Mandisa's Secret Addiction Revealed

June 1, 2007 | American Idol

She wowed the judges on "American Idol" with her powerful voice, but behind her mega-watt smile was a painful secret - her addiction to food.

Mandisa is opening up about her battle with addiction and her lowest point in the fight.

"I went to my apartment, I didn't have to be back until the finale, and I ate and I ate and I ate and I watched nothing but television, and I was in the biggest slump of my life," Mandisa revealed.

She told "Extra" it was therapeutic for her to write about the struggle in her new book, "Idoleyes."

Now, after fighting back against the addiction, she has a new outlook.

"My goal is not to be a size two," Mandisa explained. "My goal is to be healthy."

Even Simon Cowell's comments about her weight on "American Idol" couldn't bring her down.

"I saw him the next time and told him I forgave him," Mandisa divulged. "He responded like a true gentleman."

Now Mandisa is revealing another secret - her crush on former "Idol" Ruben Studdard!

So - are they or aren't they?

"Ruben called me while I was on tour, I will say that," she said. "So we kind of played phone tag back and forth, and who knows?"

No doubt about it, that's a duet many would like to see!

comments

Mandisa, you have a awesome testimony. When you let go and let God, all things are possible.(you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.) I am looking forward to meeting you at CeCe Winan, Always Sisters.

I Got Nothing But Love For My Sister

God Bless
Lorie

Lorie
July 19, 2007

Mandisa, you have a awesome testimony. When you let go and let God, all things are possible.(you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.) I am looking forward to meeting you at CeCe Winan, Always Sisters.

I Got Nothing But Love For My Sister

God Bless
Lorie

Lorie
July 19, 2007

Mandisa, you have a awesome testimony. When you let go and let God, all things are possible.(you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.) I am looking forward to meeting you at CeCe Winan, Always Sisters.

I Got Nothing But Love For My Sister

God Bless
Lorie

Lorie
July 19, 2007

Mandisa, you have a awesome testimony. When you let go and let God, all things are possible.(you can do all things through Christ which strengthens you.) I am looking forward to meeting you at CeCe Winan, Always Sisters.

I Got Nothing But Love For My Sister

God Bless
Lorie

Lorie
July 19, 2007

Mandisa,

I think that you are a truly wonderful performer. I saw you at Creation Fest and my husband and I were both very moved by your performance and your story.

I wanted so much to share with you a Christ centered health program that I’ve been blessed to find. It is called First Place.

If you are interested please visit www.firstplace.org to find out more.

Love you!!

Linda

Linda
July 4, 2007

Yes, some of our life hurts, habits and hang-ups get us into trouble but God does fill all of our voids in life. Go to www.celebraterecovery.com and find a group in your State. Love your music
Mandisa

Grace
June 23, 2007

We are addicted to anything(food) when we are attempting to fill a void that only God can fill. Mandisa, continue to stand on the word of God and your indulgent need for food will disappear. He promised us deliverance from bondage and you have been delivered. Be encouraged that you will walk in the freedom allowed you by His death on the cross.

mystee
June 13, 2007

In response to S.V.- Honestly, you may be over 500 pounds, but you can’t be happy… I’m probably about 50 pounds overweight and I’m not ok with it… I don’t try and hide it, but I am tryin’ to lose it- for reals S.V.- Its called gluttony… there is something out of wack in your life if you’re over 500 pounds… its just not right… it doesn’t mean you are a failure, it just means you need to learn a little self-control when it comes to the food department… I understand its an addiction… whatever you need to do to get past that addiction, other than starving yourself, you can do it!

Josh Keller
June 7, 2007

I weigh 523 pounds and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.
People just don’t understand the passion and friendship you feel with food.

S.V.
June 5, 2007

Mandisa, food can make human beings do some crazy things. I didn’t starve myself or shove my finger down my throat to get food coming back up. I will admit though when I was younger I ATE EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. It’s hard to break that habit. I’m pleased you’re admitting it and tackiling this. I also wish you much luck and love. Thank you.

Heather
June 4, 2007

Mandisa, food can make human beings do some crazy things. I didn’t starve myself or shove my finger down my throat to get food coming back up. I will admit though when I was younger I ATE EVERYTHING ALL THE TIME. It’s hard to break that habit. I’m pleased you’re admitting it and tackiling this. I also wish you much luck and love. Thank you.

Heather
June 4, 2007

Mandisa, I understand. I still LOVE you.

Heather
June 4, 2007

Mandisa, I understand. I still LOVE you.

Heather
June 4, 2007

I’m not a heavy person, so I’m not gonna say that I can feel your pain, but I did really like Mandisa on the show and I thought she should had made it a lot further did she did, and I would’nt mind a calibo W/ Ruben.

MissD
June 4, 2007

I love to eat, food is my lover.
I eat two eggs, pancakes, cereal and a bagel for breakfast.
I eat a burger, fries, milk shake, and a salad for lunch.
I eat chicken, potatoes, rice, veggies, corn bread and dessert for dinner.
For snacks I like pretzels, nuts, ice cream and cereal bars.
Food is your friend when noone else is.

Mandisa
June 2, 2007

Yes Mandisa is right I’m a heavy person and its very hard to now when to stop eating.I loved her season and still do she is a beautiful women and an amazing singer.

Dana
June 2, 2007

Eating is a painful addiction. Some people feel justified to comment on a person’s size. Be heavy and people on the street will actually tell you “Your fat”. (Thanks I couldnt see in my mirror this morning) You’d be beautiful if you lost weight. (Sorry I’m such an eyesore now). If you lose a pound or two, you might hear “keep it you, soon your getting there” (Ok, let me know when I am “there”) It is a struggle and is a valid addiction, that takes years of counseling and yes, discipline, to deal with. It can be triggered by stress or low self esteem. It is a coping mechanism. Simon probably sent Mandisa straight to the kitchen with his comments. I wonder how America would react if Simon said, I’m sorry, I don’t think you should be the Next American Idol because you are Anorexic…Like that would ever happen…America is too focused on body type. Get over it people (Simon).

Tea
June 2, 2007

Ruben is a favorite of mine, so I would love to see a duet with Mandisa.

cj
June 1, 2007
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