Samantha Diaz (born November 23, 1998),[1] known professionally as Just Sam,[1] was a contestant on Season 18 of American Idol.
Audition
Sam auditioned in Washington D.C. She started to sing "You Say" by Lauren Daigle but stopped almost immediately because of her nerves. Afterwards, she sang "Rise Up" by Andra Day. All three judges voted "yes", sending her to the next round.
Hollywood Round
Sam was shown in the "R&B" category for the "Genre Challenge", alongside Cyniah Elise, Makayla Phillips, and Jordan Jones. She sang "Hearts Ain't Gonna Lie" by Arlissa. Afterwards, the judges revealed she had advanced. She were later shown in a duet with Sheniel Maisonet called "Short Fuze", singing "Mercy" by Shawn Mendes. Both members of the duet advanced. For her final Solo performance, she sang "I'm Here" by Cynthia Erivo. She were later placed in the same deliberation room as Shannon Gibbons, Jeb Vonderbruegge, Jovin Webb, Nick Merico, Robert Taylor, Geena, Bilaal Avaz, Dillon James, Aliana Jester, Demi Rae, and Louis Knight, where the judges revealed that everyone had advanced.
Hawaii Round
Sam sang "Como La Flor" by Selena entirely in Spanish. Afterwards, during the Final Judgment, the judges told her that she did enough to become a Top 20 semifinalist.
This Is Me
Top 20
She sang "I Believe" by Fantasia. She received enough votes to become a Top 11 finalist.
Top 11
Sam sang "Grandma's Hands" by Bill Withers. She received enough votes to become a Top 7 finalist.
Top 7
Sam sang "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" by Ilene Woods from Cinderella and "I Turn to You" by Christina Aguilera. She received enough votes to advance to the Finale.
Season 18 Finale
Sam sang "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson and "Rise Up" by Andra Day. Sam received more votes than Arthur Gunn, making her the American Idol.
Performances
| Round | Song Choice | Original Artist | Theme (if any) | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auditions | "You Say"
"Rise Up" |
Lauren Daigle Andra Day |
None | Safe |
| Hollywood Week | "Hearts Ain't Gonna Lie" | Arlissa | Hollywood Round 1 | Safe |
| Hollywood Week | "Mercy" | Shawn Mendes | Hollywood Round 2 | Safe |
| Hollywood Week | "I'm Here" | Cynthia Erivo | Hollywood Round 3 | Safe |
| Hawaii Round | "Como La Flor" | Selena | Showcase Round | Advanced |
| Top 20 | "I Believe" | Fantasia | Homeward Bound | Advanced |
| Top 11 | "Grandma's Hands" | Bill Withers | Homeward Bound | Advanced |
| Top 7 | "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes"
"I Turn to You" |
Ilene Woods
Christina Aguilera |
Disney Night
Mother's Day |
Advanced |
| Top 5 | "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" "Rise Up" |
Kelly Clarkson Andra Day |
Grand Finale | Won |
Trivia
- The graphic during her audition incorrectly stated their age was 20, when it was really 21.
- Sam sang on the subways of New York prior to auditioning for American Idol.
- Sam is the first American Idol winner to use a stage name.
- Sam is the first openly LGBTQ+ contestant winner.
Gallery
Click here for an image gallery of this contestant.