'American Idol' Contestant Loses 80 Pounds

by Kristen Seymour (Subscribe to Kristen Seymour's posts)
Oct 9th 2009 3:00PM

Categories: Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment

Photo: Ray Mickshaw, FOX|Jason Merritt, Getty Images

It takes guts to get up on stage and sing in a competition like "American Idol." It takes even more courage to do so when you're uncomfortable with your body. And then, holding it together after Simon Cowell pokes fun at your figure, like Mandisa Hundley did in 2006? That's impressive.

Since the infamous moment when Cowell made a joke about needing a bigger stage to accommodate Hundley -- a moment that, by the way, just won't die thanks to the fact that "American Idol Rewind" chose to include it in the premiere episode -- Hundley's life has changed dramatically. Not only does she have a new album out, titled "Freedom," but the singer has also dropped an astonishing 80 pounds, reports Entertainment Tonight (via MSN TV).

It was the recording of her album, singing songs about being set free, that inspired the change. She told ET that she couldn't help but ask herself, "How can I tell people that God has set them free when I am still bound?" A trip to Mount Rushmore was also a wake-up call -- she found herself breathing heavy and sweating and in pain from walking up the incline, and when she got home, she set to work on changing her eating habits and her life, hiring a personal trainer and seeing a counselor specializing in eating disorders.

Click on the gallery below to see more American Idol stars who are showing off new figures. Story continues after the gallery.

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American Idol Body Transformations

By Gabrielle Linzer

'Shape Magazine' reported that Grammy-winning vegetarian Carrie Underwood has dropped between 15 and 20 pounds since her Idol days by hitting the treadmill, swimming and sticking to healthy eats. Although she admits to a weakness for cheese, Underwood prevents herself from overindulging by keeping a food diary and carrying around whole grain Kashi bars wherever she goes.

Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images

Getty Images North America

American Idol Body Transformations

Stephen Shugerman, Getty Images

Though he has dropped almost 100 pounds, American Idol (AI) season 2 victor Ruben Studdard, is as cuddly as ever. According to MSNBC, Studdard kicked his weight loss into high gear in order to avoid being struck by one of numerous diseases that run in his family including diabetes and high blood pressure. By attending a weight management center at Duke University, he was able to learn how to make healthier choices and upon leaving, adopted a vegetarian diet.

Katy Winn, Getty Images

Kelly Clarkson, the original queen of AI, reportedly does not believe in diets. However, we hear that since AI, she has refined her eating habits (focusing on portion control) and amping up her fitness routine instead of following any particular diet plan. Clarkson told 'Us Weekly' that she indulges in her penchant for chocolate, but only to a certain point. and sprints around concert arenas work best for this belting beauty.

Getty Images

Along with his daily 45 minute runs and energetic stage performances, 'People Magazine' reports Taylor Hicks was able to drop 22 pounds, which we think has helped given him an uncanny resemblance to George Clooney. Plus, cutting back on his beloved Southern fried foods and upping his intake of brown rice, salad, chicken soup couldn't have hurt.

Mark Mainz, Getty Images

After a five-year battle with bulimia, AI season 5 runner-up Katherine McPhee managed to drop 30 pounds the healthy way by sticking to the Intuitive eating plan. She told Shape Magazine that the plan worked because she can munch on anything she pleases, but when she's full, she stops. Exercise-wise McPhee tones her muscles with weight training and likes to walk on the treadmill for 45 minutes four to five days a week.

Steve Granitz, WireImage.com

Oscar-winning Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson knows how to have a good time, but don't ask her to stay out late partying: It's been reported by 'Us Weekly' that J-Hud wakes up before dawn for her daily run, followed by squats, push-ups and sit-ups. This AI Season 3 finalist dropped 60 pounds through her rigorous workout routine and a healthy diet that included staple items such as salads, grilled chicken and cranberry juice. When she needs an energy boost, Hudson turns to a stash of diet-smart snacks: almonds, cashews, and raisins.

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

AI season 2 finalist Kimberley Locke reportedly lost about 25 pounds weight with the help of a stint on 'Celebrity Fit Club.' But when she wanted to drop another 40, she called Jenny Craig. Along with the help of her "Jenny" diet, Locke began jumping rope for exercise.

Alberto E. Rodriguez, Getty Images

'US Weekly' dubbed Kellie Pickler "the next Jessica Simpson," and like her blond counterpart, the AI season 5 finalist also got serious about shaping up. Pickler gained nearly 20 pounds munching on candy backstage during her time on the show. But by taking simple measures, such as replacing offstage sweets with vegetables, she eliminated almost all junk food from her diet. Pickler stays fit by playing football with band members and with a killer ab routine, in which she does 100 crunches a day on her tour bus.

Gregg DeGuire, WireImage.com

In the process, she was also able to let go of any anger or mortification regarding the joke Cowell made at her expense. She admits that, originally, it was her least favorite memory from "American Idol," but it's now her favorite because, after she saw him again and forgave him, she told ET, "I will never forget that reaction: the look on his face -- humbled and giving me a big hug. I have never seen him like that before."

