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'American Idol' faces backlash as former contestant Just Sam returns to ABC show for a 'long-overdue moment'

'American Idol' alum Just Sam returned to performing subways after winning Season 18

SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA: 'American Idol' Season 18 winner Samantha Dia aka Just Sam delivered a stirring performance on the Season 22 stage with Whitney Houston's song, 'One Moment in Time.' The singer returned to the ABC show after going viral last year performing in the NYC subways despite winning Season 18.

Just Sam made her debut in the singing competition during the season that was conducted remotely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. She performed from home via video calls, marking her first live performance on the ABC show stage in front of the judges. After her performance, they said, "This is way better than an iPhone from home."

Just Sam had to return to busking on the streets despite winning the ABC show. Reflecting on this 'embarrassing' moment, she shared her feelings in a now-deleted Instagram post, expressing disappointment over not receiving the opportunities and fame that other winners had enjoyed.

The ABC show winner revealed at the time that they didn't have enough money to release her music. Four years after winning the Idol Just Sam received 'long overdue moment'. However, the viewers were disappointed with 'American Idol' over the delayed opportunity. An X user said, "I feel so bad for Sam, the way she got NOTHING out of winning and still struggles as bad as before the show is messed up."

Another person added, "She had a falling out with #AmericanIdol and she is back to singing in subways." One critic noted, "So glad to see Just Sam back on stage. It was always odd to me how #Idol #AmericanIdol essentially disowned her. She's a damn winner. Uplift this kid and help her get back where she should have been all along!"

Another fan wrote, "So amazing and happy to see Just Sam get their long overdue moment on the American Idol stage after winning from at home in 2020. Such a beautiful moment!" An Instagram user commented, "Finally! I thought American Idol forgot about her. So beautiful in every way."

One viewer wrote, "Can you now help her get out of the subway and into a recording studio please. This is a superstar who deserves more than one moment in time."

'American Idol' judges feel proud of Just Sam

'American Idol' winner Just Sam blew away the judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie with their latest performance. Katy claimed, "I will say is, you one hundred percent deserve that confetti." She added, "It was long overdue and it looks so great on you. I’m just so proud of who you’ve become."

Luke was glad that Just Sam had the moment that she deserved. The ABC show judge added, "It’s so nice to sit here and hear your voice again in this room. You go through everything it took, from home to get you to win American Idol, for you to have your moment in time, it was really, really special."

Meanwhile, Lionel said he was "sitting here like a proud papa bear." The ABC show judge continued, "I'm so proud of you. I know the challenges that you’ve been through and you have charmed us all." He added, 'The fact that you have now come back all grown up and solid as a rock, I can only say, God has his hands firmly on you."

Just Sam reflects on post 'American Idol' journey

Samantha Dia aka Just Sam faced numerous challenges throughout her childhood, including her mother's incarceration. She was often bullied at school for their appearance and used to busking on the streets. However, they auditioned for both 'America’s Got Talent' and 'The Voice' but faced rejection.

Just Sam received a big opportunity in 'American Idol' Season 18 and ended up winning the show. However, she later found herself back performing on subway trains. Despite the challenges, Just Sam appeared to have overcome her struggles and has recently reflected on her journey after 'American Idol'.

In a social media post, they wrote, "I was so sure that I knew what was in store for me after my journey with idol.. I was wrong about it all. I never expected to be faced with the same struggles that I had before the show, after." The ABC show star noted, "I thought that once I met the judges , that i would be guided into a career or path of only success and more growth…"

Just Sam added, "I’m grateful for all the experiences that I have had since me winning idol, good or bad. I’ve learned so much since then and I am still growing as an artist and learning so much about who it is that I want to be in this artist world."

'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC