'American Idol' Season 18 Episode 1: Subway singer Samantha Diaz's emotional performance wins fans' hearts
The latest season of 'American Idol' just premiered on Sunday, February 16. This marks the 18th season of the long-running singing competition (and its third on the ABC network) and fans are already finding a lot to love on the show.
They're being treated to a lot of familiar names — like the returning judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as well as longtime host Ryan Seacrest and the show's fulltime mentor Bobby Bones.
Besides these old, beloved faces, fans are already finding some brand-new favorites after seeing the new 'Idol' hopefuls audition. Some of these contestants have gone through a lot in their life, yet resolutely made the best of the challenging circumstances that life has thrown their way.
A great example of this drive and determination is Samantha Diaz, a young 20-year-old black girl from Harlem, New York. Raised in the Frederick Douglass Projects by her grandmother after her parents neglected her at an early age, Samantha felt drawn to music from an early age.
Realizing that music holds the key to a good life and better living circumstances, Samantha, or "Just Sam," as she prefers her artiste moniker to be, started singing on the subway while she was still in middle school in order to make some extra money.
And years of singing for strangers actually stood her in good stead, when the emotions of finally making it to the 'American Idol' stage threatened to overwhelm her, and she broke down in tears multiple times.
Thankfully, the self-confessed crybaby Samantha was able to hold it together after some encouragement from the judging panel, and performed a jaw-droppingly great rendition of Andra Day's 'Rise Up'.
Her extraordinary vocal ability was reminiscent of the great Fantasia Barrino and the judges were unanimous in their ruling that she would make it far in the competition, despite her baby-like tears.
And social media was similarly moved on hearing her story and amazing vocal ability! "I cry atleast once during every #AmericanIdol episode." said one user on Twitter who was probably overwhelmed with emotions as well on seeing her amazing journey thus far.
Another impressed fan said, "The Black Girl That Sung At The End Of The Show Is Someone To Keep An Eye On And I Know We Haven't Seen All The Singers Yet But I Personally Think She Can Very Well Win This Whole Competition. Remember This Tweet. #AmericanIdol."
So it's clear that Samantha is already one of the favorites to win the competition! And who can argue against that? When it comes to naming clear favorites for this year's title, one name that will come up, again and again, is Just Sam!