Just Sam Wins American Idol 2020, Arthur Gunn is Runner Up
In what turned out to be a surprise win, Just Sam won American Idol season 18. Last night’s grand finale was maybe not so grand. The Top 5 finalists, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan plus Ryan Seacrest had to do their thing from home.
As a fan, I missed the big live stage finale with the cheering crowd and exciting performances. The big reveal was actually not so big, and hella awkward. But it beat not crowning a winner at all. I doubt that Sam is complaining at this point. Arthur Gunn, the Nepalese immigrant who has been soaking up Americana since he was a kid, took second place.
American Idol 2020 Finale Recap: Season 18 Winner Is.. Live Blog (Videos)
In the past, the Top 2 would board a private jet for an overnight flight to the East coast for a whirlwind media tour. But instead, the two will be dialing into various media outlets to chat and perform.
Just Sam and Arthur Gunn on the Challenges of At Home Performances with GMA
The morning, Good Morning America interviewed both Sam and Arthur. Sam, a former subway busker from Harlem, is a true rags to riches winner. The singer has been quarantining in Los Angeles to keep her grandmother safe back home in New York. For Sam, it was hard to celebrate her wins without family.
Arthur shared that his family have been supportive, helping him build his at home sets and get ready for his performances.
Ryan Seacrest took a day off from Live with Kelly & Ryan. Kelly’s husband Mark Consuelos sat in for an interview with Just Sam. The singer gushed that her grandmother loved them both when they starred on the ABC soap opera, All My Children. When asked if she believed she could win the show, Sam said that after Hawaii, she felt that it could be anybody’s game.
Just Sam Performs Rise Up
After chatting with the hosts, Sam performed her American Idol winners song “Rise Up.” Unfortunately, the Skype connection wasn’t the best. Arthur is scheduled to perform on Tuesday’s (May 19) broadcast.
Grandma Inspires Just Sam to Donate to Help Build a Hospital in Africa
Sam talks with Access Hollywood’s Sibley Scoles about winning the show, saying she’s still in shock about clinching the title. She also talks about her grandma and how she’s giving back in a major way by donating to build a hospital in Africa.
