Iam Tongi Stuck On You Full Performance | American Idol 2023 Top 12 S21E14

[@BeccaPickles]

When you can make Lionel Richie get up and dance to his own song, you've made it. LOVE this!

[@johncalahan7117]

Ive watched every year of idol. No singer has ever touched my heart like this kid does i truly believe he is a angel put on this earth to touch lives GREAT JOB BUDDY

[@timothystorr4770]

Especially in these times we are having now adays

[@randylove]

His dad has a lot to do with this

[@davidlabranche4266]

He really is

[@shellylavigne5913]

The reggae beat he does with his songs is tremendous

[@ettawalker6168]

Absolutely he is a very humble and very happy sou;l Team Iam all the way from the island

[@gregorydryden7865]

It seems every performance Iam Tongi gets better and better and more confident, which is saying a lot because every song is AMAZING!!!!! Go Iam win it all

[@mr.t9529]

EXACTLY! I was thinking the same thing…his confidence and showmanship is through the roof! Dang, the stupid format is just too short…I could listen to him all night. And he doesn’t even need to win this…he will have a career anyway. I will gladly buy anything he puts out and pay good money to see him live😊

[@itsivybianca0526]

And he has the biggest views in every performance

[@WandaWhitley]

That part the more he sing the better he get

[@NerdyNyte]

He is a awesome guy and his voice is phenomenal can't say enough about him love love our new america idol iam tongi lo❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jjuammmmm]

He's amazing!

[@avisingh8228]

This kid makes me cry every time I watch him sing. He was born for this. God bless 🙏🏾

[@eukamakutu]

Thank you for putting our island reggae out there for the world to know Iam Tongi. Love from your Fijian brother 🇫🇯

[@mermaidofaloha]

U killing me with happiness Iam Tongi. Smiling so big my face hurts. I am even happier than Lionel Richie right now. You are worth all my votes each week & so much more. Great job with Stuck on You. Yes I am, I am stuck on you Iam Tongi. How many old lady grandmas like me are in love with you?♥️🙏🌟Kauai love from one of your fans.♥️

[@debbiebeaulieu6787]

Look at him!! He's smiling and his eyes are open...his confidence is building to the Big Stage...WE are smiling from ear to ear toooooooo Can't stand it!! YES!!!!! A STAR IS BORN ⭐️ IAM TONGI 💯 NO.1 ⭐️ 💿

[@joeywolflin1578]

The way he took a classic and gave it an island feel to it, it gave that song new life. Love this kid.

[@grakyn443]

I think I like this version more than the original

[@maralyntilley3230]

@@grakyn443 search up stuck on you by ekolu that one good too

[@teuilaleota]

@@maralyntilley3230 nah eddie lovette >>

[@eisleenakamasu5234]

If you like this version, check out “Stuck On You” by Ekolu. It’s also a cover from a popular band from Hawai’i, I grew up with this version and I was screaming when I heard him do it like this.

[@marylaferriere42]

You said it perfectly 👍

[@lyneae3786]

Besides the fact that he has very beautiful tone and amazing pitch, he also has a very sweet, Soothing traditional Hawaiian style that is very genuine and boasts of a very heartfelt approach. People need to hear him because we need his talent and style to be a light and a lot of darkness in the world today. He has a very old soul style that is amazing for any artist in this day and age but let alone such a young artist. I hope he takes good care of himself Because we need him to be around a long time.

[@QueenReina6419]

Except that he's Tongan not Hawaiian lol😊

[@malindababista8308]

My son he see him when he was in Hawaii and he was singing in one of occasion and my son said he can win to American Idol with his Voice… what a coincidence… Congratulations 🍾🎊🎈🎉 Iam….

[@IamTongi-jz9jd]

Hello beautiful

[@triggatrevor1849]

​@@QueenReina6419He's a Tongan who grew up in Hawaii.

[@melvourine]

Goosebumps and teary eyes I got!

[@polufuatagavi4066]

I'm so thrilled and excited for you Iam. Lionel was loving it. You killed it❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@mjblue84]

That fly is stuck on the beautiful voice of our Iam!!! Go Iam....!!!!!!!!!! All of us in Hawaii are so proud of you. Rodney is looking down and smiling.

