Gabby Samone is a talented Baltimore native on a mission to move communities through her music. The 23-year-old singer wowed audiences and viewers at home with her evocative, passionate ballads on the latest season of “American Idol.” Now after dazzling her hometown on this year’s Artscape mainstage, she’s preparing to introduce the world to her original songs. I spoke with the rising star about her early inspirations and why “American Idol” is not the end of the road.
Bry Reed: Gabby, I am so happy to sit down with you. It’s very serendipitous to get to talk to you because I’m realizing how much support you have.
Gabby Samone: I do. And I’m so appreciative of it. I didn’t realize how much support I had until I started doing all of this! It’s been crazy, especially having my city behind me and everybody on social media rooting for me. I’ve always had family support, so I’m grateful for all the new supporters.
BR: Let’s talk about your journey to the American Idol stage. What was that experience like for you?
GS: It was probably one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had — and one of the best experiences I’ll ever have. Growing and learning, both about myself and about my artistry, was a major piece of this whole experience. I also got to meet a bunch of different people and make friends — real friends! It was so much work, but everything was so worth the outcome. It doesn’t even matter that I didn’t win! It’s about the growth and how comfortable I feel in my artistry and in my skin.
Before the audition, I asked Jennifer Hudson about going to “American Idol,” and she just said, “Go for it.” I was super nervous, and the judges could see that and told me to be more confident. I’ve seen the growth in my confidence throughout each episode.
BR: You talked briefly about your appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and you credit a lot of your “American Idol” journey to singing in church in Baltimore. What were those experiences like for little Gabby?
GS: My uncle is an apostle and was over the church, but my dad was the pastor — and my dad could sing! He’s my favorite singer. I’ve always looked at him and thought “I want to sing like my dad.” I started singing around the house and joining in on the festivities, and my mom realized I could sing. She put a mic in my hand at church when I was seven or eight, and since then, I’ve been singing. Church has definitely been my stepping stone. I’ve learned so much in church about singing and engaging with people.
Church is in me and will always be in me, but my parents taught me to go out and help people who aren’t in the church.
Gabby Samone
It wasn’t until high school that I honed in on my artistry and realized that I’m not a gospel artist. I was meant to sing and minister to the world. It’s not about staying within the church walls. Church is in me and will always be in me, but my parents taught me to go out and help people who aren’t in the church.
My mother is a big outreach person. She goes out and helps people and feeds the homeless. She was a single mother — until my dad came along — so she helps single parents. I do that in my own way because I come from that background. Music is my way.
BR: Thank you for sharing that. In addition to your father, are there any other Baltimore musicians who inspire you?
GS: Billie Holiday and Brittney Spencer. I’m a fan of hers. And Mario! There’s a lot of talent that comes out of Baltimore, and people don’t even realize it. I’m ready to show people that there’s more to Baltimore than the raunchiness and scary things shown on the news. I feel excited to be one of the people to bring Baltimore with me.
BR: American Idol was not your last stage. You just hit the Artscape stage over Memorial Day Weekend. How did that feel?
GS: The energy was raw and real! I felt at home. I was gone for about two months, and to come back and perform in front of all my family and friends was really fun. The Mayor gave me a citation. I felt very special!
BR: You also reunited with Fantasia, who was one of your mentors on the show
GS: Fantasia…her energy is contagious. Her aura is super bright and warm. The first time I met her on “American Idol,” I cried. I said two words, and then I started crying. She spoke to me about the [music] industry and warned me about the things she’s gone through. It made me appreciate her so much more, because she didn’t have to do that.
BR: What can fans and people interested in hearing more from you look forward to? I hear that you recorded a full studio cover of “Four Women” by Nina Simone.
GS: I just dropped “Four Women” about two weeks ago! I did the song on the show, and so many celebrities reposted it; Naomi Campbell and Taraji P. Henson showed love for it. Singing about my skin being Black on “American Idol” was a big risk. People needed [to see] that. We need to feel comfortable in our skin. Especially at this time.
I also plan on putting some original music out soon. A lot of people have seen my covers, but they still haven’t heard my original music.They don’t know me yet, or who I am as an artist. I’m excited to share that with them.