Just Sam performs during the season finale on American Idol. (ABC Photo)
And she had something else to celebrate too. “Rise Up,” the cover song that became her Idol single, roared up the charts.
The song hit number two on the Apple Music overall singles chart; the only song it couldn’t dislodge was “One Margarita” by Idol judge Luke Bryan.
But Luke wasn’t an obstacle on the pop chart, where Just Sam’s version of “Rise Up” made it all the way to number one.
In her morning-after interview on Live with Kelly and Ryan, Just Sam said was anything but certain that she’d win the show.
While the other contestants headed home when the pandemic forced the end of living tapings and recorded subsequent performances from there, Just Sam opted to stay in L.A. rather than return to New York.
She said she missed her grandmother, who adopted Just Sam when she was 6. But she got to Facetime her when the results were announced and told the New York Post she plans to return soon.
Just Sam is 21. Her real named is Samantha Diaz. Pre-Idol, she performed on the subway in New York.
Wrote Sam on social media: “So many beautiful friendships and bonds were formed this past season of @americanidol. I’ve met so many amazing people … and if I had lost, having them as friends would’ve been a reward for me. I have a new family and I’m so grateful for them all.”
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2 Comments
It is truly a Blessing to see the last be first. Also for Sam’s grandmother to live long enough to see that her prayers for Sam and the family has been answered.
Now Sam can buy her grandmother a house.
Spend your money wisely, stay grounded and encouraged and please, please, please don’t let the money you get change you from whom you truly are.
CONGRATULATIONS TO MY COUSIN, JUST SAM!!!