American Idol has sadly come to an end, and this season has brought forward some incredible talent.
But from the beginning, 18-year-old Iam Tongi from Kahuku, Hawaii, was in the lead. With 16 million views in three months, his first Idol audition became the most watched video on the show’s YouTube account.
Iam Tongi went through a lot of emotions after winning the most recent season of American Idol, but thankfully, James Blunt was on hand to help him through it all.
The star performed Monsters alongside Blunt, and appeared visibly emotional during the season finale.
Tongi could be seen wiping the tears from his eyes mid way through the song, indicating that the song’s lyrics affected him. “Don’t be afraid, it’s my turn / To chase the monsters away,” he struggled to say as Blunt carried the performance, giving a look of reassurance to Tongi.
It’s understandable why the song had such significance for the star, as it was not only his audition track, but it was also a dedication to his late father, who Tongi revealed sparked his passion for music.
He gave a heartfelt performance during his audition, dedicating it to his father. Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan all gave him a standing ovation.
It seems Katy Perry knew he’d go far in the competition, as during the show’s Disney Night, she said to him: “I believe it’s written in the stars,” adding: “I don’t believe in coincidences. I know that you’re Iam, but when I see your name, I see ‘I am the next American Idol.’”
And fans clearly agree, as thousands have taken to social media to share their congratulations to the American Idol winner.
One wrote: “This was by far the most real authentic and so beautifully emotional duet I had ever witnessed in my life let alone on American idol it was so powerful I ain’t going to lie I’m glad they went to commercial break right afterwards because NOBODY could it hold together I salute James Blunt for stepping up and allowing him to gather hisself and was supporting him throughout the performance just a powerful and very touching performance.”
While another commented: “Wow, I thought I fell apart the first time I heard Iam sing this… and listened to it at least 50 more times, as well as all his songs, and listened to James Blunt sing this too… But, I was not prepared for this double whammy, and it was as if I was again hearing it for the first time. That, and the caring heart each showed each other, to make it through this song, singing whenever they could, no matter what may have been rehearsed or planned…. and seeing James show how much he loved that Iam sang it from his own heart…
“JUST SO POWERFUL AND SO MOVING AND SO DEEPLY HEARTFELT!
“Loved it, loved it, and will love it again and again and more. I hope all our dads heard and loved it too.”
What did you make of Tongi’s heartfelt performance?
