Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey graced the stage of American Idol Monday night to sing a special tribute to their late friend and former contestant Mandisa.
The trio sang Mary Mary's 'Shackles' while photos of Mandisa were projected onto the walls surrounding the stage.
"That is how to celebrate Mandisa," said Ryan Seacrest following the performance.
Melinda, who has known Mandisa for over 20 years says they first met while singing background sessions together.
"Then she got on Idol, and I cheered for her, and then I came the next season and she cheered for me," said Doolittle. "That is my girl through and through."
Danny Gokey followed up saying she was such a fan of other people.
"She was such a cheerleader for other people's music," said Gokey. "I remember when I got dropped from a record label and resigned to a new one, was transitioning. She had the biggest voice for me. She was making a way for me. My biggest cheerleader. It just felt amazing. She always was that person."
Colton Dixon finished saying 'Shackles' was the perfect song to remember Mandisa because it summed up her life.
"I think she came in praising. I think she left praising," said Dixon. "We're going to miss her, but our loss is heaven's gain."