The story of Just Sam and her journey to winning American Idol Season 18 _ 2020

We're half of the same Don't take that the wrong way You know what I mean Hearts ain't gonna, hearts ain't gonna Samantha Diaz is a singer who is currently competing on season 18 of American Idol. Performing under the stage name Just Sam, the 20-year-old has emerged as a fan favorite and first caught the attention of Idol fans with her audition of Rise Up by Andra Day. Now in the top 7, Just Sam is only one vote away from performing in American Idol's grand finale, but can she win the show? Before auditioning for American Idol, Just Sam supported herself by singing on subways of New York City. I'm like a train without a stop I'm like a dog without a bark Those subway performances did not go unnoticed, and in 2018 she was the subject of a documentary titled Sam Underground. The documentary followed her life as a subway performer and some of the challenges she faced. In a pre-recorded video prior to her audition, she explained her grandmother Elizabeth had to adopt Sam and her sister Annabelle. She still lives with her grandmother in Harlem and expressed how grateful she is for everything her grandmother has done for her. Growing up, Just Sam didn't have a good relationship with her mother. Ironically, that relationship would set the basis for the start of her journey as a singer. Just Sam explained that the first time she started singing in public was in the 7th grade. In an attempt to gain her mother's attention, Just Sam along with her sister and a family friend sang on the street in front of her mother's job, earning some money from bystanders in the process. The group returned the next day and several times after that until they discovered singing on the subway. Sam explained singing on the street she could earn about $30, Just Sam credits former Idol winner Fantasia as providing some of the inspiration to audition for the show. I remember being younger and watching Fantasia on American Idol. I remember hearing her story and thinking, wow, that could be me. And I remember thinking how, although she had it rough, she still managed to make it there and win. Auditioning for American Idol was a dream come true and a way to change her life. Sam auditioned before the judges in Washington, D.C. and performed You Say by Lauren Daigle. Every single lie that tells me I will never measure up. Overcome by emotion, she stopped almost immediately while apologizing to the judges. I'm so sorry. It's alright. After finding her comfort zone, Just Sam gave a stirring rendition of Andra Days' Rise Up. After the performance, Judge Luke Bryan said, This is really, really important, what you have in my opinion. A lot of people come in here and they haven't lived the struggles you have. You have those qualities in your voice to tell stories and you can sing really beautifully too. Judge Katy Perry added, Remember where you came from and sing to where you want to go. It was Judge Lionel Ritchie who recognizes why she's scared. He asked if she's ever truly felt safe and tells her to rely on Uncle Luke, Auntie Katy and Papa Ritchie to coach her through the process and not worry about winning. All three judges voted yes, earning Sam a golden ticket and spot in the next round. After receiving her golden ticket, Just Sam took her first trip on an airplane to Hollywood Week. Prior to her performance, she said, I always said I wanted to come to LA to just sing. Even if I just sung by the stars and put my tip box out. Knowing that I'm here, I got on the plane. I'm emotional because I'm so grateful. For her Hollywood Week genre challenge, Sam was shown in the R&B category. She brought her lucky tip box on stage and performed Hearts Ain't Gonna Lie by Arlissa. After the performance, all three judges placed tips in Sam's tip box, and she advanced to the next round. For her Hollywood Week duet, Just Sam partnered with Chenille Masonette, calling themselves Short Fuse. Before her performance, Just Sam was shown crying in the bathroom due to nerves and anxiety. On stage, the pair performed Mercy by Shawn Mendes. Ripping all the skin from off my bones. I'm prepared to sacrifice my life. I would gladly do it twice. After the performance, Judge Lionel Ritchie said, You're giving us drama. To sing the song is one thing. To act the song and give us what you're actually feeling is another. Both singers made it through to the next round. Prior to her Hollywood solo, Just Sam complained of hoarseness and a sore throat. Despite not feeling well, Just Sam gave a passionate performance of Cynthia Erivo's I'm Here. I'm gonna put my shoulders back. Look you straight in the eye. I'm gonna flirt with somebody. Just Sam received a standing ovation for her performance and advanced to the next round. For her Top 40 Hawaiian showcase, Just Sam revealed a more glamorous look than past performances. She sang a floorless rendition of Selena's Como La Flor, which she performed entirely in Spanish despite not actually being fluent in the language. After the performance, Judge Katy Perry said, That's what we call a metamorphosis. And Judge Luke Bryan commented, How do you not love her? During her confessional after the performance, Just Sam said, Last night was like the first time in a very long time that I felt comfortable and I felt beautiful. Sam learned from the judges that she had just advanced to the Top 20. Typically, the Top 20 round would feature all-star celebrity duets and a live studio audience. But this year, American Idol changed the format due to restrictions and safety concerns. Instead, contestants will perform in their backyards and living rooms as backdrops as they compete for America's vote from their homes. Show producers explained they sent the finalists the same package of iPhone cameras and lighting kits so everyone had an equal playing field. They also worked with the singers on how and where to shoot their performances. While many contestants returned to their homes, Sam chose to shelter in place in Los Angeles in order to keep a safe distance from her grandmother. For her Top 20 performance, Just Sam sang former Idol winner Fantasia's I Believe, as judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie watched remotely from their homes. After the performance, Judge Katy Perry told Sam, ''We're so excited to see you flourish beyond American Idol.'' Judge Luke Bryan added, ''You own every aspect of your range from top to bottom.'' Just Sam learned that during the Top 11 episode the following week that she had received enough votes to advance. The results were bittersweet as she received the good news while isolated in Los Angeles, away from friends and family. ''I just wish I had, like, one person here,'' she said, breaking down in tears and covering her face. After composing herself, she performed a heartwarming cover of Bill Withers' Grandma's Hands. After the performance, Judge Luke Bryan commented, ''She's so great to listen to each week.'' Judge Katy Perry said, ''When you were singing that song, it actually reminded me of just like being in church and being lost to that rhythm.'' The following week, Sam learned that she received enough votes to make it into the Top 7. For her Disney night performance, Just Sam sang the Cinderella classic, A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes. The second song of the night was a Mother's Day dedication, and she performed a Christina Aguilera's I Turn to You, which she dedicated to her grandmother. After the performance, Judge Lionel Ritchie said, ''You are the angel in this group. No matter where this competition goes, I'm gonna be Papa Lionel for the rest of your life.'' Hoping for her own Cinderella moment and a spot in the final, we have a pretty good guess what wish Just Sam's heart makes. Do you think Just Sam has a wish? Do you think Sam has what it takes to become the next American Idol? Let us know in the comments below and thank you for watching!