In a new article on CNN, “American Idol” finalist and Christian music star Mandisa talks about her weight loss (75 pounds and counting) and her new album, “Freedom” which hits stores March 24.
She says she has forgiven “Idol” judge Simon Cowell for mean remarks he made on-air about her weight and that when she saw him last season, he raved about her weight loss.

“He was very encouraging and saying how proud he was of me,” she said. “It’s sort of like your dad who you really want to please. I want to please him and to show him that I am doing well.”
The singer also says this season she’s rooting for fellow Christian, Danny Gokey.
In the clip above, from a 2007 Beliefnet interview with Mandisa, she shares a Bible verse on temptation, and how it helps her with her love for cheesecake.
To read more about her, check out the complete Beliefnet interview.