American Idol: Mandisa, Now That's Talent!

28-year-old vocal powerhouse Mandisa Hundley was born in Sacramento, California. Mandisa, who instructed American Idol judges to call her by just her first name, moved to Tennessee to attend historic Fisk University, where she received a bachelors degree in vocal performance. She was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers and has performed which such artists as Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, and Take 6. In 2004, she led the praise for the LifeWay Christian Women's Conventions held in Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio in addition to various other women's conferences, programs, and retreats.

That may account for the way she has of commanding audiences' attention when she performs. Mandisa solidified a trip to Hollywood when she belted out a show-stopping rendition of the popular Alicia Keys song "Fallin'". The judges announced simultaneously that she would be going to Hollywood upon hearing her audition in Chicago. Ever since, Mandisa has been wowing idol audiences with her powerful vocals and glowing personality. So it came as no surprise when she breezed into the semi-final round and sailed through to the finals.

Though the competition is just getting under way, Mandisa has already developed a strong fan base, including the three American Idol judges, who often comment on her showmanship and her ability to stand out among the other competitors. Fansites and message boards supporting her talent have shown up all over the internet.

Raw talent is just one quality that attracts idol viewers and music lovers to Mandisa. She has what some might call a golden personality. She is completely open about her faith and always seems to take a positive outlook on things. One of the most memorable moments of this season of the show was when Mandisa announce to harsh judge Simon Cowell that she had forgiven him for a nasty comment he'd made earlier because a person does not have to apologize to be forgiven.

After her initial audition, Cowell made the comment that they would need a bigger stage, a jab at Mandisa's plus size figure. And when fellow judge Paula Abdul compared Mandisa's performance style to that of former idol star Frenchie Davis, Cowell commented that comparing her to the entire country of France would be more likely.

Before learning whether or not the judges had put her through to the semi-finals, Mandisa confessed to Cowell and the other judges that her feelings had been hurt by the things he said and that she had cried. Upon being forgiven by a lovely, smiling Mandisa, Cowell stated that he was humbled and apologized for his harsh comments. The two of them hugged and made up and have been friendly towards one another ever since.

One could easily predict that Mandisa will make it through to the end and even become the next American Idol. But whatever happens, one sure thing is that Mandisa Hundley has a very promising career in the music business, especially if she keeps singing like a pro, smiling like an angel, and holding on to her faith.