[@msdilbeck5655]

Qq

[@5PuaAloha]

Rajah dat! 🤙

[@penny1150]

We in the upper 48 absolutely love him

[@EclecticElegance13]

It’s impossible not to root for Iam. He is so authentic and talented. He just does everything sooooo right!

[@kylady124]

I love this young man, his voice, his spirit, the whole package ...He's a star! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@FredWalker-ox7br]

Hello Lady

[@IamTongi-jz9jd]

Thanks for the love ❤❤❤. Kindly show me love by texting me on my private mail

[@lessacto]

When you’re singing a cover and the original artist/songwriter is grooving to it in the audience, you know you’ve made it…

[@angierennie9078]

For reals!! Lionel was loving it, but when that island vibe hit, I thought he was going to go lead a conga line! 😄 He was over da moon!

[@NNPB2819]

@Melissa Marie Brown listen to the eddie Lovett version of stuck on you his is a reggae version

[@tristianhikuta1917]

The man is living the dream 🥲 Kudos from Micronesia USSSS’

[@lynsanford7555]

I had to hear how Miley cover the Weani edge of midnight,had not heard it until we'ani preformed and I said I like that song😅

[@ShielaCarbonel-zs1es]

God bless tongi❤❤❤🙏

[@Scotty_28]

I’m ready to buy his album right now. This guy is just a star, no two ways around it

[@MSavella89]

Same here! Can’t wait for that first album to drop!

[@maureenmclaughlin7720]

Me too!!! He is amazing!! ❤❤

[@victorochoa8335]

Wow!!!! This kid is amazing and I can’t wait for his first CD!!!❤

[@darrellperez1029]

He has some music on Spotify.

[@makuemanalili603]

The big guy is for only 10% talent and 90% compassion

[@ce7768]

Iam is the truth. This was everything. Like he legit just sang a Lionel song "Stuck on you" which is a timeless classic and regged'd it. I was here vibing. Iam is so dope and his voice is just GOD's gift to mankind. Please go vote guys..

[@whodatHawaiian]

Ekolu version

[@momanapori4986]

Toko you just made all Of Polynesia proud!!! Now I wanna pump this in my Bar

[@tyagomercado1767]

Ekolu cover Hawaiian style is the one he is singing local boy remix classic

[@margusmagi6703]

Sorry, he is just a nice guy who is singing the way he (probably) is. There is warmth, sincerity and good mood. And thats it (but certain musical skills). There is no need to make him greater than he is. Enjoy it, but remember - it is just a joy YOU are feeling. The people who are so excited about him and his singing are just missing warmth and sincerity in everyday human relationships. It was the same thing with Alejandro Aranda (who is musically far more better than Iam Tongi). So peoples excitement is not about him at all, but about themselves. And it brings ratings for TV-Company.

[@whodatHawaiian]

@@margusmagi6703 you know what you are totally right guy but some people are vibe killin fukkas and you are one.

[@pamherring3015]

And people of America that right there is our Winner. Cant wait for albums to start dropping!!! Love you Iam!!❤️🙏

[@mysticwanderer4787]

This is the best cover of this song I have ever heard. The reggae beat really gave it a different vibe one that Lionel obviously loved. So many great voices in Hawaii it seems to be part of the islander's DNA so it is not a surprise that an American Idol winner would come from that great state.

[@hectorcartagena2870]

I become a big fan of Lionel Richie and I am currently diving into his music. He seems so happy when someone plays his song. He is my favorite judge. Great job I am . 😊

[@myadoua06]

It’s indeed the Iam Tongi show! He gets better with every performance. And Lionel’s face says it all - he honored him well. All these artists come out here with their take on newer modern day music and then Iam Tongi takes us bck. Timeless and just pure joy! He is our American idol! 💕😭😭🥰🥰

[@riggins5028]

Say word

[@swabbles808]

What makes Iam amazing besides his voice and his story is his innocence and playfulness. Plus every performance gets better and his confidence soars. Iam. Hawaii is with you!! ❤️

[@marywookey8960]

