Mandisa Fans Remember Her Sharing the Gospel With Simon Cowell
By Movieguide® Contributor
People around the world are remembering Mandisa following her death, including a moment on AMERICAN IDOL when she shared the gospel with judge Simon Cowell.
In a clip from her time on the competition show, Cowell calls Mandisa’s audition “terrific” but added, “Could we have a bigger stage this year?”—a reference to her size.
When judge Paula Abdul compared her to 2003 contestant Frenchie Davis, Cowell replied, “Forget Frenchie; she’s like France.”
Mandisa had already left the room when Cowell made these comments, but she later saw the video of her audition and decided to address what Cowell had said.
“Simon, a lot of people want me to say a lot of things to you,” Mandisa said. “But this is what I want to say to you…Yes, you hurt me, and I cried. And it was painful—it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you, and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. And I figure, if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you.”
Cowell responded, “Mandisa, I’m humbled…I’m just so appalling, aren’t I? But we like each other now?”
“I do apologize,” he added.
Mandisa went on to later say that she and Cowell “had an understanding” because of that moment between them.
Following her time on AMERICAN IDOL, Mandisa went on to release five albums, one of which won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
It was confirmed that she passed away on April 18. Movieguide® previously reported:
Grammy Award-winning Christian artist Mandisa died on Thursday, April 18, at her home in Nashville, Tennessee. She was 47 years old.
Her cause of death is unknown.
“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased,” a rep for the singer told PEOPLE. “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.”
AMERICAN IDOL released a statement following her death: “Mandisa was an adored icon on AMERICAN IDOL and in the music industry. 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.”
Chief media officer at K-Love David Pierce also released a statement about the impact Mandisa had on her audience.
“Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn,” he wrote. “Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over, she is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
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