Hundley doesn't believe in diets, but does have a few points of focus -- getting enough fiber through whole grains, fruits and veggies, and eating lean chicken and fish. Her exercise routine is heavy on weight training so that she'll be toned, but she enjoys Zumba and incorporates cardio when she can.

If you want to follow Hundley as she continues toward her goal of losing 100 pounds, check out her blog.

Another singer has struggled with eating for reasons other than hunger -- have you?

Comments (47)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

Sharon 10-09-2009 @ 8:44PM

Mandisa is a great singer, but she does (still) need to hire someone that can teach her how to dress. She still is not making the most out of what she has. That belt is cutting her in two and adding 25 lbs or so to her silouette.

Tboone 10-13-2009 @ 11:01AM

Sharon - that wasn't even necessary!

She looks FABULOUS!!!

carol 10-09-2009 @ 8:40PM

You look beautiful!!! Congratulations on losing so much weight. you are an inspiration to me!

marly 10-09-2009 @ 10:27PM

Junk in the truck, as if that is a bad thing. It is life. some women have it and can get rid of some of it, some, well they try. the thing is to be proud of yourself and thank GOD for what HE has done for you. And most black women are known to be born with that problem, now that is a huge generalization.

Raejean French 10-09-2009 @ 11:28PM

Many more people than care about you, "John Wayne," I'm sure! Which is probably what your problem with her really is-envy.

Jade 10-09-2009 @ 11:42PM

you need someone, anyone to do your laundry because of the daily hair washings you MUST do to quell thehideous stench that you inately carry. caveman.

heidi 10-10-2009 @ 12:06AM

She is a good singer and I am glad she lost some of the weight, she has a long way to go though before she will look good. I hope she continues to lose weight and become healthy. I also hope she can stay that way once she gets there.She is too obese and she should have never gotten so big, its disgusting and not healthy.

Trigeia Twins 10-10-2009 @ 12:07AM

This is great to hear. It takes alot of discipline and dedication to lose 80 pounds. Congrats

Tina 10-10-2009 @ 1:18AM

That was such a MEAN thing to say to ANYONE!! U R A PIG!!!! DO UR OWN STINKY LAUNDRY A HOLE!!!!!!!

Tina 10-10-2009 @ 1:26AM

Well...... Goodnite everybody. And God Bless. And try to remember.... IF you can't say something nice or at least decent about someone.... then just dont say ANYTHING!!! Other people have FEELINGS just like you do you know. IF everybody would just be a little kinder to another person or to other people this world would be a better place im sure. So Lighten up!! Peace.

Jess 10-10-2009 @ 1:59AM

I remember her from American Idol. She was beautiful to me then and she had an AMAZING voice! She is still just as beautiful now and i'm sure the talent is still there. I just hate how everything becomes a weight issue. She was talented and Simon doesn't hesitate telling people how he feels about them, regardless of how talented they are. I wish her the best of luck with everything! You go girl!

Jess 10-10-2009 @ 2:09AM

John Wayne.. If you've ever heard her sing you would know she has an amazing voice. Did you have to use the word pig to describe her? At least she did something productive other than just sit behind her computer and call someone a name that she has never met before. Why waste your time leaving an insulting comment like that? I guess it just goes to show you want attention so bad that you will leave a nasty comment so people will respond. Now i'm mad at myself wasting my time responding. I guess i'm no better. Try to find kind words to use to describe someone. If you don't know any kind words, then maybe it's a good idea you just stop leaving comments. And by the way, you asked who cares? Obviously you do since you spent time leaving that comment.

Erin 10-10-2009 @ 2:17AM

Look,nasty comments like these about her being so big is what causes bulimia and anorexia.And both are more serious than obesity,yes she is overweight and she probably knows that or else she wouldn't be trying to lose weight.If you don't have anything nice to say than shut your mouths.

dah1130 10-10-2009 @ 2:30AM

Way to go Mandisa!! Kudos to you Honey!! Keep up the great work!!

Gold 10-10-2009 @ 2:45AM

Focus on the positive Mandisa, never quit on that.
God bless & U look great!!!

Hungdom757 10-21-2009 @ 3:44PM

speed

JANIE SNIDER 10-10-2009 @ 4:13AM

Congratulations on losing weight!!! You look so much better now. Your talent is amazing !!! Keep it up Mandisa !! God bless you.

spoochetta 10-11-2009 @ 5:22PM

Boo, please and to those that aren't born with this as you say "problem" there is booty enhancing injections and butt pads. Having a flat behind is just as unattractive as having a cellulited one, it is all in the balance.

Diane 10-10-2009 @ 8:51AM

Congrats on to her on her weight loss that's a tremendous accomplishment!! I hope she has a long successful career!

neal oberlee 10-10-2009 @ 2:03PM

Where are ALL the chubby chasers/fat girls chiming in about how she looked good before, blah,blah,blah!! She was OBESE, she's still FAT, but headed in the right direction! She's no longer a VICTIM, she's taken back her POWER! Whatever career she makes will be better for her being a HEALTHY/FIT person, rather than a fat/obese one dying before her time from weight related health issues.

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