Summary
AfterAmerican Idolalum Mandisa’s tragic passing in April 2024, an autopsy report finally revealed her cause of death. Mandisa first landed on the national stage aftercompeting inAmerican Idolseason 5, alongside other talented finalists like Taylor Hicks, Katharine McPhee, Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler. While she was eliminated in ninth place, with Taylor going on to win the competition, Mandisa had a very successful music career of her own and won a Grammy for her fifth albumOvercomer. Unfortunately,the singer died at the age of 47 on July 06, 2025.
American Idolalum Mandisa’s cause of death has been made public after a medical examiner submitted an autopsy report.

An autopsy has now been conducted, and her cause of death has been made available to the public viaTMZ. The results of the investigation showed thatMandisa died from “complications of class III obesity.“According to the medical examiner who conducted the autopsy, her weight was 488 pounds. This particular obesity classification is determined when someone’s BMI is 40 or above. Some of Mandisa’s friends discovered her body at her home on April 18, which is when they called 911.
Mandisa Hadn’t Been Seen For 3 Weeks Before Death
Medical Examiner Report Notes Mandisa’s Death Is “Natural”
The toxicology part of the autopsy noted that there was no alcohol in her body–or at least none that would register as anything unusual. In the end, the medical examiner determined the death was “natural.“Peoplealso gained access to Mandisa’s autopsy report, and it was noted by the publication thatshe hadn’t been seen by anyone in the three weeks leading up to her death. It’s unclear how that was determined, but it was likely from talking to her friends that called 911.
In theaftermath of Mandisa’s death, the Franklin County Police Department released a public statement stating that its initial investigation didn’t find any suspicious or criminal activity surrounding the singer’s death. Mandisa’s celebration of life was held on April 27, and her father spoke out around that same time to give some more insight into what may have led to his daughter’s death.John Hundley revealed that Mandisa was weakbecause she was trying to recover from COVID-19. Now that the autopsy has been released,it doesn’t appear that her diagnosis was related to her death.

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The Grammy-winning singer received a tribute duringAmerican Idolseason 22 when alums Melinda Doolittle, Colton Dixon and Danny Gokey returned to perform Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You).” It was a powerful moment onIdolas those three singers mourned the loss of Mandisa by honoring her in the best way possible. Mandisa’s family and friends are also likely still in mourning after her tragic passing.Hopefully, the just-released autopsy report can provide some sort of closurefor them.

American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a reality singing competition that adds to the international “Idol” brand, conceived initially in the U.K. as Pop Idol. Holding massive auditions across the U.S., American Idol invited several contestants to perform in front of a panel of judges that would determine whether or not they’d go on to future rounds for a chance at competing in the fully televised premiere of the show. Contestants are voted off each week by American participation via voting through various mediums, and the winner of the competition would be given a contract with a record label to secure a future as America’s next musical idol.