Douglass Houses Resident “Just Sam” Wins American Idol

Congratulations to Douglass Houses resident Samantha “Just Sam” Diaz, 21, who recently won season 18 of American Idol. 

New York City rooted for Just Sam as she advanced round after round on the show – even when filming in the studio had to be stopped because of COVID-19 and the top 20 contestants performed from home or hotel rooms. When she was announced the winner, Just Sam cradled an iPad that connected her with her grandmother, Elizabeth Belfrom, who was watching from home. (Read more about the Douglass Houses watch party on finale night in the West Side Rag.)  

Another big fan of Just Sam’s is Manhattan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, who said: “I am so proud of Samantha ‘Just Sam’ Diaz, from uptown Manhattan, who has won America’s hearts as their newest American Idol. Just Sam is a proud resident of Douglass Houses, and she has worked all of her life to get to where she is. Her mother spent time in the justice system, and she was adopted, along with her sister, by their grandmother Elizabeth. 
 
“I have enjoyed organizing New Yorkers to vote for her every week and have been so honored to lend a hand in uplifting her journey so that we as a borough and a city could come together to witness her powerful story and her stellar talent as she rose through the ranks to become the next American Idol. Thank you to the residents of Douglass Houses, particularly TA president Carmen Quinones, who has spearheaded much of the local energy and support for Just Sam.”