Mandisa's First Single Out 5/22; Debut Album Coming 7/31

Brentwood, TN. (Top40 Charts/ Sparrow Records) - Mandisa, a favorite Top Ten finalist from season five of American Idol, will release her first single, 'Only the World,' to retail outlets on May 22 via Sparrow Records. The powerhouse vocalist's debut album will follow on July 31.

Entertainment Weekly wrote 'It's all about Mandisa!' early in season five as she competed alongside other standout contestants including Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, Kellie Pickler, Katharine McPhee, and Elliott Yamin. 'If you weren't doing a little bit of couch dancing when �Disa cut loose on the piping hot arrangement (of Chaka Khan's 'I'm Every Woman'), then you'd better check the cushions for your soul.'

About her time on the show and the nationwide concert tour that followed, Mandisa says, 'My faith certainly went through some tests of fire, but it's stronger because of American Idol. I came out of that experience understanding Jesus better. I had been sheltered in Christian circles for a while, and A.I. helped me realize the kind of impact that Christians can make in the world around them.'

Indeed, Mandisa has recently gotten more involved with mission work. Learn more about that here.

'Only the World' will hit radio stations on May 11. The CD single edition in stores May 22 will include a second song, 'True Beauty.' Mandisa's forthcoming album features a dynamic team of producers including Shannon Sanders and Andrew Ramsey (India.Arie), Christopher Stevens (TobyMac), Shaun Shankel (Amy Grant), Double Dutch, and Brown Bannister.

Up next, Mandisa will perform with TobyMac and Kirk Franklin at the 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards. The ceremony will be broadcast in syndication throughout May. Mandisa will also attend the 2007 American Idol season finale in late May, perform on the CBS Early Show on June 2, and be making appearances at several major summer Christian music festivals.