Celebrities Lend a Helping Hand to Samantha ‘Just Sam’ Diaz’s Financial Struggles
ABC Reading Time: 3 minutes
Amid the recent news that Samantha Diaz, known as “Just Sam,” the 2020 winner of American Idol, has returned to singing in the New York subway system to make ends meet, her loyal fans and concerned celebrities have rallied behind her. Diaz, who initially felt ashamed to reveal her current struggles, has now opened up about her situation.
Diaz Opens Up About What Caused Her Financial Struggles
In a recent interview, Diaz spoke candidly about her journey after winning American Idol. Diaz acknowledged the widespread misconception that winning the show would instantly lead to fame and fortune. She revealed that due to the pandemic, which was at its peak during her triumph, the circumstances were far from ideal.
Diaz reminisced about being crowned the winner while the world was grappling with lockdowns and COVID surges. With the entertainment industry brought to a halt, she found herself unable to fully capitalize on the opportunities traditionally afforded to Idol winners. The close collaborations with record labels, songwriting sessions, and appearances were all put on hold, leaving Diaz in a precarious situation.
Living alone in a Los Angeles hotel room, Diaz experienced the isolation and longing for her family, particularly her grandmother back in Harlem, New York. The difficulties compounded as months went by without her stepping foot into a recording studio. Diaz showed her frustration, acknowledging the hardship of not being able to create music during a time when she should have been flourishing.
To her surprise, Diaz also discovered that she had unwittingly signed contracts and agreed to financial arrangements that she didn’t fully comprehend. The lack of clarity and her eagerness to pursue her dreams led her to overlook the importance of understanding legal agreements. Diaz admitted her mistake, emphasizing the significance of reading and comprehending contracts before signing them.
Timbaland Offers to Help
While Diaz’s recent subway videos, featuring her singing with a karaoke machine and a donation collection box, have garnered millions of views, her story has caught the attention of influential celebrities. Renowned rapper and producer Timbaland, along with rapper Lil Durk, actively reached out to Diaz, extending their support and offering her a chance at a comeback.
In late May, Diaz had the opportunity to join Timbaland’s popular live TikTok show. During their conversation, which was recorded and shared online, Timbaland, ranked as one of the greatest producers of the 21st century by Billboard, expressed his admiration for Diaz’s talent and expressed his desire to assist her in her musical journey.
Timbaland assured Diaz that he wanted to connect with her, recognizing her potential. He promised to reach out to her in her DMs to discuss his ideas further, leaving Diaz overwhelmed with gratitude. The support she has received from influential figures like Timbaland has meant the world to her, giving her hope for a brighter future.
