History of Mandisa in Timeline

Mandisa, an American gospel and contemporary Christian artist, rose to fame through her participation in the fifth season of American Idol, where she secured a ninth-place finish. Following her Idol journey, she embarked on a successful solo career, marked by the release of her Grammy-winning album, Overcomer, which received the prestigious award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. This accomplishment made her the fifth American Idol contestant to achieve a Grammy victory.

October 2, 1976: Mandisa Lynn Hundley is Born

Mandisa Lynn Hundley was born on October 2, 1976.

1996: Mandisa Graduates High School

Mandisa graduated from El Camino Fundamental High School in 1996.

2000: Mandisa Graduates College

Mandisa graduated from Fisk University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music.

2005: Mandisa Auditions for American Idol

Mandisa auditioned for American Idol in 2005.

March 7, 2006: Mandisa Shares Personal Anecdote on American Idol

On March 7, 2006, Mandisa shared that she sucked her thumb until she was 24 years old, on the pre-performance video for American Idol.

March 9, 2006: Mandisa Becomes American Idol Finalist

Mandisa became a finalist on American Idol on March 9, 2006.

April 5, 2006: Mandisa is Eliminated from American Idol

Mandisa was eliminated from American Idol on April 5, 2006.

2006: American Idol Appearance

In 2006, Mandisa appeared on the television show American Idol.

May 22, 2007: Mandisa Releases First Single, "Only the World"

Mandisa's first single, "Only the World", was released on May 22, 2007.

July 27, 2007: Mandisa Performs on "Live with Regis and Kelly"

Mandisa performed "I Don't Hurt Anymore" on "Live with Regis and Kelly" on July 27, 2007.

July 31, 2007: Mandisa Releases Debut Album "True Beauty"

Mandisa's debut album, "True Beauty", was released on July 31, 2007.

October 2007: Mandisa Releases Second Single, "God Speaking"

Mandisa released her second single, "God Speaking", in October 2007.

November 2007: Mandisa Releases Holiday EP

Mandisa released a holiday EP, "Christmas Joy", in November 2007.

2007: Mandisa Releases "True Beauty"

Mandisa released her album, "True Beauty", in 2007.

October 14, 2008: Mandisa Releases Christmas Album

Mandisa released her Christmas album, "It's Christmas", on October 14, 2008.

2008: Mandisa Releases Third Single, "Voice of a Savior"

Mandisa released her third single, "Voice of a Savior", in mid-2008.

March 2009: Weight Loss Journey

By March 2009, Mandisa had lost 75 pounds as part of her focus on weight loss and improving her health.

March 24, 2009: Mandisa Releases Album "Freedom"

Mandisa released "Freedom" on March 24, 2009.

April 14, 2009: Mandisa Releases Bonus Track, "We Are Family"

Mandisa released the bonus track "We Are Family" on April 14, 2009.

February 2011: Weight Loss Goal Achieved

In February 2011, Mandisa achieved her goal of losing 100 pounds.

March 2011: Tour with Anita Renfroe

In March 2011, Mandisa embarked on a tour with comedian Anita Renfroe to promote her album 'What If We Were Real.'

April 11, 2011: Release of What If We Were Real

Mandisa's album 'What If We Were Real' was released on April 11, 2011.

June 18, 2011: 'Stronger' Reaches No. 1

'Stronger,' the first single from 'What If We Were Real,' peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart on June 18, 2011.

January 28, 2012: 'Waiting for Tomorrow' Charts

The second single from 'What If We Were Real,' titled 'Waiting for Tomorrow,' peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Christian Songs chart on January 28, 2012.

September 2012: 'What If We Were Real' Chart Success

By September 2012, 'What If We Were Real' had remained on the Billboard Christian Albums chart for 76 consecutive weeks.

August 27, 2013: Release of Overcomer

Mandisa's fourth studio album, Overcomer, was released on August 27, 2013. It debuted at No. 29 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart, her highest position on that chart to date.

October 2013: 'Overcomer' Reaches No. 1

The title track from Mandisa's album 'Overcomer' reached No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Top 20 chart by October 2013.

2014: Personal Struggles and Retreat

Following the loss of a close friend to breast cancer in 2014, Mandisa experienced depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide, leading her to retreat from the public eye.

March 10, 2017: 'Unfinished' Released

'Unfinished,' the lead single from Mandisa's album 'Out of the Dark,' was released on March 10, 2017. The song peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs Chart.

May 2017: Public Return and Memoir

In May 2017, Mandisa returned to the public eye after a period of retreat. She began speaking openly about her struggle with depression, making podcast appearances, and writing a memoir titled 'Out of the Dark: My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy.'