Mandisa

American Idol's Simon Cowell's relationship to personal humiliation, we all know about, but being a key player in someone's personal redemption? Mandisa can tell you both sides, and does, including "praying for Simon" in this Rhapsody Interview. This "open book" Idol spills other beans such as her pre-audition state of total AI fandom, meeting Barry Manilow and becoming a newly-inducted Fanilow and the struggles and acceptance of her weight. Beyond pop culture, Mandisa's road and ultimate message is one of character, depth, self-image, forgiveness and growth. A shining example of all the above, she shares the journey without mincing words.