American Idol paid tribute to the late Mandisa during its April 29 episode. The series took a moment to remember the talented singer who passed away this month aged 47. This weekend also marked an emotional moment for another past winner of the show – Just Sam.
Just Sam might just be one of American Idol‘s most memorable contestants. Although she won the series four years ago, she never got to perform on the ABC show’s stage due to the pandemic. During Monday night’s episode, Just Sam finally realized a dream of singing on Idol and fans can’t believe her comeback.
Just Sam’s American Idol journey
In 2020, Just Sam was crowned the winner of American Idol.
Despite winning the show, she faced some difficulties afterward in launching her music career.
The singer had already had a tough time in life. She explained at her audition how she grew up in the projects and was adopted by her grandmother when she was six.
To earn a living, Just Sam performed in subways and busked until she appeared on American Idol.
Just under a year ago, American Idol fans were “heartbroken” after seeing how the star was performing in subways again – as she had done before appearing on the ABC show.
American Idol star’s return
Taking to the American Idol stage this Spring, Just Sam performed Whitney Houston’s One Moment In Time.
Following her performance, Katy Perry told the star her “confetti was long overdue,” adding how she should be “so proud” of “who she’s become.”
Luke Bryan added how he was “so glad she had her moment” and Lionel Richie shared how pleased he was to see her back on the show “all grown up and solid as a rock.”
Sam took to Instagram in the days before her Idol moment and reflected on her early days on the show.
She wrote: “I can’t believe that this Was 4 years ago. I was so sure that I knew what was in store for me after my journey with Idol… I was wrong about it all…”
Despite winning the show, she said: “I never expected to be faced with the same struggles that I had before the show, after…”
She added: “I haven’t had the best life, but I’m also not perfect and I have messed up a lot in life…”
Just Sam said how she has “so much to share” with her fans, adding: “There are people in this world who need to hear me .. my voice, my story, my testimony.. they need to because it will encourage them. In so many ways. It will inspire them. People are waiting to hear me and my story.”
Many fans took to social media to share how Just Sam’s Idol appearance and story had them “in tears.”
Some tweeted via X (Twitter): “Let’s be for real if Just Sam was on this year, she would’ve won as well” and “Why doesn’t this young lady, Just Sam, have an enormous music career? She looks & sounds incredible!”
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