‘American Idol’ 2020 Winner Simply Sam Is Again to Busking in Subway

An American Idol winner has returned to busking in subway stations simply three years after taking dwelling the highest prize.

Samantha Diaz, a.ok.a. Simply Sam, not too long ago 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 befell through 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 track.

In response to The Solar, Simply Sam wrote they had 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 non-compulsory. I used to be disenchanted 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 had 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 desires 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 individuals 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 little thing occurs for a purpose, and I do know that this too shall cross, it doesn’t matter what issues might appear like proper now.”

READ MORE: ‘Idol’ Contestant Calls Out Katy Perry for ‘Embarrassing’ Her

The powerhouse vocalist gained 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 gained 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 far more difficult than every other Idol season.

“I am not like every other contestant that has ever had an opportunity to be part of the American Idol manufacturing. My yr was not like every other. 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 comfortable for them, however I’m not them. I don’t like my scenario, however it gained’t be this without end,” Simply Sam defined of their since-deleted Instagram caption.

In 2022, Simply Sam revealed they had been broke.