Throughout Gabby Samone’s journey on season 23 of “American Idol,” the powerhouse R&B singer had a bevy of celebrities in her corner and sharing her performances, from Jennifer Hudson to Celine Dion. But that star-studded support hasn’t stopped since the Baltimore native’s shocking seventh-place finish.
On May 24, 2025, Samone had a “full circle moment” with season 3 “American Idol” winner Fantasia, who was a guest mentor to her and other finalists during season 23. Samone, 22, performed for a packed crowd at Baltimore’s Artscape and then got to later introduce Fantasia, the concert headliner, who paused her concert to give her some powerful guidance in front of thousands.
Watch the video below.
Fantasia Asks Gabby Samone For ‘One Favor’
In videos taken by audience members and posted by Samone, Fantasia could be seen in the middle of her concert seeking out Samone, who was standing near the front of the stage, and yelling out to her, “Congratulations, queen, ’cause you did it!”
At another point, Fantasia walked over to the up-and-coming singer and said, “Gabby, I want to say something to you.” She leaned on a speaker as she shared some powerful wisdom with the up-and-coming singer.
“In this game of (the) music industry,” the Grammy winner began. “It can sometimes be a gift, and a curse. It’s bitter. If you keep your eyes stayed on God, you my dear, you’re going to go far.”
“Do me one favor,” Fantasia continued. “Never get caught up in the game of number ones and how many albums you sell. ‘Cause that is when you will lose sight.”
With a soft piano playing in the background and audience members shouting words of praise, Fantasia then told Samone that she can rest in the knowing she’s already a winner “because God gave you a gift that no one can touch.”
“So don’t worry about how many albums sell, just put the music out,” Fantasia told her. “And don’t sign over that gift that you have to no one. Control your own stuff. Because in this industry, it’s just a game of prostitution and they will use your gift, and you will go home and you will have nothing.”
“Please know that I am talking to you from what I’ve been through,” she concluded, getting emotional. “Keep your eyes stayed on God. He’s already made you a winner.”
Fantasia Encouraged Gabby Samone to Come Out of Her ‘Shell’ During ‘American Idol’ Mentorship Session
When Fantasia mentored the remaining finalists on the April 28 episode, Samone told producers in a pre-recorded segment, “I am a huge fan of Fantasia. She’s a superstar.”
“When Fantasia won, I was only three years old,” she continued. “Seeing a black woman win ‘American Idol,’ is important. I saw myself onscreen.”
Fantasia mentored Samone as she rehearsed her version of Donny Hathaway’s “Song For You” and told producers, “Gabby is very shy. But when she opens up her mouth, it’s like, ‘Who is this!?’”
So impressed with Samone’s vocals that she didn’t have any suggestions for changes, Fantasia told producers, “My prayer for her is that afterwards, she understands that it’s okay now for you to come out of your shell and live.”
