Mandisa’s cause of death remains a mystery as Tennessee cops say American Idol star was found dead at home, but there’s no indication of ‘foul play’

Police continue to investigate the death of former American Idol contestant Mandisa Hundley, noting there is no evidence of foul play in her death.

Franklin police said the 47-year-old was found dead Thursday evening at a home on Beamon Drive. A medical examiner confirmed her identity this weekend.

“At this time there are no indications that the death was the result of suspicious or criminal activity,” police said in a statement on Monday. “The Franklin Police Department extends its condolences to Hundley’s family, friends and fans.”

The singer, known simply as Mandisa, rose to fame during her American Idol run in 2006. She competed on the show’s fifth season and took ninth place.

After the show, Mandisa had a celebrated career in Christian music. She released the first of her six albums in 2007, and her album ‘Overcomer’ won a Grammy in 2014.

Police say there is no evidence of “suspicious or criminal activity” in connection with her death

The Grammy Award-winning singer, known simply as Mandisa, competed on the show’s fifth season before launching a celebrated career in Christian music.

Originally from Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa studied vocal jazz at American River College in Sacramento and music at Fisk University in Tennessee.

She auditioned for American Idol in 2005 and cited her musical influences, from Def Leppard to Whitney Houston.

During her first appearance on the show, judge Simon Cowell often joked about her weight. ‘Do we have a bigger stage this year?’ he once joked.

When co-host Paula Abdul commented that Mandisa’s voice sounded “French”, Cowell intervened and said a comparison to the entire country of France would be a more appropriate comparison.

Later in the season, Mandisa finally responded to Cowell. “What I want to say to you is that you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was,” she said.

“But I want you to know that I have forgiven you and you don’t need someone to apologize to forgive someone. I think if Jesus could die so that all my faults could be forgiven, then surely I could extend that same grace to you too.”

Cowell apologized and said he was “humiliated” by her words.

In 2012, the singer revealed that she had lost a whopping 100 pounds in the six years since her appearance on the show.

Mandisa said she hired a personal trainer and started Zumba after Cowell’s “hurtful and mean” comments.

Mandisa, who finished in ninth place, was often the butt of jokes because of her weight

She later confronted Simon Cowell and told him she was hurt by his comments. Cowell apologized and said he was “humiliated” by her words

Six years after her appearance on the show, Mandisa revealed she had lost a whopping 100 pounds as a result of Cowell’s ‘mean’ comments

She was remembered by fellow American Idol alum Taylor Hicks, who described her as “a powerhouse person” in a social media post

An upcoming episode of the show, taking place on April 29, will pay tribute to the late singer

Her death was announced last week via her official social media account.

“We can confirm that Mandisa was found deceased in her home yesterday. At this time we do not know the cause of death or further details,” said a statement on Instagram.

“We ask for your prayers for her family and close circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time.”

The statement described her as “a voice of encouragement and truth for people around the world who face life’s challenges.”

Mandisa was also honored by some of her fellow American Idol contestants, including Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks.

“Mandisa was a powerful singer on our season of Idol and she graduated to a wonderful career in gospel music,” Hicks wrote on Instagram. “Better yet, she was a powerhouse and we will all miss her dearly.”

Jennifer Hudson, a finalist on the show’s third season, shared a message on X, formerly Twitter.

‘Break my heart when I heard the news! She was truly a woman of faith,” Hudson wrote. ‘A bright light that has made such a powerful impression on this world. Rest in heaven, Mandisa!’

An upcoming episode of American Idol, taking place on April 29, will feature a special tribute for the former contestant.

Host Ryan Seacrest made the announcement during Sunday’s show.

“We wanted to take a moment to honor a cherished member of the Idol family who we sadly lost this week: Mandisa,” Seacrest said.

“She was an inspiration on the show and beyond. We will celebrate her next week with a very special musical tribute. Our thoughts go out to her family and to everyone who, like us, called her a friend.’