In 2020, Samantha “Simply Sam” Diaz was voted the winner of “American Idol.” Nevertheless, she’s singing in New York Metropolis subways as a substitute of touring the world on huge phases.
Diaz, 24, was performing in New York Metropolis subway stations when she first auditioned for Season 18 of the present, in response to Folks. Whereas she went on to win the competitors she was again to singing within the metropolis terminal the subsequent 12 months.
In April, she started posting Instagram movies of herself singing at a Occasions Sq. practice station, however admits that embarrassment was the explanation she waited to inform individuals.
“Again in 2021, I used to be tremendous embarrassed to be going again to the trains. I didn’t need individuals to know that I legit wanted the cash & I didn’t need individuals to know that it wasn’t optionally available,” Diaz stated. “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.”
Diaz admits that she and her household knew little concerning the report trade. “We didn’t know what to do with the win particularly being that we had completely no assist,” Diaz stated. “There are individuals who have had extra success than me, and good for them. I’m completely happy for them, however I’m not them.”
Diaz signed a report contract with Hollywood Information after profitable “American Idol.” Nevertheless, she left the label earlier than releasing an album, placing her in debt. “I’m not even going to inform you guys the amount of cash that I needed to pay after leaving the label to assert songs that I had already recorded,” Diaz defined.
Today, Diaz continues to report music on her personal. Though the expense of blending and mastering the music have to this point made releasing tracks cost-prohibitive, she insists that she’s not destitute.
“I invested in myself and ended up broke. That’s the reality. Not broke, broke – like I’m dwelling. I’ve my very own place.”
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