Five years ago, a Baltimore singer-songwriter went viral after posting a clip of herself singing on Instagram. That clip caught the attention of American Idol legend Jennifer Hudson, who encouraged Gabby Samone to try her hand at the reality singing competition show. So, that’s what she did. And clearly Hudson was on to something, as Samone, 23, has continued to shine week in and week out. During Sunday’s (May 11) Disney-themed episode, she once again showed why she’s a musical force to be reckoned with.
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Gabby Samone Takes On ‘Moana’ Song on ‘American Idol’
“How Far I’ll Go” was an ideal choice for Gabby Samone on American Idol’s annual Disney Night. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who penned the track for the 2016 Disney film Moana, stopped by set this week to mentor the remaining competitors.
Gabby can sing anything… good start to the show! #AmericanIdol
— ~*Tavia*~ (@ItsTaviBaby24) May 12, 2025
With her trademark power and soul, Samone lent “How Far I’ll Go” every bit of gravity it deserves.
With another Disney-themed episode in the works for Monday (May 12), American Idol will wrap up its 23rd season with a grand finale on Sunday, May 18. This time next week, one of the Top 7 will have joined the ranks of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood as an Idol champion.
[RELATED: Jennifer Hudson Recalls Suffering “Jitters” From ‘American Idol’ Fallout]
Taking on vocal heavyweights such as Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin, Gabby Samone has certainly made her case to become the next American Idol.
It’s Even More Impressive Than You Think
With her commanding stage presence and larger-than-life vocals, Gabby Samone seems like a born performer each week on American Idol. However, the Baltimore native had to overcome her innate instincts to succeed on the show.
“[The judges] told me to be confident and that’s what I’ve been rethinking because I’m naturally an introverted person,” Samone told Billboard. “Being on stage is weird to me and awkward. I can see my growth throughout the show because of what they said to me.”
Samone recalls first confronting her reserved nature when she scored a supporting role in her summer camp play as a child.
“Kim Brooks, who ran the camp, told me I could really sing but was too shy to get the lead. And then I went to another camp and came out of my shell a little bit more,” she said. “That’s when I knew I had power in my voice. You had to sing out in theater and it was the first time I projected the way I do on stage now.”
Featured image by Christopher Willard/Disney via Getty Images
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