Former “American Idol” finalists Danny Gokey, Colton Dixon and Melinda Doolittle joined forces on an episode of the popular vocal competition, which aired Monday, April 29, 2024, to deliver a celebratory tribute to their friend, Mandisa. The 47-year-old chart-topping songstress unexpectedly passed away Apr. 18, and the three “Idol” alumni returned to the career-launching stage for a performance of “Shackles (Praise You),” a Mary Mary classic Mandisa originally sang on the show’s fifth season.
RELATED CONTENT: K-LOVE Honors the Life & Musical Legacy of Mandisa
“Mandisa’s joyful spirit carried over into her GRAMMY®-winning Gospel music and her dedication to her faith. Tonight, three of her close friends and collaborators are here to honor her,” shared “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest as he introduced the special segment.
Flanked by images of Mandisa on LED screens, Gokey (“American Idol” 2009), Dixon (“American Idol” 2012) and Doolittle (“American Idol” 2007) traded lead vocals on the upbeat track that become one of Mandisa’s signature covers.
“I think that song sums up her life. I think she came in praisin’, I think she left praisin’,” Dixon observed of “Shackles,” which later appeared on Mandisa’s debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007. “We’re going to miss her, but our loss is heaven’s gain.”
Following a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience and “Idol” judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, Seacrest asked Doolittle about her close bond with the late singer. “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 she cheered for me,” Doolittle reminisced. “So, that is my girl through and through.”
RELATED CONTENT: 7 Mandisa Moments We’ll Never Forget
Wrapping up the brief post-performance Q&A, Gokey recalled a fond memory of Mandisa, sharing how she encouraged him after he got dropped from his record label. “She was a fan of people. She was a cheerleader for other people’s music,” Gokey told Seacrest. “She was…my biggest cheerleader. It just felt amazing, and she always was that person.”
Now in its 22nd season, “American Idol” airs Sunday and Monday nights at 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST on ABC.
