Almost exactly four years ago, singer Samantha Diaz stood solemnly in a Los Angeles hotel room, stared at the floor and waited for “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest to say the magic words.
“The next American Idol for 2020 is ...” — the host did his signature pause — “… Just Sam!”
It was a thrilling moment for Diaz, a 21-year-old Harlem native who earned money by busking in the New York City subway. On the other hand, it was May 2020. As the coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc, ABC’s “American Idol” continued airing Season 18, trying to be a bright spot in people’s lives. But the finale was also a reminder of that bleak new world. Viewers watched as Diaz — who goes by Just Sam — sang Andra Day’s “Rise Up” in front of a ring light and iPhone alone in quarantine, and then celebrated the life-changing win while holding an iPad that featured their ecstatic grandmother cheering via FaceTime.
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This past Sunday, Just Sam got a proper “American Idol” curtain call when producers invited them back to perform during this season’s Top 10 episode. The singer, now 25, belted out Whitney Houston’s 1988 inspirational ballad “One Moment in Time” with all the trappings of a huge “Idol” winner performance: Shiny disco-ball dress, fiery sparkles lighting up the stage, a cheering audience and confetti falling from the ceiling.
“Everyone was just like, ‘We want to give you that moment that you didn’t get. We think that you deserve it,’” Just Sam said in an interview this week. “I was very overwhelmed … I kept saying, ‘I’m just so grateful to be here.’”
For Just Sam, the experience meant more than finally getting to perform on the big stage on prime-time TV — it was an answer for fans who wondered, “What happened to Just Sam?” Less than a year after winning the show, Just Sam parted ways with Hollywood Records and 19 Recordings, where they were awarded a record deal as part of their victory; the pandemic complicated everything and their career lost steam. Later, they said that they were “broke” trying to work as an independent artist. In early 2023, Just Sam revealed on Instagram that they were back to busking in the subway, and posted several videos singing in front of a donation box.
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The videos went viral and sparked stories across the internet, and fans were surprised and angry. Some criticized “Idol” and its celebrity judges (Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan) for staying quiet when one of its winners was visibly struggling, and raised questions about how much reality competitions owe contestants when the show is over. Through it all, Just Sam reiterated that they were very appreciative for everything “Idol” did, and said the producers and the show’s crew felt like family.
Now, Just Sam speculated that the combination of the viral videos, fan demand and media attention — including a recent Washington Post story and an appearance on Tamron Hall’s talk show with new mentor Ja Rule — led to “Idol” producers inviting them to perform on Sunday’s episode. Megan Wolflick, “Idol” executive producer and showrunner, said that she always wanted to bring back Just Sam when the timing worked out for everyone and that this season felt like the perfect year for the return.
“We were super, super happy to welcome them back with open arms and give them the full treatment in the gown and the makeup. And the confetti was really important because they never got confetti,” Wolflick said, adding that those elements (including a “pyro shower” of sparks) made it all the more magical.
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Wolflick said she read lots of comments from viewers who were thrilled to see Just Sam back on “Idol,” especially after so much attention on their hardships after the show. “There’s ups and downs, right? I mean, I think it’s a struggle. It’s never going to be easy. It’s hard work,” said Wolflick. She noted that the pandemic made things much more difficult but that Just Sam is getting “back into the game” now and it’s never too late.
A sudden spotlight and new fame affect every person differently, Wolflick said, and acknowledged the conversations, which sprung up among fans and commentators, about how — or whether — reality shows should help contestants in the aftermath of filming.
“I feel like we always nurture our alum and help them in any way we can with support. And the ultimate of that is coming back and performing again,” Wolflick said. She said she received a “really sweet text” from Just Sam following the performance Sunday and she let them know that the door is always open to stay in touch and seek advice. “I think they are such a special person and, and really, I personally wish them the best success in life. Because they deserve it.”
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End of carouselJust Sam, who made history as the first openly LGBTQ+ “Idol” winner, said it was a mix of emotions and nerves being on set. They spent time with some of the season’s Top 10 finalists and advised the singers to not be intimidated by the fellow contestants: “They’re all super-talented, but I told them to just focus on why they’re here and sing and just do what they came here to do,” Just Sam said.
Suddenly, it was time to go onstage. “It’s our pleasure to welcome back your 2020 winner, who touched the nation with a soulful sound and was a light each week in a time when so much felt uncertain,” said Seacrest by way of introduction, and it was all a blur as Just Sam launched into “One Moment in Time.” The judges gave a standing ovation.
“I am sitting here like a proud papa bird,” Richie said. “I know the challenges that you have been through, but you have charmed us all. And the fact that you’ve now come back all grown up and solid as a rock, I can only say God has his hands firmly on you.”
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Richie was the only person during the telecast who mentioned Just Sam’s challenges. At the moment, Just Sam promises there is more new music on the way — in the meantime, they have been singing at private events, such as galas and weddings, and they have a new management team helping them navigate the industry and attempt to build a career. Just Sam said it was their own idea to sing Houston’s “One Moment in Time,” which is about achieving your dreams.
“I know that I have this gift from God and that, you know, things happen — I ended up back on the trains. But just like I told people: There’s more coming. I do have faith,” Just Sam said as they began to get choked up. “I’ve been saying all week — hard work, it pays off. … I know that this is not the end of my story.”
“So that’s what that song means to me,” Just Sam continued. “Whitney, she passed away, but she still lives on through her music. … And I feel like even if I die tomorrow, people are going to know me. They’re going to hear me and they’re going to feel me, always through my music, through my singing, through my voice.”
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