American Idol star and singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley has died at the age of 47.

The gospel artist, known mononymously as Mandisa, won a Grammy in the best contemporary Christian music album category for her 2013 album Overcomer.

She competed in 2006 on American Idol, when Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson were judges.

Cowell said Mandisa “humiliated” him after she forgave him for making comments about her physical appearance.

In a statement to the PA news agency, Mandisa’s publicist said: “We can confirm that Mandisa was found dead in her home yesterday.

“At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details.

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

An Instagram post on her page also said: “Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges around the world.”

The gospel singer had spoken openly about her depression, grief and loss in the 2022 memoir Out of the Dark: My Journey Through The Shadows To Find God’s Joy.

She was also nominated for a Grammy for albums such as 2011’s What If We Were Real, 2009’s Freedom and 2007’s True Beauty.

After being selected to audition for American Idol, Cowell joked with his fellow judges about Mandisa as she left the room.

He said, “Do we have a bigger stage this year?”

When Abdul said Mandisa’s voice sounded like Frenchie Davis, Cowell said it sounded more like country France.

Returning for the next stage of the competition, after watching the episode on television, Mandisa told Cowell: “You hurt me and I cried, but I want you to know that I have forgiven you.”

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He said, “Mandisa, I am honored, come here,” and hugged her.

Christian musician Matthew West, who collaborated with her on Christmas Makes Me Cry and Only The World, said on social media that he was “incredibly saddened to hear of the loss.”

“I will always cherish the memories of the times we spent together hosting awards shows, going on tour, and, most of all, helping her tell her story in the songwriting room,” he wrote.

West also said the words to Only The World, which include the lyrics “Heaven is a place where the tears from every face will be wiped away,” “hit different right now.”

American singer and American Idol star Danny Gokey wrote: “Devastated to hear of the sudden loss of Mandisa. Her joy was contagious and I loved her heart for cheering people up on and off stage!

“When I debuted in Christian music she was my greatest support. Mandisa, you left too soon; “Our community will never be the same without you.”