About Just Sam
Artist Biography
Winner of American Idol Season 18, Just Sam is a soul singer in the classic sense, blending secular topics with a gospel delivery. Her fresh take on old-fashioned skills helped her win the talent competition in May of 2020.
Born in Harlem on November 23, 1998, Samantha Diaz was raised by her grandmother after her mother was incarcerated. She adopted the nickname "Just Sam" as a teenager, then made a living busking in subway as she attended Global Scholars Academy. She gained the attention of filmmakers Joe Penney and Ladan Osman, who shot a mini documentary called "Sam, Underground" about her in 2018. Just Sam had her sights set on bigger things, though. At first, she auditioned for both America's Got Talent and The Voice but didn't make the cut on either show. American Idol did cast her for its 18th season, which began airing in February 2020. As the show went on, Just Sam cultivated a following that helped her take home the crown that May. Shortly afterward she signed with 19 Recordings and released her first single, "Rise Up," which was also her coronation song on American Idol. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Hometown
United States of America
Genre
House
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