American Idol was into its fifth season, and had a great reputation of finding unknown talent in the United States - with finding that next great star. During the Chicago auditions, the audience of 'Idol' were introduced to Miss Hundley, while singing Alicia Keys' song "Fallen." While all judges passed her into the Hollywood round, most remember Mandisa for what happened as she left the auditioning room.
Simon Cowell, known for his smart, witty, truthful, and sometimes harsh remarks, made several comments about Mandisa's weight as soon as she walked out the door... Exclaiming that 'Idol' would need a bigger stage, and that Hundley was more of a comparison to the country France, rather than an earlier Idol performer, "Frenchie." Outrage poured from the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance, and some Idol viewers alike over the comments. Although Simon insulted Mandisa, the performer showcased her Christian beliefs during the Top-24 announcements, saying this:
"...What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried..and it was painful, it really was. But, I want you to now that I've forgiven you, and that you don't need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody. I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you..." Immediately following her words, Cowell apologized, and announced that she made it into the 5th season's Top 24 contestants.
During Mandisa's journey through the semi-finals, we found out quirky facts about the singer. Most notably, that she sucked her thumb until she was the age of 24. Although the facts were amusing, Mandisa took everyone's attention away through her powerhouse performances including these semifinal songs...
-DATE: 02.21.06
SONG: "Never" by Heart
JUDGES: Impressed, saying that Hundley started off the show great.
-DATE: 02.28.06
SONG: "Cry" by Faith Hill
JUDGES: Mandisa shined on a lackluster night...Cowell even went on to say that he thought when she's 'on it,' that Hundley was the best female singer in the competition.
-DATE: 03.07.06
SONG: "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan
JUDGES: She blew away the competition, and was in "another league."
Afterwards, it was announced that Mandisa would go on to be in the top 12 of this season, and grew in momentum, clearly being one of the front runners.
During the finals, Miss Hundley sang these following songs...
-DATE: 03.14.06
SONG: "Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing" by Stevie Wonder
JUDGES: The judges thought while the songs are tough, Mandisa shined through and was the best "so far."
-DATE: 03.21.06
SONG: "I Don't Hurt Anymore" by Dinah Washington
JUDGES: Praised by the three, saying it made them speechless, that Hundley was a thoroughbred, and even "sexy."
-DATE: 03.28.06
SONG: "Shackes (Praise You)" by Mary Mary
JUDGES: Mixed reviews, but still acknowledged for her ability.
-DATE: 04.04.06
SONG: "Any Man of Mine" by Shania Twain
JUDGES: Weren't fond of the song, but still acknowledged her ability.
After the April 4th performance, Mandisa was eliminated from American Idol causing shock and controversy, on April 5th, 2006. Many thought Hundley would make it into the finals of the competition, and were very shocked to see her go so early on in the competition. Some have theories on why she was eliminated. They range from thoughts of Mandisa being safe, her weight issues being a factor, and even statements she said before the March 28th performance making people think she was talking about homosexuality. The statement goes like this...
"This song goes out to everyone that wants to be free. Your addiction, lifestyle, or situation may be big, but God is bigger."
However, Mandisa has went on record of saying that this did not mean anything towards homosexuality, actually meaning towards her weight issues and the constant battle she undergoes towards that.
After Idol, Mandisa appeared during the Finale like the rest of the top 12, stealing another rendition of "I'm Every Woman" and "Say A Little Prayer." Also being featured on the American Idol Season Five CD, singing "I'm Every Woman." With the other top 10 finalists, Mandisa verged out during the Summer months appearing at the American Idols Live! Tour presented by PopTarts. Her songs that she sung include: "I'm Every Woman," "If I Ain't Got You," and a duet with Ace Young for the song "I'm Your Angel." The tour wrapped on September 24th, 2006.
In the near future, as stated by Mandisa herself (spring 2007), she will release a Gospel debut album. As well, Mandisa will be playing a role in the upcoming film starring Lindsay Lohan & Jane Fonda named "Georgia Rule," due to be released in 2007.
