Just Sam overcame hardships, including being dropped by their label, and returned to subway busking.

American Idol winner Just Sam’s life has seen a dramatic shift since going back to busking on subways. American Idol season 18 aired during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the contestants to perform from home.

In May 2024, Just Sam appeared on the American Idol season 22 stage during a guest performance, but getting to that point was no small feat. After being dropped by their record label and suffering a financial crisis, they returned to singing on subways to earn money. Sam eventually found a mentor in Timbaland and is getting their career back on track.

American Idol winner Just Sam admitted they no longer have to seek out drastic measures to earn a living.

Just Sam hasn’t been shy about sharing their struggles on social media. Their latest update on Instagram saw the singer expressing gratitude for how far they have come in their life and admitted they no longer have to seek out drastic measures to earn a living.

“I’m so grateful that I am no longer in a position where I have to sing on the subways for money,” they explained. “Just a year ago, I was in a position where I absolutely had to do it in order to eat and pay bills.” Just Sam acknowledged the shock that erupted online after their post-American Idol hardships were first revealed. The singer wanted to share their story to try to help other people who are in similar situations where it’s extremely difficult to find work and earn money. They encouraged their social media followers to never give up.

Just Sam Deserves Successful Music Career After Major Struggles

Just Sam’s Post-American Idol Life Looks Brighter Now

When Sam was in a dire situation, they used their talent of singing to their advantage. “There have been so many times where I had to sing even through excruciating pain,” they revealed. “Either way I keep going!” In their Instagram Story, the American Idol winner took the time to thank their team, family and God for helping them through all the ups and downs, and expressed how grateful they are for everyone who never stopped believing in them.

Just Sam is an extremely talented singer, which is why they deservedly won American Idol. The struggles they’ve experienced over the years should not define them or their journey in the public eye.

Just Sam is receiving mentorship and has surrounded themself with a team that truly believes in them, which is a great sign for their music career going forward. There is no reason why Sam shouldn’t have a successful job as a professional singer. The talent, the motivation, the dedication and the work ethic are all there.

When Just Sam made their triumphant return to American Idol this year, even though it was only as a guest performer, the song they sang beautifully encapsulated their journey and what they’ve had to overcome.

Whitney Houston’s “One Moment In Time” includes lyrics like “I broke my heart for every gain, To taste the sweet I face the pain, I rise and fall.” The hit ballad conveys a message about overcoming obstacles and asking for “one moment in time” to prove they are deserving of success. Just Sam is doing just that. Hopefully, their career is smooth-sailing going forward.