American Idol 2025: Sam Sparks used music to overcome a life-changing accident
Arkansas songwriter and car enthusiast 25 year old Sam Sparks found solace in music after breaking his back in a terrible accident. In a recent preview from the upcoming American Idol episode (March 23). During his audition in front of judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan Sam described the brutal car accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.
At 15, Sam built his first car. Most of his friends are also involved with cars and participated in drag races on a strip on in the small town.
However, two years ago, his life changed forever. Driving on a slick road, he lost control of his car and it “flew off the road.” It sailed 35 yards in the air, landed, then hit a parked car head on. He could not move his legs. “I immediately knew that my back was broken,” Sam explained. Sam’s best friend Malik found him, screaming. “That scream…sits with me at all times,” he recalled in Sam’s video package.
In the hospital, Sam was given a guitar. In order not to bother people, Sam would go out into the hospital parking garage to sing. He also began writing songs. “It absolutely got me through what I was going through.” He added, “The two things I love to do is driving fast and being loud.” He still gets to do those things today, he said. “I just do them a little different.”
For the judges Sam sang one of his originals called “Colorado Gray.” Accompanying himself on guitar, Sam performed the raw heartfelt folk ballad.
Sam’s original song and unique vocal impressed the judges
“I like the song,” said Carrie. “You’ve got a cool voice to go along with it” She pointed to her throat and heart, and said, “You’ve definitely got something here and here that I would like to hear more of.” Luke added that the show this season hasn’t had a “gritty rock tone like yours.” He appeared to have issues with the the song’s construction, but liked how Sam’s voice was “yours and different from what we have.”
As it turned out, Sam’s friend Malik signed him up for American Idol and accompanied him to the audition. Lionel invited him into the room. “He let us know that you’re the talent agent,” Lionel joked, but instructed Sam, “You hang on to Malik. Everyone of us needs a friend just like that.”
Next, all three judges said yes, sending Sam to Hollywood.
American Idol airs on ABC at 8 pm ET/PT Sunday March 23 and streams on Hulu next day.
