Samantha has been performing through singing, dancing and acting half of her young life. She has competed in several contests and has taken home honors. Some of them include 2nd runner up (out of 1,000 contestants) in the sing with Shania Twain contest at the Mall of America. Semi-finalist at the Minnesota State Fair Grand Stand, both as a soloist and as a duet. 1st place winner in the Minneapolis Aquatennial Talent contest and 1st place with honors with the American Kids in Branson, Missouri. She has performed for audiences in the 1,000's.

Not only does she enjoy singing, but she has acted in community theatres, High School Theatre and Professional Theatres since the age of 10. She also enjoys performing in church ministry programs.

Samantha has been co-writing her own songs for about 6 years now. She has co-written four of the songs on her self titled CD, "Samantha Jo". These Days, He's Always There, Time For Summer, and Ruby Red Earrings. Each one of the songs has a special story behind it.

She has traveled from Minneapolis/St.Paul to Chicago, Illinois, Branson, Missouri, Los Angeles, Calif., Nashville, Tenn. and Flandreau, SD to perform at various events. In June 2003 she was televised on the American Music Showcase in Nashville, Tenn., premiering with one of country's greatest, Hank Cochran.

In January of 2004 she was a winner of the National Songwriting contest with the song "These Days", sponsored by Terri Clark and the crisis Intervention Center. She was honored on stage at the benefit and was thrilled to sing at the famous Blue Bird Cafe in Nashville. In October of 2004, she performed at the "The Legends" in downtown, Nashville.

As a result of the contest she was fortunate enough to meet several wonderful people in Nashville that have helped support and continue her career.

She was also awarded first place in the Colgate Country Showdown competition in Owatonna, Mn in August of 2005 and had gone on to compete as a finalist in the national competition in Flandreau, SD.