Been watching this show a GOOD MINUET, and I've never wanted anyone to win this more than " Iam Tongi". 🙏🏼♥️💥💯🇬🇧✊🏼

[@polufuatagavi4066]

Me too❤

[@marywookey8960]

Dis baby bruddah iz da whole package! I live Maui n everyone I talk to like him win!🙏🏼♥️🇬🇧

[@skittlez25trey]

Foreal though 😂 I’m going nuts here like ,he betta win 🥇 🎉🎉🎉🙏🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

[@samsharman4425]

Yes definitely he’s got this

[@kehaunanimanuola-dasalla]

Not only spreading the love through his sound when he sings but he’s spreading the true meaning of aloha! He makes everyone feel something that America is missing nowadays! You go braddah Iam!

[@mariorueda2046]

That fly that was stuck on him was a sign of his father showing him that he's there with him through his journey. I'm proud of you tongi we're all gonna go through what you did losing your dad but you keep going that's what counts.

[@ginnyk891]

Omg... he sings from his heart. He is so good. I could listen to him all day

[@GanjahMacK]

“Stuck on You” is another timeless classic in the Pacific Islands. Such a wonderful sight to see Lionel Richie dancing like a child❤️Iam just got a way at pulling at them heart and dance strings. Lol. Get’em Toko!!

[@thatdudejakey]

@@ingridh8254 hater

[@mmeadows1014]

@@ingridh8254 damn, rude much? He’s frieking awesome.. how bout some love instead of hate?

[@akesetaboo9488]

@Ingrid H is boring 😂😂😂

[@odettagonzalez4355]

@@ingridh8254 Oh chit! The fly is in our comments🙄buss out da fly swattah🙄👋🏻yeah you! Hater😂😂

[@GanjahMacK]

@@mmeadows1014No sense bother entertaining them. People like that purposely come onto people doing great things like Iam, just to throw negativity because their lives are shitty, so it makes them feel better. Dude probably has a personal vendetta with Lionel Richie because his grandma said she slept with him and he left her.

[@marlowexo]

Listen to this 5 times already!!! I love love love him!!! ❤❤❤❤ he gets all my 10 votes!

[@myPhDinAwesomeness]

The guy who saved american idol

[@judenjoku2592]

@@myPhDinAwesomeness absolutely, beautiful voice

[@scottr8888r]

man!!! he makes all the originals songs sound like we just heard them for the 1st time.... This will be on his 1st album for sure!!!! He has my vote all the way to #1

[@alonanicolas9183]

THE WHOLE WORLD IS ROOTING FOR YOU !!! YOU TOUCH EVERYONE’s HEART EVERYTIME YOU SING !!! THAT’s WHAT AN AMERICAN IDOL SHOULD BE !!❤🎉

[@kennethturner464]

This kid is amazing, the best is yet to come for this young man.

[@alessandrodc7257]

He makes me proud to be a Polynesian and I’m a Brazilian guy. This dude can sing!

[@alexandrecunha4037]

diferente de muitos cantores brasileiros que não canta nada e o povo gosta e dificil escutar musicas nacional

[@enishagonzalez8827]

😂 ❤

[@odettagonzalez4355]

Awsome comment 👌🔥❤️

[@billr.1230]

This is perhaps my favorite Lionel Ritchie song. As I see the judges dancing aorund to it, I see the Lionel was overjoyed at Iam Tongi's version of it. Love this!!!

[@marienewman956]

He the winner 🎉❤

[@ChArLi_0.o]

Every time he sings I cry. His voice is so magical. It’s amazing 🥰

[@leighanncamacho5920]

Same. Every single time. I can’t even explain it. Happy tears, sad tears. I have no control.

[@kiananq5878]

Same.

[@cecimartinez1777]

Me to!!!❤❤❤❤

[@georgia1191]

That just means you have a beautiful heart God bless you I pray your dreams come true

[@cheers1061]

Me too 😢😘❤️

[@cayezara8110]

This boy, IAM TONGI has a magical singing prowess. Any songs he sings he delivers it well.

[@cheers1061]

Some of the songs he sung, I'd never heard it before but absolutely love them all now. 🥰🥰❤️❤️

[@2010pagbabago]

Turning a classic and churning it with an island flavour! Genius!

