Second Cup Café: Mandisa

"American Idol" Finalist Debuts Her First Album, "True Beauty"

(CBS)  "American Idol" fans remember the powerful vocals of finalist Mandisa, who appeared on the show in 2006. Now the rest of the world will get a chance to hear her with the release of her debut album, "True Beauty."

Mandisa visits Second Cup Café to sing songs from the new album.

For as long as Mandisa can remember, music has been a part of her life. "I don't ever remember not singing," she says in her press biography. Growing up in Sacramento, Calif., Mandisa sang in church and in school choirs.

---

Photos: "American Idol" Season 6

---

She attended Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn., where she earned a degree in vocal performance. After graduation, she stayed in Music City, where she did session work and background vocals for major acts such as Sandi Patty, Trisha Yearwood, Take 6 and Shania Twain.

Mandisa appeared on the fifth season of "American Idol," wowing the audience and judges alike with her performance of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman." She made it into the Top 9 before being eliminated.

"True Beauty," a mix of gospel-inspired pop and R&B, debuts on July 31. The album's first single, "Only The World," entered the Billboard hot Christian adult contemporary singles chart at No. 19.

In addition to her music career, Mandisa is a spokesmodel for Ashley Stewart stores and has co-written the book "Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame," which hit stores in May.

[artist4life]

What a Beautiful voice! You are a winner!

I will be buying your music...Thumbs up!

[tencha3]

GOOD LUCK GIRL!!!!!!!SLOWLY BUT SURELY YOU WILL MAKE IN THE PATH THAT YOU HAVE CHOSEN. MAY GOD BLESS YOU.