Mandisa performs in Toledo

TOLEDO, Ohio - Former American Idol contestant and Christian recording artist Mandisa performed Friday evening at the Peristyle Theater at the Toledo Museum of Art.

FOX Toledo caught up with her before the show to talk about where her career is headed.

Since finishing ninth on the fifth season of American Idol she's released three albums and she's busy performing almost every weekend.

If it weren't for the show, Mandisa wouldn't be where she is today.

"I went into American Idol knowing that I didn't look like what an American Idol should be, based on what society says and certainly based on what Simon Cowell says," she said. "But, I think I walked away recognizing my value comes from a much more important place than my outward appearance. And furthermore I believe that beauty comes from a much deeper place as well."

Mandisa says her advice for young people is to dream big.