She took out the title as X FactorAustralia’s winner in 2012. Now the pint-sized pocket rocket with the big voice is gearing up to headline this year’s X Factor Live Tour.
DOLLY spoke to Sammy and chatted about music, roast chicken and, err, dining with vampires…
Q: How does it feel when you look back at your first performance and then you look at where you are now?
S: I feel like I’m looking at a different girl, in some respects. I think the thing with me on the show is that I really did grow. In the beginning I was still myself but I’m the better version of myself now. I feel like I’ve grown so much and really changed for the better.
Q: Who was the first person you called when you won?
S: My mum. I was like, “Mum I won!”. And she was like “I know!” She was in the audience but I still called her because I wanted her to come backstage.
Q: How has life changed for you?
S: I actually get noticed on the street, I can’t believe it. It’s different because people have said to me, “Oh you’ve already gone through this” but I haven’t. I’ve never been someone that people actually recognise so it’s a totally different world and you have to make sure you’re dressed well and have your hair good every day. That’s new! (laughs)
Q: Have you been papped by the paparazzi?
S: I can’t believe it’s me. I’m one of those people that’s been papped. I’s so weird.
Q: Now your song What You’ve Done To Me has been getting so much air play. Can we expect more songs like that from you?
S: Oh, definitely. I think I want to keep that kind of pop, uplifting, fun vibe. I do want to do songs like the arrangement that Guy [Sebastian] did for Heartless as well though — those powerful moment songs. But I think pop is really making a comeback.
Q: The X Factor tour is kicking off in January, what can we expect?
S: It’s going to be so fun! We’re all so excited. We have really become a family, especially the top six because we spent so much time together. I don’t think any of us have toured before so it’s a first for everyone.
Q: Who are you closest to out of the contestants?
S: Nathaniel and I were really good friends because we were in the same group, and we got along really, really well and his girlfriend’s so lovely! He also got along with my boyfriend so we all hung out a lot. I also love Bella and The Collective. Will and I text all the time, and I see The Collective boys a lot.
Q: What did you guys get up to backstage?
S: When we did sound check, we’d all have our mics and only we could hear each other with our inner ears. So we’d be like whispering to each other, it was just hilarious.
Q: You were signed to a record label and then dropped a few years ago, how did you pick yourself up and keep going?
S: It was really, really hard. When I got dropped I honestly lost all of the faith in music. It’s tough on your soul when you love something so much. I fell apart, I really, really did. I just wanted to sleep all day. I hated life! But I’m so glad that I experienced what it feels like to have a normal job and to start from scratch. I appreciate everything more than I ever did and I’m willing to work even harder.
Q: What’s your advice to young girls who might be going through a tough time?
S: I always say that the reason I’ve gotten through bad things in my life is because I have very close friends and family. That could be your mum, your dad, or your cousin or your best friend. I always keep my circle really, really small and put trust in certain people. I feel really blessed that they’ve got my back.
Q: You were so confident on stage. What’s your number one body confidence tip?
S: You’ve gotta think of the things that you love about yourself and think about the fact that you’re lucky. You know, we’re so lucky to be healthy. The reason everybody thought I was confident on stage was because I looked like I was having fun — so everybody else was having fun with me.
THE FAST 6!
1. Favourite movie?
S: I’ve got two. The Sound of Music and Titanic.
2. Any phobias?
S: Yes, I hate mice! I actually hate mice, I can’t stand them.
3. If you had an endless supply of food, what would that be?
S: Roast chicken and raw vegetables. I really do love it.
4. What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?
S: To have an ARIA sitting in my room would just be incredible.
5: If you had access to a time machine, where and when would you travel to?
S: I’d travel to when my brothers were little again. They’re big now, they’re sixteen and eighteen. They’re not my babies anymore. I’d like to go back to when they were two and four and I was their mini-mum.
6. Who would your dream dinner guest be?
S: Beyonce because I just want to ask her everything! And Edward fromTwilight. Not Robert Pattinson, but the actual vampire!
Q: Do you have a message for DOLLY readers?
S: Yes! I want to say thank you so much for the support and don’t ever stop believing in yourself. I know the reason that I’m here is because of everybody’s support. And come to the tour!
How is life after The X Factor TV show?
We are all so excited! Can’t Wait!
How are you adapting to the ‘celebrity world’?
It’s so weird, I’m still adjusting. But I am very grateful to be where I am.
What was your favourite performance during the competition?
Heartless and Scream.
What are you looking forward to most about the X Factor Live Tour?
Reliving moments from the show and being with all the contestants.
Tell us about the support you get from your fans.
My supporters are the best in the world. I am so lucky and grateful.
When did you know you wanted to audition for The X Factor?
I’d always loved the show and I decided to go last-minute, thanks to my parents.
Who is your favourite artist?
Beyonce.
Who did you become closest to on the show?
Nathaniel, Fourtunate, Bella, Angel, The Collective and Jason.
Which state are you most looking forward to visiting on the tour?
Perth! My hometown.
