'American Idol' Remembers Mandisa With Emotional Tribute By Alums Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey

ABC

American Idol He paid tribute to the late Mandisa, the Season 5 contestant who died earlier this month at the age of 47.

To honor Mandisa's life, Idol Alum Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey returned to the stage and performed “Shackles” by Mary Mary.

Mandisa sang the song “Shackles” as a contestant American IdolShe said in 2006 that the song means a lot to her “because it is a testimony that nothing is too difficult for God.”

At the end of the show, the trio exchanged some words about Mendisa.

“I've known her for over twenty years,” Doolittle said. “We started out singing background vocals in sessions together. Then she got an idol, and I cheered for her, and she came on the next season, and she cheered for me. This is literally my girl.”

Mandisa “was a lover of people,” Jockey said, adding: “She was a fan of other people’s music.” When he was dropped from a record label, Mandisa “had the biggest voice for me,” the singer recalls.

Dixon pointed out that the movie “Shackles” summed up Mandisa’s life, saying: “I think she came to praise, I think she left out praise. We will miss her, but our loss is Heaven’s gain.”

Watch part of the tribute below.

Before the honour, American Idol She issued a statement following the news of Mendisa's death.

“Mendisa 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 numerous Grammy Awards for her music. Her passing leaves everyone on the show sad, and we extend our deepest condolences to her family.”

Seacrest announced the tribute to the late singer on the April 21 episode of the show Idol He sent his condolences to Mendisa's family and friends.

“We wanted to take a moment to honor a dear member of Idol “Our family that we sadly lost this week — Mandisa,” Seacrest said. She was an inspiration on and off the show. Our hearts go out to her family and all those who described her as a friend like us.”

American Idol Star Jennifer Hudson took to social media to remember Mandisa, Share on X“My heart broke when I heard the news! She was truly a woman of faith. A bright light that left a strong mark on this world. Rest in heaven.”

Catch Mandisa's performance of “Shackles” below.