“American Idol’s” 2020 winner Just Sam returned to the show after winning from home with what was called by many Covid Idol. The native New Yorker, was the winner for Season 18 in during the May season finale.
Samatha Diaz, aka Just Sam, is known for her exciting performances on the New York Subway stations, belts songs like Adele’s “Easy on Me,” Beyoncé’s “Listen” and Ariana Grande’s “Almost Is Never Enough.”
Appearing on the American Idol dressed in a silver mirrored-sequined gown, Diaz sang Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” before Ryan Seacrest officially crowned her the winner of Season 18 on the stage.
“This is way better than home from an iPhone” Diaz said. She encouraged the Top 10 from this season to enjoy the moment. “Take it in,” she said. This is the moment. Just like the song says.”
Ryan allowed the judges to give her a critique similar to what she would have received in 2020 had her performances been in person.
“You 100% deserved that confetti,” Katy Perry said. “It was long overdue and looks so great on you. I’m so proud of who you’ve become.” Luke Bryan said, “I’m so glad you had your moment. It’s so nice to just sit here and just hear your voice again in this room…and to go through everything it took from home to get you to win American Idol to present day, for you to have your moment in time, it was really special. And Lionel Richie said “I am sitting here like a proud papa bird. I’m so proud of you. I know the challenges you’ve been through but you have charmed us all and the fact that you’ve now come back all grown up and solid as a rock I can only say God has his hands firmly on you.”
The night ended for Kayko and Mia as the two were eliminated after the live coast-to-coast vote. On Monday, April 29, one more contestant goes home and the show pays tribute to former Idol contestant Mandisa who passed away this month.
“American Idol” airs on ABC, with episodes airing next day on Hulu.
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