American Idol Finalist Mandisa, Inspired by Simon Cowell Remark, Shows Off 100-Pound Weight Loss

Singer used a hurtful comment made by the judge to motivate her to slim down

Talk about turning a negative into a positive!

While appearing on Monday's Good Morning America, gospel singer and American Idol season five contestant Mandisa not only showed off a slimmer figure, but the 35-year-old performer also revealed what led her to make such a change.

Mandisa recalled how it was actually a less-than-kind remark made by then-judge Simon Cowell that served as a motivator.

"It was hurtful and mean and the one thing I didn't want to have happen," she said.

The Cowell comment in question—"Do we have a bigger stage this year?"—came right after Mandisa had made it through to Hollywood following her 2006 audition.

Mandisa subsequently became very physically active by way of the workout dance class Zumba, and now the three-time Grammy-nominated artist has shed a total of 120 pounds.

As for Cowell, Mandisa forgave him a long time ago and said she would make that clear to him if their paths ever crossed again.

"I've been forgiven for so much. I can extend that same grace to him," Mandisa said. "But then I would follow it up and say, 'How ya like me now?'"