‘American Idol’ Viewers React To Shocking News That Previous Winner Just Sam Is Back Singing In Subway Stations For Money: ‘It Really Hurts So Bad To See Her On This Same Road She Started’

Just Sam

‘American Idol’ Viewers React To Shocking News That Previous Winner Just Sam Is Back Singing In Subway Stations For Money: ‘It Really Hurts So Bad To See Her On This Same Road She Started’

Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, the winner of “American Idol” season 18 in 2020, is back to where she started — singing in New York City subway stations.

Singer/songwriter Just Sam, 24, recently shared a video to Instagram of herself riding a New York City subway train while performing Beyoncé’s 2006 track, “Listen.”

Just Sam

For those who may be unaware, prior to rising to stardom on “American Idol,” Just Sam made her living singing in subways. In the clip, the Harlem native is seen wearing a matching jacket and sweats set, red and white shoes, and a backpack. She was also carrying a donation box.

(click here to see footage)

Earlier this month, in a since removed lengthy caption, Sam explained how she went from winning “American Idol” to, once again, singing in subway stations to make a living. She reportedly wrote,

“Back in 2021, I was super embarrassed to be going back to the trains. I didn’t want people to know that I legit needed the money. I didn’t want people to know that it wasn’t optional. I was disappointed in myself for allowing myself to fall so low after winning Idol, but then I had to take it easy on me and remember that I started my journey with Idol at 20 years old.”

She added,

“Since then, I have learned so much and I’ve been able to take my experiences and share them with other artists in hopes that they don’t experience the same things that I did when It comes to making it in This life.”

According to reports, since winning the singing competition show, Sam parted ways with Hollywood Records and tried releasing music without help from a music label.

Back in January, Sam took to her IG stories and shared how Hollywood is a lot different from the inside.

“I thought it was gonna be easy, just go to the studio, record, put out music. And that’s not how the world works. That’s not how the industry works. It takes time, it takes money that I don’t have. It takes patience.”

Just Sam

The musician added,

“I have people who are helping me. I’m putting out music when I can and when it’s ready. It’s just hard because I’m coming out of pocket and I have bills to pay. And American Idol is not going to pay my bills. Lionel Richie’s not going to pay my bills. Katy Perry’s not going to pay my bills. Luke Bryan is not going to pay my bills. I have to pay my rent. I have to make sure that I’m eating every day, which is hard to do.”

Social media users have since flooded Sam’s comment section with reactions to the singer’s current status in life. Some sent their well wishes and many others expressed concern for Sam, stating that she deserves better as a winning contestant from the long-running reality show.

See reactions below:

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[Sources: 1, 2]