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May 23, 2023 | 12:25 p.m
Iam Tongi spoke Monday about his “American Idol” win after being crowned the youngest man to ever win the competition and how he honored his late father during his time on the show.
“It’s amazing,” Tongi, 18, told TV Insider. “I was so happy that everyone voted. Thanks to all. Now that I’m the ‘idol’ of season 21, it’s crazy.”
Tongi’s comments came after several viewers claimed the entire competition had been “rigged” in the high school senior’s favor and that his victory was due to a “sympathy vote”.
A naysayer tweeted this while Tongi “had the best sob story” The competition was about musical talent.
Since his first audition for “Idol” three months ago, the Hawaii native’s video has racked up 16 million views, making it the top video on the show’s YouTube page.
During his time on the show, the Hawaii native told judges Katy Perry, 38, Lionel Richie, 73, and Luke Bryan, 46, that he lost his father to stage four kidney disease a few months before his audition.
As the show continued, Tongi used his late father’s guitar in every performance until breaking out mid-season.
Iam Tongi spoke about his “American Idol” win on Monday after being crowned the youngest man to ever win the competition. Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images “It’s amazing,” Tongi, 18, told TV Insider. “I was so happy that everyone voted. Thanks to all. Now that I’m the ‘idol’ of season 21, it’s crazy.” Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images Tongi’s comments came after several viewers claimed the entire competition was “rigged” in the high school graduate’s favor. and his victory was due to a “sympathy vote”. ABC
“I always wanted to play my father’s guitar,” Tongi said. “But when it broke the first time, it was tough.”
According to the singer, his mother, as well as another “Idol” contestant named Oliver Steele, who made the show’s Top 8 and developed a close bond with Tongi, told him that “it wasn’t about the guitar, it was about the voice. “ ”
“I just started believing that my dad would be with me whether I used it or not,” Tongi continued. “The guitar will always be a treasure.”
William Tongi (right) beat Megan Danielle for the top spot on “Idol.” Instagram/Iam Tongi As the show progressed, Tongi continued to use his late father’s guitar in every performance until he broke out mid-season. ABC
Tongi closed the show during Sunday’s finale with two stunning renditions of Keith Urban’s Making Memories of Us – which moved the judge to tears – and James Blunt’s Monsters, which he sang with the British pop star.
According to the singer, his overall experience on the show has taught him that “speaking up about your struggles and what you’re going through isn’t a bad thing.”
Where will Tongi go from here?
Tongi closed the show on Sunday with two stunning renditions of Keith Urban’s Making Memories of Us, which brought judges Lionel Richie (from left), Katy Perry and Luke Bryan to tears. ABC
The “Idol” winner said he plans to broaden his musical horizons.
“I don’t want to limit myself to one genre of music because I love all music,” Tongi told the outlet. “I just want to have fun with it.”
Despite the hatred, other viewers were smitten with the young adult.
“Congratulations to Hawaii’s very own American Idol, Iam Tongi.” tweeted Hawaii’s Gov. Josh Green with a photo of the star.
“Congratulations @wtongi! It’s been a great season of #AmericanIdol, I look forward to hearing more of your music.” tweeted one fan.
“American Idol got it right. Congratulations, I’m Tongi,” explained a third fan.
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