[@lizsului_685]

New Legend is born team Iam😊❤

[@cherubbisangma7154]

May authenticity and simplicity win ❤🎉!! Iam Tongi you have my heart mannn!

[@renastercay1199]

sad tears happy tears , fantastic job Ian, hope you feel your dad beaming with pride at his son

[@melessaellis9675]

Loved it !! Every week just love him more n more !! Can listen to him sing all day!

[@chuckontal9962]

Judges tend to have a worried look when contestants cover their songs cuz they know how tricky that can be but Lionel was all smiles from the start. Complete faith

[@vanessacamacho6340]

I can’t stop watching. My soul is smiling too hard! His smile lights up everything in me. Absolutely beautiful rendition and voice. This brings me so much joy!! 🥰

[@antoinettefisher6895]

This was beautiful. Even Lionel was amazed by your performance.I loved it. ❤

[@samu3lj3son93]

Richie don’t lose him man, He got the talent and the personality to be a Star, The pacific As a nation Needed this Guy and now we Are all rooting for him

[@rosecalip1757]

I am so happy that Iam made top 12! No sweat Iam! Love it! We got you!! ❤❤❤❤

[@virtualtourmaps]

Lovable Iam! I hope you win! You bring me to chills! ♥️

[@maryrosereyes105]

Lionel.Richie reaction the whole performance and gave him a hug..what an amazing man he is. He appreciated IAM a lot..and his voice is brilliant..my winner for me❤🌹🇵🇭

[@wxkat]

One of the things I love about this performance is how he takes the original version and switches to an Ekolu-inspired version and back again. Funny thing is that unless you’re familiar with both versions, you’re nearly blown away when you find out about the existence of the other. 😉

[@merian_d]

I really love this guy! Voting him all the way! ❤

[@i_tearespect8190]

Man this kid just keeps getting better and better. Was hoping he would do a Lionel Richie song 😃 Absolutely killed it. Iam’s father would be so proud R.I.L

[@rachellykles5602]

I love Iam vote for me Americans please... Watching, loving an praying from Australia Iam wins. ❤❤

[@mander40101]

O...M...G...! Just when I thought things couldn't get any better for Iam...he does THAT!...and to a LIONEL RICHIE song of all things! AND he brought the song to the islands! I thought I had seen it all. Move over Joshua Ledet and Jessica Sanchez (the last two Idol contestants to move me like THIS...) Iam Tongi is coming through!! JLo once said of Joshua Ledet that he was the best thing she'd ever seen on Idol. THIS is the best thing to EVER be on Idol. Period! I am so excited for Iam!!

[@levideese]

When I saw him sing monsters, I said this competition is over. Kid is so talented 🔥

[@leifatuesi5262]

When all the contestants takes us forward while Iam took us back to the groove ‘ole golden days. Phenomenal performance Iam. Heart❤

[@sharonhill4726]

I’m, Rooting for you Iam Songi ; You are a Special & Inspiring Person for Sure !! God Bless & Live your Dream “ ❤🎶👏👏👏

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

Love love this, that voice!! Greetings from South Africa

[@wa210]

Brah, you nailed it Iam . I saw Lionel in concert front row at Blaisdell in 1986, and he sang that song, along with the original Magnum PI cast 3 rows behind me. You are THE AMERICAN IDOL in my book.

[@tomtucker5405]

What comes from inside this young man is a soulful Sound that resonates and touches you!

[@MarvinPersonette]

As a huge fan of Country Music and (in my opinion) none greater than George Jones himself, I could listen to this kid sing anything for hours on end. Music isn't in his soul. He IS the music ! Everything about him is so genuine. That speaks volumes.

[@marilynclifton6032]

Exactly...he is music

[@johnhefter3815]

I don't think this is a country song.

[@ForeverFreeLibertyyy]

This is black soul music written by Lionel Richie in the early 80s..

