has become an advocate for helping people overcome depression and insecurity.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Mandisa was born on October 2nd, 1976 in Citrus Heights, California. She started singing at a young age in church choirs and soon discovered her love for music. After high school, she attended Fisk University in Nashville where she studied vocal performance. In 2005, she auditioned for American Idol and made it to the top 10. After the show ended she signed a record deal with Sparrow Records and released her debut album True Beauty in 2007. This album garnered mainstream success with two number one singles on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart.

Rise to Fame

In 2008 Mandisa released her second album Freedom which debuted at number one on the Billboard Christian Albums chart and number 22 on the Billboard 200 chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA making it her first gold-certified album. In 2012 Mandisa released her third album Overcomer which featured the hit single of the same name. The song was nominated for two Grammy Awards including Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. In 2017 she won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album for her album Out of the Dark. The album sold over 60,000 copies in its first week of release making it her most successful album to date.

Philanthropy

Mandisa is also an advocate for helping people overcome depression and insecurity. She has been open about her own struggles with depression and how it affected her music career. She has spoken out against bullying and has encouraged others to speak out against it as well. She also works with several charities such as The Trevor Project, Compassion International and World Vision to help those in need around the world.

Legacy

Mandisa has become an icon in the Christian music industry with eight studio albums, three live albums and a greatest hits compilation under her belt. She has sold over 1 million records worldwide and has won several awards including Dove Awards and Stellar Awards. Her songs have been featured on films such as Overcomer (2019) and television shows such as America's Got Talent (2006). She continues to tour around the world spreading positivity through her music.