“American Idol” Alums Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey Remember Late Friend Mandisa: 'She Championed Us'

Dxion, Doolittle and Gokey took the 'American Idol' stage for a tribute performance on Monday night

American Idol alums Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle and Danny Gokey are remembering their dear friend Mandisa.

After a touching tribute performance on Monday, April 30, the former American Idol contestants opened about their relationships with Mandisa, who died unexpectedly on April 18.

"We want to champion her story because she championed us. She was a champion of people. She was contagious. Her joy was contagious," Gokey, 44, said in a group interview after the show. "We’ve all toured with her. We shared a bus over one tour. She would be sidestage singing all your songs. That’s why we come back to do this, to celebrate."

Dixon, Doolittle and Gokey performed "Shackles" by Mary Mary on Monday night. Mandisa had performed the song on American Idol when she was a contestant on season five — and later recorded it for her debut album True Beauty in 2007. The LP debuted at No. 1 on the Top Christian Albums charts.

Related: American Idol Remembers 'Adored Icon' Mandisa with Special Tribute Performance

"She’s the most joyful, most supportive human that has ever existed, and we’ve all experienced her being our cheerleader and getting us through some tough situations," Doolittle, 46, said, adding that showing up for the tribute was a "no-brainer." "We’re going to show up for her no matter what."

After Mandisa died, Dixon, 32, found an old voicemail she had sent him and he called her an "encourager, the best kind."

"This is one of those people who when you're around, her joy rubs off on you and you just can't help but smile and be in high spirits. But then she also would take it a step further," he added.

PEOPLE confirmed the Grammy-winning singer died on April 18 at the age of 47.

“We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," a rep for the singer said to PEOPLE in a statement. "At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time."

Mandisa starred on the singing competition show alongside favorites like Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Paris Bennett, Elliott Yamin and eventual winner Taylor Hicks. She was eliminated in the top 9.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.