With the American Idol season 18 premiere happening in just a few days, ABC has dropped the full audition of one of the season’s hopefuls.
Twenty year old Just Samantha Diaz from Harlem, New York, is only 20 years old and goes by the stage name “Just Sam.” She has been singing on the subway since middle school. And apparently, it’s lucrative. Currently, she lives with her grandmother in the Frederick Douglass Projects. Grandma adopted Sam and her sister, because their parents couldn’t raise them. “I just want to give her back everything she gave me,” says Sam.
Sam auditions for the American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan in Washington DC with a rendition of Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” But as nerves set in, Sam can’t get past the first line. She starts over, and then stops again. When she breaks down, the judges hug and encourage her. “You are safe,” Katy assures her.
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To make herself feel comfortable, Sam launches into the routine she does on the subway train, before performing Andra Day’s “Rise Up” from a much more confident place. After belting it out, the judges are full of compliments and advice. “A lot of people come in here and they haven’t lived the struggles you have,” says Luke. “You have those qualities in your voice to tell stories, and you can sing really beautifully.” Katy loves Sam’s sweet personality. “Remember where you came from,” Katy says, “And sing to where you want to go.”
When Lionel asks her if she has ever, in her whole life, felt safe, she breaks down in tears. “I’m not used to people caring without needing or just pretending.” Lionel gets up to give her a hug. “I want you to feel safe,” he says. “We got you. I want you to rely on us to coach you through.” She asks them to pray with her. “I’m so grateful you guys even listened to me,” she says tearfully.
The audition ends with all four holding hands in prayer. I am pretty sure that’s an Idol first. And of course, Sam gets her Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
Watch the emotional audition from the American Idol season 18 premiere, airing on ABC, Sunday Feb 16 at 8 pm ET/PT.
Just Sam Auditions for American Idol
https://youtu.be/JKnlj2Jz8kQ
