Top 5 stories that defined Christian entertainment in 2024
1. Mandisa’s death, legacy of hope
The Christian music world mourned the loss of Grammy-winning artist Mandisa, whose chart-topping songs like “Overcomer” inspired millions.
On April 18, 2024, the Grammy Award-winning artist who appeared on season five of the reality TV singing competition “American Idol” in 2006, died at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, from obesity-related health issues. She was 47.
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Known for her transparency about struggles with mental health and faith, Mandisa’s passing brought an outpouring of grief and gratitude.
Artist TobyMac collaborated on several songs with Mandisa and remembered her as an "authentic" Christian who wasn't afraid to share her battles with a watching world.
"She was honest and authentic, but I always left her side feeling better," he said. "She watched every act, every night on every tour, singing along with a smile that made you feel alive. … She saw us as a family. God's family. In all our diversity. All flawed. And all in need of the love of a Good Father, a Heavenly Father."
"Mandisa's smile was like turning on sunshine," said singer-songwriter Amy Grant on Instagram.
"Broke my heart when I heard the news!" wrote singer and actress Jennifer Hudson. "She was truly a woman of faith. A bright light that made such a powerful imprint on this world. Rest in heaven, Mandisa!"
In a 2022 interview with The Christian Post, Mandisa opened up about her struggles with depression and anxiety and how her faith sustained her, discovering that, in Scripture, "a lot of these people we read about wrestled with similar things."
She cited as examples Elijah, "who one minute is calling down fire from the Heavens and defeating the prophets of Baal, and then the next moment sitting by a tree and asking God to let him die," and David, "who is very honest throughout the Psalms about the pain he felt internally, and he was someone God called a man after His own heart."
Mandisa said she found comfort in Psalm 13:1-6, which asks, "How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?" At the same time, the Bible verse declares, "my heart rejoices in your salvation," and includes a vow to "sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me."
Leah M. Klett is a reporter for The Christian Post. She can be reached at: leah.klett@christianpost.com
