Following a no. 1 Single on Billboard’s Hot Single Sales chart for five straight weeks, appearances on The Today Show, Live! With Regis & Kelly, The Tom Joyner Show, countless radio and retail visits, vocal powerhouse Mandisa’s debut CD, True Beauty, has entered at No. 1 on Soundscan’s Christian/Gospel chart.

The American Idol alum’s chart entry marks the first debut album by a female solo artist to open at No. 1 since this chart converted to Nielsen SoundScan back in 1995, as well as making Mandisa the only female solo artist to land at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums chart with a debut album in the 27 years since Billboard began tracking Christian album sales in March 1980. In addition, with over 17,000 units scanned, Mandisa hits No. 43 on the Billboard Top 200 chart, surrounded by Toby Keith’s latest and the current mega smash by Robin Thicke.

True Beauty also became Sparrow Records highest chart entry for a new artist in the company’s 31 year history. Peter York president, EMI CMG Label Group remarked on the significance of the debut as well as her impact on her fans, “Mandisa has struck a chord with consumers across this country in a way few artists can and the successful launch of this debut attests to that fact. Her message of what true beauty is and where it comes from offers a refreshing perspective to millions of people. Mandisa’s debut is a historical one for Sparrow and we look forward to more milestones throughout what promises to be a long career.”

Along with reviews praising True Beauty from the likes of USA Today and People magazine, Only The World, the first single from True Beauty, is quickly climbing the R&R’s Radio charts, becoming a multi-format hit, currently No. 4 on Christian AC Indicator, No.7 on Christian AC monitored and continuing to climb at Christian CHR currently at No. 13.

As reviews continue to pour in, here’s a taste of what’s being said about “True Beauty”:

“Mandisa lives up to the American Idol promise by delivering a dynamic debut recording… Mandisa establishes herself among true winners.”
EBONY Magazine

“It’s got a sweet, sunny melody and Mandisa’s voice rings out clear and on-key throughout.”
Entertainment Weekly

“TRUE BEAUTY finds a balance between buoyant gospel-pop and affirming, inspirational songs.”
USA Today

“3 out of 4 stars”
People Magazine

“Anything but traditional gospel… applies her sumptuous mezzo pipes with passion and musical aplomb to a varied set of pop-style Christian odes.”
San Francisco Chronicle

“TRUE BEAUTY demonstrates Mandisa’s range, variations in style, breath and vibrato. It is a debut worth listening to.”
Blogcritics Magazine

“This girl can sing. Her voice can fill any genre.”
CCM Magazine

“Especially noteworthy is Mandisa’s rendition of Mary Mary’s “Shackles”
ChristianMusicToday.com

“Mandisa’s TRUE BEAUTY is an explosion of R&B passion and gospel that swings upbeat all day… Mandisa took Idol by storm, and now she’s knocking her idols out of the way.”
HollywoodJesus.com

“Mandisa’s TRUE BEAUTY is the feel-good album of the year.”
Living Light News

Just over a year ago Mandisa shot to instant fame when millions of TV viewers across the nation were captivated by her winning smile and powerhouse vocals as she sang her way into the final rounds of “American Idol’s” fifth season. Showcasing Mandisa’s stylistic range was the task set before the five sets of producers who lined up to work with her on her debut, True Beauty. The end result is a seamless flow of tracks that create a diverse landscape for messages of hope, inspiration and faith. Only the World is the album’s funky, energetic first single, and has already spent five consecutive weeks on Billboard’s Top Single Sales chart. Mandisa’s desire to live free of society’s expectations sits at the heart of the messages interwoven throughout True Beauty. Issues of self-esteem and self-worth are front-and-center among those that most young women struggle with today, and Mandisa admits she is no different. “More than just a career, I really want to have a ministry that has an impact on people. I just want to follow through with what is in my heart. I never want to look back and wonder, ‘What would have happened if…’”

Check out True Beauty on Mandisa’s YMZ artist page. The album is spotlight priced at $17.99 or less at participating Christian retailers across Canada.

« Return to Previous Page