'American Idol' Season 18 Episode 9: Just Sam stuns fans with her transformation into a gorgeous, talented diva
Sunday night's episode of 'American Idol' has just concluded and there were certainly some thrilling twists and turns on March 29's Hawaii showcase, as well as some expected outcomes and unexpected curveballs. But one of the biggest surprises on 'American Idol' came in the form of Samantha Diaz aka Just Sam aka the crybaby subway singer from the projects of New York City.
Blessed with a fantastic voice, the emotional singer melted the judges hearts at her audition with her story of resilience and character. After being abandoned by her parents, she'd been raised by her loving grandmother in the Frederick Douglass projects and had turned to singing on the subway trains of New York as a way of making ends meet. Her heartbreaking rendition of Andra Day's 'Rise Up' was compelling enough to earn her a golden ticket to Hollywood at her initial audition and the tenacity she displayed while nursing a bad throat during Hollywood Week ensured that plenty of fans were rooting for her when she duly made it through to the Top 40 pool of contestants still left in the competition.
But it was Just Sam's transformation in the Disney resort of Aulani, Hawaii that will further endear her to the viewing public. The shy, emotional, self-confessed crybaby had disappeared and in her place strode out a confident, beautiful, talented young woman with a superlative voice. The judges were left gaping when they saw how amazing she looked, complete with bright lipstick, flowing skirt and a Hawaiian flower stuck in her afro - she looked and sounded like an international pop diva, a far cry from her previous nondescript appearance and behavior. This was Just Sam embracing her moment of crowning glory, and boy, did she shine. Her choice of song was inspiring too.
Samantha decided to go big or go home by choosing a legendary tune, 'Como La Flor' by the late great Latina sensation, Selena. Despite her surname being a rather Hispanic-sounding "Diaz", Sam confessed that she did not speak much Spanish and so even choosing this tune showed that she was ready to confidently strike outside her comfort zone.
The judges and crowd were floored by her new look and amazing pipes (which remained stellar, as usual) and an amazed Katy Perry remained standing for Just Sam's breathtaking rendition of the Spanish song. Later on, the judges commented on her incredible metamorphosis and commended her for stepping up her game by several notches.
Samantha admitted that after a very long time, she finally felt both "comfortable and beautiful" and her candid sincerity certainly struck a chord with the viewers. The impressed judges told her that she was now in the Top 20 and Just Sam, not so surprisingly, broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the emotions of her incredible journey thus far. Her fans on social media were gushing about her latest showing. "So proud of you, Just Sam!! I'm praying with all my heart that you win American Idol!!! We love you," said one awestruck fan. Another admirer exclaimed, "Just Sam is amazing! She brought it tonight! What a transformation! Great voice!" while another supporter enthused, "I just want to say I love Just Sam on American Idol, that girl is GOOD."
We do hope she goes on to win the whole competition, what a Fantasia-esque story that would be. To catch more episodes of 'American Idol', make sure you tune in to the ABC network on Sunday and Monday nights at 8 pm ET.