Simon Cowell mean judge on American Idol expressed lot of nasty things to contestants that made viewers cringe.
Early season of reality tv show which aired on Fox network from 2002 to 2016 the blunt Brit criticized singer for way they appeared and sounded.
Season 5 for example Cowell made huger remarks about Alabama native Taylor Hicks saying his stage moves were lazy dancing reminded the judge of someone drunk uncle at wedding.
Cowell was called to task and humbled by Mandisa a Season 5 contest with outstanding voice a strong faith. Mandisa born Mandisa Lynn Hundley died on April 18 at home in Nashville at age 47 passed away 18 year after her Idol run in 2002 where she finished in 9th place.
Her time on reality series and visibility prompted by her on screen encounter with Cowell gave Mandisa a springboard that assisted her to forge a successful career.
She recorded 6 albums get nominations for Dove Awards and earned Grammy in 2014 for Overcomer in category of Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.
Mandisa appeared one of most famous season of series with TV rating that averaged about 30 million viewers per episode.
The contest was packed with talent that year including winner Hicks runner up Katharine McPhee and fan favorites Chris Daughtry and Kellie Pickler.
American Idol which restarted on ABC in 2018 plans to pay tribute to Mandisa on Monday episode with a performance of Shackles by Idol alums Melinda Dolittle Danny Gokey and Colton Dixon.
Mandisa audition with judges on American Idol series original troika of Cowell Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul getting attention recently.
After calling her audition terrifix and agreeing with Jackson and Abdul that Mandisa was ready for show Hollywood round.
Cowell made snarky face and said Could we have bigger stage this year?
Abdul rolled her eyes and slapped Cowell which jackson laughed and said Oh come on Then when Abdul compared Mandisa to Frenchie Davis a 2003 contestant on Idol. Cowell said Forger Frenchi she is like France.
years later Mandisa told media that Cowells insensitive comments made her feel horrible at the time but had silver lining.