[@savunnplang8314]

This song is awesome in the original version but having Iam doing a reggae style was outstanding. I love it this kid can make an iconic song his style and make it cool… I hope to see him perform live one day…

[@nevilleanitelea1372]

It’s like we’re watching Iam Tongi concert every week… awesome. Bit of soul, bit of country, a lot of heart ❤️

[@melv3992]

RIGHT!! 👏🏼😭💯

[@anjilala]

That big smile at the beginning 😍 nice to see him come out of shell and connect - then give the Island vibes in the way he does, taking everyone with him to that happy place. Well done

[@Gruffyruff2195]

What an appropriate song for that fly lol 😆

[@carriedavenport1350]

Truth 😂

[@encydear5693]

The fly just enjoying the song before others enjoyed lol

[@brigittakehlati]

Must be a happy spirit fly enjoying the amazing music. The fly knew the winner 🏆 🥇 🏅 🙌 already.

[@user-sg4nb5pf2t]

Omg, Iam I love that song andmy goodness you rocked it. Thank you.

[@debodeeful]

Everything I hear his voice,,I cannot help but smile and get chills because of the warm tones in his melodious voice.

[@RaiRaiBrown]

My thoughts exactly 💯❤

[@mariaolivares5963]

Best cover of my favorite song-ever!! You can do no wrong Iam- we love you!!!

[@ernestmbah5931]

This guy makes me cry all the time when I watch him sing on American idol. Your voice is smooth, and you enjoy yourself on stage singing. You deserve to win

[@pelenatomanu9195]

I’m from Australia I watch every of his performance and make me so happy…Iam tongi go all the way and keep singing from your heart ❤️ your the American idol..all the best of luck

[@daleelms5368]

I'm from Australia 🇦🇺 too.. I'm in the same boat as you.. The Iam Tongi's Boat .... I'm rooting for this kid❤

[@pelenatomanu9195]

@@daleelms5368 yeah man he touch people’s heart ❤️ every time he sing’s..

[@zenobiagadson7951]

Iam Tongi, I really enjoy 😊 everything you sing, I have seen no one touch the people that you have touched . Enjoy your success, young man I know your father and family a very proud.❤

[@barbaraweiss3119]

This young man is incredible…already a star!

[@terreanelson1960]

PHENOMENAL 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 he deserves to win the whole thing. Love this dude ❤️❤️❤️

[@sirgeopene2956]

He’s so young… he said HI GRANDPA! I LOVE YOU😂😂…. You truly are Poly 😂😂😂…. Stay true to your culture young Toko❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@MarjorieOnoniua]

Omg. I love this kid. Can you imagine being his mom and hearing that voice in the house. He’s going to win. If he doesn’t someone will pick him up.

[@TTNorthA]

He talks through his songs - when singing Stuck on you he saluted Lionel with his eyes and as if "I pay tribute to your song" - Simple nice guy

[@colelacap495]

The crazy thing is, where he comes from, there is so much talent like him that never gets the light of day. God Bless Iam Tongi

[@muffpoundah]

sham

[@siamiko9286]

AAAAAALLLLLLL the vibes seeing Lionel Richie just so excited that Iam is singing one of his classics!! Malie Iam!! Doing the Kingdom proud!!

[@mander40101]

Lionel wasn't excited that Iam was singing one of his songs. Lionel was excited about what Iam did to his song and how he delivered it. Iam is cutting his album on AI. So fun to watch!

[@marthalisk303]

I love this kid so much! He is a TRUE talent. I am SO happy to see him smile, having fun and so excited. Rodney is definitely smiling down on Iam. It seems Iam can take any song/genre, put his own twist on it and make it an outstanding performance. Did I say I love this kid?

[@jerster77]

This kid could sing the phonebook and make it a hit. What a talent.

[@nana6966]

Bro😅😅

[@corinocancino9264]

True .old songs are now a hit

[@KZ-do7vo]

💯❤️

[@lisiatonio9233]

😂😂i totally agree

[@bigheadrhino]

I wish he would just stream himself singing randomly all day.

[@ArleneHeer-w7q]

IAM is the WHOLE PACKAGE! Authentic charm and character, wise beyond his 18 years. I pray he keeps smiling, laughing, and singing for many, many more years! He is a testament to his departed father, and family and truly loves singing. Go get ‘em Iam!

[@malvenfarrugia3656]

God bless you kid! What an Amazing cover version of this song! Such harmouny & happines. Lionel should be proud listen to his song .

