Samantha Diaz, a 20-year-old from the Frederick Douglass Houses, is making big waves on the show American Idol, winning praise from the judges and fans.
She made it to the top 40 after Hollywood Week this week, and has been winning local fans — including lots of people in the Douglass Houses and even Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer (who has been updating people about Sam along with her Covid-19 updates every day).
The Douglass Houses is a NYCHA-owned complex with 18 buildings between West 100th and 104th Streets.
Diaz goes by “Just Sam” and she got her start singing on the subways. Check out two clips below and root for her!
Actually some wonderful heartwarming stories of survival this year. American Idol is not something we typically watch but right now it is a feel good show. Just Sam is inspirational and a fabulous performer/singer.
She has an amazing story and is a real fighter. Her voice is beautiful and she deserves to go all the way. The judges love her and all she stands for which is the American dream.
Just Sam is so talented, and a really exciting performer! I am such a fan, I am rooting for her, and she deserves all the success she gets. Good luck Sam!
We’re all with you Just Sam. Much success will be yours. I can see it now. Stay true to who you are. Be well. Love&Light ❤️
Thanks for posting. I’m not an Idol watcher, so this was the first I’ve heard of Just Sam. I’m sorry to have not heard her on any of my subway rides.
It’s worth watching the second clip. It broke my heart when Lionel Richie asked if she’d ever felt safe. This is someone from our neighborhood. And she’s being asked that question. Something is broken.
Thank you Tailfins for telling us to watch the second clip. I wouldn’t have, & now I feel so emotional. Yes, so much, so much is broken…
Now I have a reason to watch American Idol. Go Sam !!!
Now I will watch. Support the hometown kid.
Hi Just Sam, it’s Ms Geneva one of your
former High school teachers. Although you
Were in our school a short time, when I saw
You on the show, I remembered the young
who taught me how to fish braid. I hope and
Pray that you enjoy this amazing opportunity.
I believe in you. Regards Ms Geneva Vera
Retired teacher
Just Sam has been our #1 favorite by far. She would be even if we weren’t New Yorkers. Hang in there, girl. You are amazing!
Just Sam is an inspiration. I wish her God’s richest blessings and good success in her singing career.
I watched the show and it brought tears to my eyes. She has an amazing voice and I love that Idol is giving her the opportunity of a lifetime that she so deserves. You go, Samantha!!
I am rooting for Sam and hoping she makes it to the final 10. She will have my vote! I had tears in my eyes when she made the group going to Hawaii and called her grandmother telling her their difficult times were over.
Just Sam
May the lord bless you n give you the Strength to continue your journey …YOU will go to the top. Much Love Ms. Hidalgo&Company( you know who)😎
Same you sing very well even when your didn’t feel good you still went and sang.
I just love her, She is just a wonderful singer, she just has an amazing personality,and just a beautiful Christian lady. She is Just Sam.
Wait…. they just accepted Christ as Lord & savior!!
Just Sam!!! Great voice 👌❤️God Bless you❤️❤️❤️
You should call yourself amazing Sam
because you were amazing tonight.
She is so enduring and her voice is filled with heart and soul.
I am such a fan!!!
Just Sam, you are an amazing young woman. Blessed by your Ancestors!! Thank God for your Grandmother who has been put here to guide you on this journey!!!
As your elder, I am so very proud of you!!! Win or lose, you are AI!!!! More than that you are WI…World Idol!!!!! Continue with that Blessed gift you have and NOTHING can stop you!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Your Elder from Brooklyn NY
Just Sam. I just saw you perform on American Idol and sing Murió La Flor by Selena. OMG!!! I am of Mexican descent and you totally did the most fabulous job singing that song. You had me in tears. I like the reggae touch you added and your Spanish singing is fabulous!! You are famous to me already!! GO GIRL!!! Love you, from Las Vegas
Just Sam without a doubt is our favorite on the show. She is an astute performer and amazed my wife and I with her ability to connect with a song in Spanish even though she does not speak the language.
It doesn’t matter what happens on the show she is welcome to come to Detroit and perform. We will be there for her. We send her our love and hope she stays safe.