'American Idol' alum Joanne Borgella dies at 32

Joanne Borgella, a top-24 contestant on season 7 of American Idol, died Saturday morning after battling cancer. She was 32.

Borgella's family posted a message on her Facebook fan page announcing her death.

"With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne," the post said. "We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven."

Borgella was the first winner of Mo'Nique's Fat Chance pageant as "Miss F.A.T." in 2005 and a top 24 contestant on the seventh season of American Idol in 2008. She also worked as a fashion model and designer.

Borgella appeared as a coach on MTV's Made in 2011. In 2013 Borgella joined the cast of NUVOtv's hit show Curvy Girls.

In October 2013, Borghella shared a video alerting her fans that she had been diagnosed with cancer. Through a series of videos, Borghella continued to update those following her journey.

- Wikipedia contributed.

This story was originally published October 19, 2014 at 2:59 PM with the headline "'American Idol' alum Joanne Borgella dies at 32."