RIP Mandisa

Mandisa, the Grammy Award-winning singer who got her break as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol, died on Thursday, April 18 at the age of 47.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," a rep for the singer tells PEOPLE in a statement. "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."

Born and raised in Citrus Heights, California, Mandisa studied music in college before auditioning for Idol in 2005.

A soulful singer with a magnetic personality, she'd go on to gain national attention on the reality competition show's fifth season (which began airing in 2006), making it to the top 10 alongside favorites like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin and eventual winner Taylor Hicks.

On the series, Mandisa earned praise from judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson for her performances of songs like Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman" and Stevie Wonder's "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing." She was eliminated in the top 9, and even forgave Cowell after he poked fun at her weight..........

https://people.com/american-idol-star-mandisa-dead-at-age-47-8635942