Samantha Diaz
Samantha Diaz
Samantha Diaz (born November 23, 1998), better known as Just Sam, is a an artist and a musician who was crowned the winner of American Idol season 18 on 17th of May, 2020 by Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. She fine-tuned her singing skills by performing in and around New York City’s subway system. Diaz is so much more than a singer. Her message is inspiring and serves as a symbol of strength for her fans to always take ownership of who they are as individuals.
Biography
Samantha Diaz, is a young 21-year-old black girl from Harlem, New York. Raised in the Frederick Douglass Projects by her grandmother Elizabeth, after her parents neglected her at an early age. Her mother lives her life in and out of jail. Sam and her sister (Anabelle) were adopted by their grandma and she continues to stay with her in the Frederick Douglass Houses in Harlem. Just Sam refers to her grandmother as “My Queen,” and continuously shares on Instagram how grateful she is for her presence.
In September 2018, she predicted on her Instagram to make it big and repay her grandma for all she has done for her. She wrote
“My GRANDMOTHER is THE ONLY WOMAN ON THIS EARTH that really, truly knows me.
I thank her so much for that and never giving up on me !
There isn’t enough money in the world to repay her for ALL THAT she’s done for me !
I’m going to be big someday and that’s all thanks to her !
She Just wants to see me make it and I SWEAR I’m almost there.
right now, all the moves that I’m making is for my grandmother ‼️ she’s going to see me on tv someday !
She’s never ever going to have to work again.”
Samantha got the nickname, Just Sam, when she was in high school.
I go by Just Sam…Just Sam.
Growing up, I was kind of a tomboy.
I would switch up my style a lot.
In high school, they didn’t know which category to put me in.
I wasn’t a girl, not a boy, but both.
And I’m like ‘Just Sam.’ You can’t tell them anything else.
It sounds perfect, I think I’m going to use that as my stage name forever.
Samantha Diaz, who was drawn to music at an early age, has been able to live on the tips she earns performing on the public transportation systems. She makes enough to her bills and cover rent. Just Sam also sings with The Rock Church in Harlem. She attends services every Sunday morning. Just Sam has also performed at the Quinn Funeral home.[3][4][5]
The Documentary Short Film, "Sam, Underground"
This film inspired by Sam was co-directed by Joe Penney and Ladan Osman, Just Sam was featured subject of their documentary short film entitled Sam, Underground. Osman, quoted by Penney on his Instagram, described Just Sam as “an incredible young artist. Sam’s rich voice, her phrasing, and sincerity are surreal to encounter on a train.
American Idol
Making it to American Idol Season 18, is a dream come true for Just Sam and she was happy to share this. It's so obvious that she is already living the time of her life.
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.”
Just Sam messed up during her first Audition
The first time Just Sam steps in front of the judges, she breaks down in tears after only singing a few notes of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” After a pep talk from Katy Perry, Just Sam starts her audition again. Thankfully, she was able to hold it together after some encouragement from the judging panel, and performed a jaw-droppingly great rendition of Andra Day's 'Rise Up'. Her extraordinary vocal ability was reminiscent of the great Fantasia Barrino and the judges were unanimous in their ruling that she would make it far in the competition, despite her baby-like tears. And social media was similarly moved on hearing her story and amazing vocal ability. The Judges voted her to the next stage. She eventually made it to be among the top 10 in the contest.[6]
Just Sam was announced the Winner of American Idol Season 3
On Sunday 17th May 2020, American Idol — with longtime host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan — Just Sam was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 18 during a live (and remote!) virtual episode. The show made history last month as contestants and judges broadcasted remotely amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. [7]