[@Youuuuppppe]

Look at him smiling and his eyes open !!!

[@rainbowstar4360]

Iam Tongi you DA BEST my brother! Bradda IZ waving one shaka at you right now and your dad giving you one big hug from up and above! You going to WIN this my brother! All of Hawaii Islands and America got your back. Everybody on all the Hawaiian Islands TEXT your Votes in every week! Lets give Iam the Aloha support!

[@sheldonamante9498]

808 Represent!!!!! Yesssah!!! Lets go!!!!😅🤙

[@mikeywc808]

Hope he does an IZ song. That would have the islands shaking.

[@k.s.2891]

I love his twist on that jam.... its raining outside but that dam song came on and all of a sudden it turn 75 and clear in my house lol😂😂😂 depressed mood all gone...thank you

[@ghostwolf3167]

I cannot get enough of tongi I know he's going to win and go on to do great things

[@INNER.SESSION]

I can’t wait for the recording of this version . Wow!!

[@fabianrosales2253]

18 years old and already singing like he has lived so much ❤

[@marynersablayan9308]

This young boy doesn't need high pitch but pure soul. He's my American Idol. 😀

[@FredWalker-ox7br]

Hello Maryner

[@yazzy2010]

He’s so adorable lol just a big kid having the time of his life while killing it 😊

[@ob5086]

All the best for Iam Togi from New South Wales Sydney Australia 🤙

[@MoseIsaako-gr4yy]

That fly goes to show how much creation is stuck on you already my brother ❤️❤️ Lionel Richie can't stop smiling 🙏🙏 Mahalo malo le faafiafia USO

[@gloriaaiseia6311]

I am dancing while listening and watching. Iam your singing can make every moment filled with joy and love. We just love listening to you 🫶🏼♥️

[@isabeljuarez4305]

I'm glad he made in top 12 his voice is incredible he make me cry everytime he sings.

[@FREECSGAMING]

i swear , everyone is fighting for the second spot 😂 Iam takes it all

[@AyrickTalbo]

like this Hawaiian reggae version n his ad-lib that was GREAT BRAH!!! CONGRATS ON YOUR WINNING... HAWAII PEOPLE BEHIND YOU!!! HAVE A BLESSED HEALTHY FUTURE N YOU FAMILY.... GOD BLESS....

[@tuat6443]

Awesome brother all the pacific islands people proud of you 👏 you represent your family and your country surely your dad really proud of you ! Plus I like the reggae version. Let’s goooo!!!

[@tamalynsmith8203]

Took my breathe. Watching Lionel enjoy this song, truly enjoyed himself. This young man is a beautiful soul with a little boy's smile and the voice that brings peace to us all.

[@jessliehook159]

YAASSSS!!! I was SO hoping he'd do a cover of this song with that island jam vibe.

[@darthn8r946]

I just love this kid. Story aside, there are a lot of heart-breaking stories from the contestants on this show and his is every bit as sad, but aside from that, this kid just flat out sings and connects with the audience in a way I haven't seen on this show. Beautiful voice, beautiful soul, such a wonderful season on idol filled with so many talented performers. Personally, I hope Iam wins. He just hits me square in the heart every time he sings. Bravo to you Iam, I love your journey and wish the best for you. I hope whatever happens, he is able to go back to his home in Hawaii and live with his family and friends, doing what he loves to do. Cheers, Ke aloha and God bless.

[@mariodesalo8450]

I haven’t watched to American Idol in decades. Last night I was surfing through the channels and heard this guy sing Sunday night. Man can he sang and I am not talking about singing, I am back in the game! Wow.

[@MF_Champs]

He is not gonna win because of his story. He is gonna win because he is the American idol. As simple as that!

[@FANCY__DADDY]

💯💯💯

[@FANCY__DADDY]

HIS VOICE WILL WIN IT ALL!!!!!!!!!!! 🇹🇴

[@ramonacole6142]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lalunch3168]

I hope not.

[@odettagonzalez4355]

@@lalunch3168 oh chit! Here you are the fly on the comment section😞😂🙄🙄🙄Where’s my fly swatter? HATER