“American Idol” alums Colton Dixon, Danny Gokey, and Melinda Doolittle paid tribute to their friend and Season 5 contestant, Mandisa, before millions of viewers Monday night (April 29) during the show’s live broadcast.
On Thursday (April 18), Grammy Award-winning “Overcomer” singer Mandisa was found dead at her home in Nashville, Tennessee, at the age of 47.
Doolittle came in third place on Season 6 of “American Idol,” Gokey came in third on Season 8, and Dixon placed seventh on Season 11. On Monday, they performed “Shackles (Praise You).” The song was originally recorded by Mary Mary, but Mandisa performed it when she competed on “American Idol.” She later recorded it for her 2007 debut album “True Beauty.”
RELATED: ‘Overcomer’ Singer and Grammy Award-Winning Christian Artist Mandisa Dead at 47
Doolittle was asked by “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest to share about her “profound connection to Mandisa.”
“I’ve known her for over 20 years. We started off singing background in sessions together, and then she got on ‘Idol’ and I cheered for her and then I came the next season and cheered for me,” Doolittle said. “So that is my girl through and through.”
Gokey called Mandisa a “fan of people” and recalled how she was such a “cheerleader” for others and their music.
“I remember when I got dropped from a record label and re-signed to a new one [and] was transitioning, [Mandisa] had the biggest voice for me,” Gokey said. “She was making a way for me and [she was] my biggest cheerleader and it just felt amazing and she always was that person.”
“I think [‘Shackles (Praise You)’] sums up her life,” Dixon added. “I think she came in praising. I think she left praising. So we’re gonna miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain.”
RELATED: Mandisa ‘Did Not Harm Herself,’ Father Says During Celebration of Life Service
Gokey told ChurchLeaders that it was “incredible getting back to ‘American Idol’ to honor our dear friend Mandisa. It was a celebration of a life well lived and a race ran well.”
“She was always a champion of other people and last night we got to champion her legacy in front of millions of people,” he added.
 during the show’s live broadcast. ){kind=link}