Just Sam, aka Samantha Diaz, 20 of Harlem, N.Y., is one of the singers we’ll meet on the American Idol Season 18 premiere Sunday (ABC Photo)
Among the artists we’ll meet that night is Just Sam, whose audition was “leaked” by the show Thursday.
Here’s more about Just Sam.
* Her name is Samantha Diaz, a 20-year-old from Harlem, N.Y., but she performs as Just Sam.
* In her Idol audition, she talks about a tough early life. She grew up in the projects and her mom spent time in jail when she was young but she proclaims that she “got through 100 percent of my worst days.”
* She and her sister wound up being adopted by their grandmother. Sam still lives with her grandmother Elizabeth in the Frederick Douglass Houses in Harlem.
* Sam says she’s been singing in the subway and on the trains in New York since middle school. She says she earns enough doing that to cover her bills and pay her rent.
* She begins her Idol audition by covering Lauren Daigle’s “You Say,” but breaks down with emotion and is unable to continue the performance.
* The Idol judges embrace her and offer Just Sam a second opportunity. She responds with a splendid rendition of “Rise Up” by Andra Day and … though we don’t see it, leaves the room with a golden ticket to Hollywood.
* After all, Just Sam was one of the contestants featured in the Idol promo that ran during the Oscar’s Sunday night. I believe that was her with the drum sticks. Wrote Just Sam on Instagram: “I know that at this point in my life, I’ve already made my grandmother proud. Her seeing me on TV was my dream and it finally came true after all these years. I wish that i had the words to say right now, but I just don’t. I’m currently filled with so much gratitude, joy and so much peace. Being able to audition for American Idol has truly changed my life.”
* Judging from her Instagram account, Sam is or has been affiliated with The Rock Church in Harlem and sings there.
* Apparently, she’s also endured some health issues and had stomach surgery about a year ago, but writes on Instagram that she wasn’t going to let that stop her from performing whenever possible.
* Writes Sam on Instagram: “Music is really everything to me and if i could go back in time, I’d choose music all over again. Find what you love and then DO WHAT YOU LOVE ! Never let anything or ANYONE stop you!! NOT EVEN YOURSELF!!”
Sam on social media:
Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
YouTube
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4 Comments
Just Sam – You are a truly special person. When you sing, your inner goodness and beauty shine through and the world needs this right now. I have a suggestion for a song for you to sing on American Idol that I think would “fit” you — A Million Dreams, from The Greatest Showman. I think if you listen to it, you will understand. I hope you win American Idol, but you are a winner no matter what and you will have a wonderful singing career because of your beauty, inside and out, and your wonderful voice and how you come shining through when you sing.
With much appreciation, Eugene Vander
Hello Sam,
God is so good. You are not alone. You have God on your side, your grandmother and your fans. Don’t ever give up on yourself and God. When you sing or when I see you I have the
biggest
smile on my face. It’s like I’ve adopted you virtually. You have no idea how proud I am of you. What great accomplishments you’ve made. You are such a fighter and I see the strength in you. Your emotions are real and for that I can see the purity that you continue to portray. Sam, continue to press forward, enjoy the ride and watch God show up! I wish I could meet you! If you need someone to talk to, I am with you spiritually. God bless you my friends!!! Stay strong and keep hitting those note, keep your eyes open as Lionel says, keep singing to your audience and let us absorb
the greatness
we see within you. You are God’s masterpiece, your can do this. You are a beautiful spirit, young lady. I see you! God will continue to show you favor. Congratulations for being the top 10, that alone let’s you know just how great you are and that you have thousands of fans. Keep your head up and continue to stay grounded in the word of God. I like the fact that you took your bible with you. You have a gift and now the world knows about it. Bless you my child!!!
Sam..you are an inspiration to young and old continue to be humble..continue to remember god
.and he will direct your path
hey Sam was rooting for you. Even though I did not think you were going to win, glad you did. What a ride Man. You remind me a lot of Tracy Chapman. Please I know hip-hop dance is tempting. I truly don’t think you will be happy there. Talk to Lionel. Look at the Sade, Tracy Chapman, Madonna, Beyonce’, more singing types of music. Find your lane there. Hip-hip CD’s DIE ON THE TABLE every three to nine months. You voice is too good to be chattering instead of singing. Thanks for reading my opinion. Good luck and great music. Gary