An American Idol winner has returned to busking in subway stations simply three years after taking dwelling the highest prize.
Samantha Diaz, a.okay.a. Simply Sam, just lately posted a video of themself again to busking in a New York Metropolis subway station on social media. Simply Sam was the champion of the present’s digital 2020 season, which occurred throughout the peak of the world COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Instagram video, Simply Sam sings Beyoncé’s “Hear” whereas holding a donation field.
“Thanks a lot for listening, everybody!” they are saying after ending the music.
In line with The Solar, Simply Sam wrote they have been “tremendous embarrassed to be going again to the trains” in a since-deleted Instagram caption.
“I didn’t need folks to know that I legit wanted the cash. I did not need folks to know that it wasn’t elective. I used to be disillusioned in myself for permitting myself to fall so low after profitable Idol, however then I needed to take it simple on me and keep in mind that I began my journey with Idol at 20 years previous,” Simply Sam wrote.
Simply Sam defined they have been “not sure” of what would occur after profitable American Idol throughout 2020.
“For just a few months after profitable, I used to be not sure of what was subsequent, however I used to be prepared and ready for no matter it was. Everybody needs to know what occurred and why this or why that & I’ll reply these questions sometime, however Within the meantime, I’ll say this. I by no means anticipated to win, however I did, I used to be so grateful, and I do know that persons are feeling like I allow them to down,” they shared.
Simply Sam concluded by admitting they “used to really feel like I let myself and everybody down too,” and that “every thing occurs for a motive, and I do know that this too shall move, it doesn’t matter what issues could seem like proper now.”
READ MORE: ‘Idol’ Contestant Calls Out Katy Perry for ‘Embarrassing’ Her
The powerhouse vocalist received the present’s fourth season on ABC. For their Washington, D.C. audition, Simply Sam sang Lauren Daigle’s “You Say” for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Simply Sam received the singing competitors by singing Kelly Clarkson’s “What Would not Kill You (Makes You Stronger)” and Andra Day’s “Rise Up.”
Notably, Simply Sam’s season was marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, making issues rather more difficult than another Idol season.
“I am not like another contestant that has ever had an opportunity to be part of the American Idol manufacturing. My yr was in contrast to another. We didn’t know what to do with the win particularly being that we had completely no assist. There are individuals who have had extra success than me, and good for them I’m joyful for them, however I’m not them. I don’t like my scenario, nevertheless it received’t be this without end,” Simply Sam defined of their since-deleted Instagram caption.
In 2022, Simply Sam revealed they have been broke.