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Doolittle honored her friend after the performance, telling host Ryan Seacrest the two knew each other for over 20 years.

\"We started out singing background in sessions together,\" she said. \"Then she got on 'Idol' and I cheered for her. Then I came the next season and she cheered for me. That is my girl through and through.\"

Gokey spoke of how he believed Mandisa would like to be remembered.

\"PHOTO:
Eric Mccandless/Disney
PHOTO: Colton Dixon, Melinda Doolittle, and Danny Gokey perform on "American Idol," which is featuring a special tribute to Idol alum Mandisa, April 29, 2024.
>

\"One of the things that sticks out to me is she was a fan of people. She was a cheerleader for other people's music,\" he said, recalling a time in his career she supported him. \"She always was that person.\"

Dixon shared why he believed \"Shackles (Praise You)\" was the perfect song to dedicate to Mandisa.

\"I think that song sums up her life,\" he said. \"I think she came in praising. I think she left praising. We're going to miss her, but our loss is heaven's gain.\"

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