If celebrity endorsements were the key ingredient for winning “American Idol,” season 23 contestant Gabby Samone would be a lock. The 23-year-old Baltimore native’s soulful delivery and talent has drawn cheers — and social media shares — from superstars ranging from “Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson to supermodel Naomi Campbell.
On April 14, 2025, the latest star to sing Samone’s praises was Celine Dion, who lauded the young singer’s rendition of her hit song “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now” — an endorsement that left Samone stunned, asking if she was dreaming.
Gabby Samone Tells Celine Dion ‘I Am One of Your Students!’
During the April 13 episode of “American Idol,” during which Jelly Roll and Ashanti mentored 12 of the Top 24 singers before their performances at Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Samone gave a stirring rendition of one of Dion’s biggest hits.
Sharing her story of growing up as the youngest of eight in a family that frequently couldn’t make ends meet, Samone brought Jelly Roll to tears as she brought new meaning to Dion’s song. The judges, who’ve previously highlighted Samone as one of their favorites, also celebrated her performance.
After the show, the “American Idol” Instagram account shared a clip in its Stories, captioning it “@gabbysamonemusic stuns singing @celinedion 🤩” and Dion shared it in her own Stories.
Posting a screenshot of Dion’s share, Samone wrote, “Still trying to wrap my head around this… am I dreaming?? If I am, please don’t wake me up! One of my greatest inspirations—@celinedion—just reposted my American Idol performance of her song, and I’m completely overwhelmed.”
Ms. Celine, I am one of your students! Your voice, your passion, your legacy… you’ve shaped so much of who I am as an artist. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for seeing me. This moment means more than words can express. I am crying while typing this.”
Many of Samone’s fellow “Idol” contestants flooded her post with celebratory comments, including Zaylie Windsor, who wrote, “ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLEEEE”
Jennifer Hudson Tells Gabby Samone She’ll Be Cheering Her On
Samone headed into season 23 of “American Idol” with another powerful celebrity endorsement, from Jennifer Hudson, who has become an EGOT winner since competing on the third season of the show in 2004. Hudson discovered an Instagram video of Samone singing several years ago and invited her to perform on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in 2022.
The two kept in touch and when Samone considered auditioning for “Idol,” Hudson cheered her on, even recording a video for her once she’d made it through to Hollywood.
“My first season here, I got a chance to highlight a phenomenal singer named Gabby Samone,” Hudson said in her video. “She is a rising star and was featured on ‘American Idol.’ I am super proud of her! She even gave me a shout-out!”
After showing the clip of Samone’s audition, Hudson said, “Aw, it warms my heart to see her doing so well! I love supporting and celebrating people. Seeing her was such a gift. Good luck, Gabby! I will be cheering you on!”
Meanwhile, on April 12, “Idol” judge Lionel Richie shared an Instagram Story from legendary supermodel Naomi Campbell, who posted a video of Samone singing Nina Simone’s “Four Women” during Hollywood Week. Campbell wrote over the video that it was “Divine Perfection.”
Richie wrote, “When @naomi tunes in to @americanidol … now that’s a supermodel stamp of approval! Thank you for the love, darling. 🎵🤎”
Samone will find out her fate on “Idol” after the next round of 12 perform on the April 14 episode. Based on viewer voting, the Top 24 will be narrowed down to 20 on the Easter Sunday episode, airing on April 20.
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Huge Celebrities Cheering On ‘American Idol’ Contestant: ‘Completely Overwhelmed’