Mandisa is, of course, best known for her time on the hit reality television show American Idol. She made her appearance on the stage during the fifth season and was a ninth place finisher at the show's end. Mandisa focused on her skills as a gospel singer, highlighting her deep voice while performing songs like "I'm Every Woman" and "Don't You Worry Bout a Thing." Her best performance on the show, with all judges in near agreement, was during the segment 1950s Week when she sang the 1954 classic ballad "I Don't Hurt Anymore." Unfortunately, she did not emerge the winner, but her appearance on Idol opened many doors for the singer. She went on to pursue a music career full time after her elimination.

Mandisa's first full length album called True Beauty was released on July 31, 2007. Her most successful single off of the lauded record was "Only the World," and it debuted with high marks on the Billboard Hot Singles chart that same year. True Beauty also debuted at the number one spot on the Top Christian Albums charts, and she garnered a Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album nomination for the record. Many of her fans and music critics, full of praise, pointed to her joyful spirit and the energy that she exuded on the record. For Mandisa, it was a great entrance into the business of making music, and the album sold many copies internationally.

Mandisa is a recent addition to the music stage, but the outlook looks promising for the hopeful young star. She already has a second single making waves on radio stations internationally, this one called "God Speaking." Also, highlighting her religious themes in her music, she is planning on releasing a Christmas album in 2008 and is currently working on a second album, slated to be titled Freedom, which will likely hit stores in early 2009.