*Gabby Samone, the Baltimore-born vocalist who stole hearts on “American Idol” Season 23, is carving her path to stardom.
Her unforgettable performances, including a show-stopping duet with Jennifer Holliday and a soulful take on Mariah Carey’s “Hero,” earned her a spot as a fan favorite. Now, the 23-year-old is channeling that momentum into her first headlining tour, “Gabby Samone: Live at City Winery,” kicking off August 12 in Atlanta and opening for Eric Benet in September.
Samone’s music is a vibrant fusion of gospel, R&B, pop, and soul, shaped by her roots in Baltimore’s church choirs. “I grew up in the church, and my mother, she gave back a lot,” Samone shared. “I use that in my music… to inspire people.” Her ability to weave these genres into a cohesive, heartfelt sound has drawn praise from icons like Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino, and Adam Blackstone, boosting her confidence and sharpening her artistic vision.
Her journey began long before “American Idol.” In 2021, Samone’s performance of “Go The Distance” for Disney and her appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” marked her as a rising talent. Her viral TikTok cover of Mariah Carey’s “My All” during the #MyAllChallenge further cemented her status, catching the attention of music heavyweights like J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, and Missy Elliott. These moments, she says, taught her to “rise to the occasion” and embrace professionalism.
Reflecting on her “American Idol” experience, Samone described it as both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. “It was definitely high anxiety sometimes,” she admitted. “But all in all, it was just the best experience I’ve ever had.” Performing alongside Holliday was a masterclass in professionalism, with Samone learning to adapt on the fly when the song’s key was lowered. “She knew what she wanted,” Samone said of Holliday, “and she helped me navigate through that whole performance.”
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Samone’s biggest challenge has been overcoming self-doubt. “Sometimes my nerves get the best of me,” she confessed. Her vocal coach’s advice to “get out of your head” has been pivotal, pushing her to step out of her introverted nature and embrace the boldness required in the music industry. This growth will be on full display in her intimate City Winery performances, where fans can expect a personal journey through her music, including a Whitney Houston tribute and original songs.
Drawing inspiration from Houston, SZA, and Michael Jackson, Samone aims to match their musicality and control. “I long to be as musical as [Jackson] was,” she said.
Her four-city tour promises to showcase her evolution, blending covers, tributes to each city, and glimpses of new music set for release this summer. For Samone, these shows are a chance to connect deeply with her audience, sharing her story in an intimate setting.
Samone remains grounded in her mission to inspire. The endorsements from industry peers have been transformative, with moments like Hudson and Barrino speaking “life into me” fueling her drive. With her undeniable talent and growing confidence, Gabby Samone is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music world.
Watch our full conversation with the rising star via the clip below.
*The interview above has been edited for length and clarity.*
