'American Idol' judges are in shock over contestant's 'metamorphosis'

Just Sam had already established herself as an American Idol Season 18 frontrunner with her gorgeously raw voice, vulnerable performances, hardship backstory, and likable tomboy persona. But when the 20-year-old journeyed from the Harlem projects to Hawaii this Sunday for the top 40 Final Judgment round, she suddenly transformed from humble subway singer to superstar. It was probably the most astounding and unexpected makeover in Idol history, so much so that judge Katy Perry looked like a living, real-time reaction GIF, mouth agape and eyes popped wide. Just Sam’s previous performances had her belting empowerment anthems like “You Say,” “Rise Up,” and “I’m Here” in baggy unisex streetwear, sometimes with tears in her makeup-free eyes and her lucky busking box at her sneakered feet. But Sunday, not only was she all glammed up in an island-girl sarong and hair-flower and red lipstick, but she was paying tribute to Selena (whose 25th death anniversary is this week), joyously breezing through the uptempo “Como La Flor” entirely in Spanish — despite not actually being fluent in the language. Such a 180 departure from her usual somber balladry was a massive risk, but it was the perfect song choice to play in front of a boisterous live audience at Disney’s Aulani resort, and it showcased her versatility in a totally surprising way. “That’s what we call a metamorphosis!” marveled Katy (once she finally maintained her composure and was able to process what she’d witnessed), while Katy’s fellow judge Lionel Richie gasped, “I can’t believe it! I can’t believe it!” Just Sam actually seemed more shocked than the judges. The next day, when she sat with the panel to find out if she’d advanced from the top 40 to the top 20 (spoiler alert: OF COURSE SHE DID), she confessed, “Last night was the first time in a very long time that I felt comfortable — and I felt beautiful.” Katy concurred, telling Just Sam, “You walked onstage, and you were the definition of elegance.” Lionel even told her, “I couldn’t be more proud if you were my own child.” Just Sam should probably consider a name change, because as Lionel put it, there’s no “just” about this dynamite star-in-training. But while she easily secured her spot in the top 20, some other promising contestants weren’t so lucky.