Critics are liking the new sounds heard on Mandisa’s What If We Were Real.

“Five years after American Idol, Mandisa is almost unrecognizable. It's not just because she has lost 100 pounds since finishing ninth during the show's fifth season, it's also because her ‘Journey to 100,’ as she likes to call it, has so thoroughly permeated her life that it has also transformed the message in her music.” - USAToday.com’s “Idol Chatter”

“Like fellow American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson, Mandisa has recently lost a ton of weight, shedding some 100 Ibs. Her pipes, though, remain hefty on this inspirational album.” – People Magazine

“Every track on the album is jam-packed with catchy melodies, rich vocals, deep lyrics, and powerful emotion. There are no so-called filler tracks; What If We Were Real is simply a collection of non-stop, hit-worthy and profoundly meaningful songs that are uplifting, danceable, and radiate joy. Those who enjoy the legendary voices of Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys and Yolanda Adams will appreciate Mandisa’s all new album, What If We Were Real.” – The Washington Times online

“Mandisa's Redefined on What If We Were Real… American Idol alum sheds pounds and insecurities on strongest record of her career…” – Crosswalk.com

“Sporting an aggressive radio-ready edge to her typically adult contemporary sound, Mandisa sparks an electrical charge with let-loose vocals and trendy tracks.” – ChristianityToday.com

The first single, “Stronger,” has made a big splash at radio ranking in at No. 3 on AC Monitored and the National Christian Audience chart. Mandisa will embark on an aggressive radio promo tour next week stopping in Dallas, Tampa, St. Louis and Minneapolis. To hear more about “Stronger” and a performance of the song, click here.

Fans have echoed the same excitement for Mandisa’s new album, and early love for “Stronger” by lighting up Twitter with their comments.

“The song ‘Stronger’ by @ mandisaofficial is one where you sit in the car to finish listening! An amazing promise :)”

“After reading countless praise for @ mandisaofficial 's #Stronger, I finally downloaded it from iTunes. It really is fantastic! :o)”

“@ mandisaofficial's #Stronger on the radio during the drive to work... Definitely needed that encouragement to push thru today!! #icandothis!”

“Just heard @ mandisaofficial song ‘Stronger’ for the 1st time on @ KLOVERadio, had my pregnant self and my two kiddos dancing! We love it!!!”

“All I can do right now is listen to ‘Stronger’ by @ mandisaofficial over and over and over again! #prayforjapan”

“@ mandisaofficial 's new song ‘Stronger’ has become my soundtrack. Thank you @ mandisaofficial for that song, it helps me get through the day.”

Mandisa will be a presenter at the 42nd Annual GMA Dove Awards hosted by The View’s Sherri Shepherd on Wednesday, April 20th at 8:00 p.m. The awards show will be televised on GMC on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Two time GRAMMY ® nominee Mandisa’s discography includes True Beauty, It’s Christmas, Freedom and now What If We Were Real on Sparrow Records. The season 5 American Idol finalist is also an author with the release of “Idoleyes: My New Perspective on Faith, Fat & Fame.” Mandisa was one of only 26 Idols selected to open Walt Disney World’s American Idol Experience in early 2009. Known for her transparency, Mandisa has been seen on Today, CNN Online, E! News Live as well as the pages of US Weekly and People discussing her weight loss journey. She is also a multiple GMA Dove Award nominee.

For more info on Mandisa, visit the JFH Artists Database.