'I legit needed money': 'American Idol' winner Samantha Diaz back to performing on NYC subway amid financial troubles
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Samantha Diaz aka Just Sam won 'American Idol' Season 18 in 2020 beating Arthur Gunn. Although the singer was crowned the winner's title, she financially struggled after her appearance on the ABC network show.
The 'American Idol' winner has been open about her post-win struggles and has made headlines for multiple reasons. After a terrifying health scare, Samantha recently dropped a couple of videos on her social media which seemingly suggest that she currently works in a coffee shop and performs at New York City subways.
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'American Idol' Season 18 winner Samantha Diaz performs in NYC subway
Sam returned to the place where it all started. The singer began singing on the subway in middle school and learned that she could earn cash with it. The singer described being underground as "beautiful" and danced with her fellow underground performers during her 'American Idol' episode.
Sam also previously revealed how subway singing helped her pay her bills and rent and put food on the table. She has shared her struggles with depression and coming out as queer. However, even after winning the show and moving to Los Angeles, Sam had to perform in the subways to pay her bills. The singer-songwriter often shares videos on her social media of her singing in the subways with a donation box.
Samantha Diaz reflects on financial struggles
Sam's financial struggles came to light after one of her videos working in a coffee shop went viral. Since then, fans have shared their concerns and wondered what led to her financial fiasco. However, Sam recently got candid on her financial struggles and singing on the subway. The singer-songwriter shared a video of her singing in the subway and penned a lengthy note on her journey. Sam said in the statement, "Back in 2021, I was super embarrassed to be going back to the trains. I didn't want people to know that I legit needed the money & I didn’t want people to know that it wasn’t optional." She further noted that she was disappointed for allowing herself to fall so low after winning idol.
Sam later admitted that she was just 20 years old when she won 'American Idol' and did not know anything about Hollywood or the music industry at the time. But now she is well aware of the music industry and shared her experience with other artists in hopes that they don't experience the same things. However, she never had a manager or publicist to help her get the word out even after releasing multiple hits.
Sam's fans chimed in the comment section to praise her bravery and slammed 'American Idol' for not providing enough support to the singer. A social media user commented, "Your transparency is amazingly brave. You didn’t let anyone down, and you’re absolutely right about idol being a unique situation from any other idol in history." Another fan noted, "Let go of the shame, dear Sam. You don’t need to hold onto that. Rooting for you young lady!"
"Idol should have so much more support for their contestants. Both emotionally, spiritually and guide them financially," added another person. Another Instagram user said, "I'm just shocked that Idol doesn't give you any assistance with getting a record deal for winning. They just put your face up there and kick you out on your own. It's disgusting." Another user wrote, "It is a shame that @americanidol does nothing to assist people who are new to the industry. It's deeper than singing."
Samantha Diaz's journey on 'American Idol'
Sam won 'American Idol' Season 18 against runner-up Arthur Gunn and finalists Dillon James, Francisco Martin, and Jonny West. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were the judges of Season 18. Sam delivered a soulful performance on Kelly Clarkson's 'Stronger' in the finale episode. She was one of the fans' favorites and easily went through all the rounds.
Notably, during a Hollywood Week stage rehearsals, Sam lost her voice but voice coach Nicholas Cooper motivated her to not give up. The singer-songwriter won the most votes from the viewers, making her 'American Idol's first at-home winner. Sam did the majority of her live performances from her hotel room in Los Angeles.
Season 18 was aired during the Covidpandemic and made history as contestants and judges broadcasted remotely. Soon after winning the coveted title, Sam released several songs and worked with co-writer and close friend Cat Clark.
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