Nashville-Area Memorials Planned for ‘American Idol’ Alum Mandisa
The late Grammy-winning Christian and gospel singer, Mandisa Hundley, will be honored in two upcoming Middle Tennessee memorial services. Hundley, best known for her successful stint on “American Idol,” was found dead on April 18 in her Williamson County home at the age of 47. The memorial services will see her remembered among the local and music community, with one friend stating, “She was our Beyoncé.“
Memorials at Fisk University and Brentwood Baptist Church
The first of the two memorials is set to take place at Hundley’s alma mater, Fisk University in Nashville, on Friday. The second will be held at the Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tenn. on Saturday. The late singer attended Fisk University, where she was an esteemed member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. She graduated from the institution in 2000 with a degree in music.
The Fisk memorial is being organized by Hundley’s close friend and former roommate, Caarne White. Scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Fisk Memorial Chapel, the event is open to the public, faculty, staff, alumni, and will also be livestreamed. Attendees can expect an evening filled with music, with tributes dedicated to Hundley’s life and works.
Remembering Mandisa
“This will be a time of sharing in the music and the personality of Mandisa. There will be a lot of good memories, tributes and maybe some tears weaved into the event,” said White, who currently works as a Christian therapist and religion professor in Atlanta. Hundley is remembered by her friends and peers as a spirited and tenacious woman, always brightening the room with scripture and song. According to White, the Fisk memorial event will witness performances by the Jubilee Singers Encore, an alumni group, and songs from the gospel choir itself.
Celebrating Mandisa’s Life
A separate Celebration of Life for Mandisa Hundley is planned for Saturday at the Brentwood Baptist Church, with visitation from 9-10:30 a.m. ahead of the service at 11 a.m. There are currently no available details on performers or speakers, but the event will be livestreamed on the church’s website.
Tribute at the Fisk Jubilee Singer Commencement Concert
Additionally, a tribute song for Hundley is being considered for the May 5 Jubilee Singer Commencement Concert. The concert’s director, G. Preston Wilson, Jr. noted that he is considering two songs for Hundley’s tribute; “There Is a Balm in Gilead” and “Rest.” Wilson emphasized the importance of holding space to remember and honor all past Fisk students who have passed away.
“She Was Our Beyoncé”
White spoke extensively about the legacy of her friend Hundley, saying, “She was fierce about God, fierce about Fisk, and fierce about anybody she loved. She was an overcomer.” The cause of Hundley’s death has yet to be released, and Franklin police have stated that no foul play is suspected. Many celebrities have taken to social media to pay tribute to Hundley, sharing the crucial impact she made on their lives through her infectious spirit and her emotive music and lyrics.
