The Story of Iam Tongi and his journey to winning American Idol Season 21 | 2023

18 year old Iam Tongi captivated the hearts of millions of American Idol viewers with his emotional audition of Monsters by James Blunt. Iam has emerged as a fan favorite. Now in the Top 3, Ian finds himself competing alongside Megan Danielle and Colin Stough for a chance to be the next American Idol winner. The question is can he win the show? After an anxious night of waiting the answer is yes. Congratulations Iam Tongi on being crowned the winner of season 21 of American Idol.

[@josephleggott7229]

He's already won in America's hearts

[@cheers1061]

His even won many hearts in Australia

[@ernestinebatts1464]

💯... NO DOUBT ABOUT IT!!!! I LOVE EVERYTHING THIS YOUNG MAN SINGS...WITH ALL HIS HEART ❤️

[@francesscott4884]

I Love This Young Man And Hus Music Will Take Him Every Where He Wants To Go. His Music Is Heart Filling Now This Is Music. Thank You IAM You Are Wonderful. Every Time You Sing I Just Cry But The Tears Are Happy Tears. Your Father And Mother Is So Proud of you.

[@donnaprice-williams5086]

How could you not just love him, he is a gifted young man and will soar!!! 💜💜💜

[@lavancewoodell3180]

He hit it home with Monsters and chose to sing stuck on you by Lionel Richie, I love that song. I told my boyfriend this is my guy. All the way through American Idol. We Love you man.

[@friendlyisles]

u got this Iam.........winner takkes it all

[@rudir6826]

I was never an American Idol fan but when I heard his monsters rendition that has gone viral I was immediately hooked and followed

[@dmarc8165]

same here. only followed since the time I heard Monsters.

[@donbrown1284]

Fascinating analysis of why that song worked: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWGxqYKfetyli8k

[@vikings4l1fe]

exactly why I am here

[@timsteinbeck6844]

He sings with Aloha. He’s not a wanna be. He is the real thing!

[@donnastorey3830]

I am voting for him.

[@SherylAlmogela]

Go Iam!!!

[@user-wn5tq7jt4b]

Yes Yes Yes Yes Vote For Iam Tongi

[@gayekennedy9476]

It was a sign from his Dad that his guitar gave in, his dad saying you can do this on your own, you got this Son ❤

[@sandraanncallow7826]

I'm a very proud Hawaiian Your mother and father have showered you with Aloha and IAM shares it by his voice. Mahalo

[@flowergirl52]

He just won AI and I feel it's because he is on a mission to heal hearts and bring people together. The Polynesian culture is all about love and racial acceptance, our country and the world needs his message right now!! Rock on Iam you are going to make this a Wonderful World!!

[@AnnCouch-nn5kb]

😂his voice is so smooth ,love it

[@pamgribas6379]

I totally agree! He seems to be a gift to the world! ❤

[@sixgrandchildren5973]

Iam, you are my hero. Your good energy comes through the tv. We need more ppl like you

[@dianathelander1033]

I told my mom from his audition he is going to win!! I AM so happy he did.❤

[@williamruka9125]

Hes a winner I am voting for him

[@victoriapeters6953]

He is The Winner 🎉😊🏆. Time will tell. God has already blessed him with a beautiful voice ❤️🙏😊

[@margaretgasper7068]

He's got ALL my votes. May God Our Father bless you forever, I am!

[@sophiewhite7742]

I am voting for him

[@ellenmatagi6040]

❤❤❤TEAM IAM TONGI ALLL THE WAYYYYY CHHHEEE WWWHHHHOOOOO ❤️ 💙 💜

[@clintonelbelau-jq9pc]

Iam is the winner, go brother all the way.

[@davidjohnson4567]

Voting for IAM

[@randomgames9199]

From the first song he is my favorite IDOL of any season!! His voice is truly AMAZING. Good luck

[@mariajenkins4186]

Absolutely he’s was born to win

[@codydutton1712]

Iam is already a winner! We Love Iam! ❤ Take it all the way Iam YESSSAH! 🤙🏻

[@normavillanueva7180]

I felt Iam was going to win after the first few nights. He is so humble and he tells a story with his songs. I'm happy for Iam!! God bless him! ❤️

[@lauriecandlelover]

He won it!!! First Tongan to win😊 my children and their Dad who is Tongan are celebrating with Family. Also Iam is LDS and so are we. He is a special soul who has so much to give to the world through music🎉🎉❤

[@elouise5593]

Yes! I am not Tongan, but proud to see first LDS winner of AI! I got to hear him in person at a couple of firesides, and got to talk to him, so it was amazing to see and hear him on AI! I just hope and pray that he stays strong in his faith!

[@siosiuapooipohiva3864]

Yes, I believe Iam Tongi has in him, all that it takes to win the American Idol. We wish this young man the very best and success in his career.

[@bobstrauss9413]

What a talent ! his singing is the greatest tribute to his father.

[@jeannesandner548]

He was awesome. I'm so glad he won. I'm positive his father is looking down on him feeling so proud of his son!!

[@lindapaquette819]

With every bit of my body n soul, this young man is, the next, AMERICAN IDOL! I LOVA YOU IAM!❤❤❤

[@Master_Rich1270]

He is already a winner in our heart ❤️ no matter what. He sing like an Angel healing ❤️‍🩹 our wounds.❤️🙏

[@shirleysanford5935]

Yes For Iam❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@user-hg2wd6wy8r]

He’s number one voice of gold we love him

[@corwinpedro8604]

Congratulations 🎉 yessah Hawaii local #1 STAR Love you and many more blessings to you and ohanas,all the the fans God bless you all ❤🎉😊🤩😍💯💯🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾👍🏾👍🏾 Aloha

[@ynnammanuel781]

He's already shown his talent but also a loving son to his Dad,it is not oftenly see this days,that talent he has waken the dream the true spirit of an American...

[@donnaprice-williams5086]

Lionel hit the nail on the head, he has already fractured some souls and mine was one of them. I absolutely love Iam. He is a super ⭐⭐⭐⭐!!!!

[@ckanekoa556]

He is Gifted & Talented ❤ “He won when 🙏💕he made the judges cry of JOY”

[@bonnieholman7884]

Most definitely a winner! Keep on keeping on Iam.

[@hauolipeelua8440]

HE HAS "THE MAGIC" THAT SETS TRUE ARTIST APART FOR THE LONG TERM. 💎

[@ceefaka]

He sings with his spirit and soul ! Ofas from Texas Iam! Malo ho hiva!

[@darleneboucher1623]

Iam's voice is a gift from God. He deserves the American Idol win!

[@jennifermills7415]

Iam touches hearts and souls. He had my heart from the beginning. A well deserved win. He has a beautiful soul and a very special gift. I enjoyed every performance he gave on Idol. He almost always made me cry. 😔 Congratulations Iam and just keeping on being who you are and sharing your gift with the world. xo

[@user-yt4ov2un2p]

Indeed!! He is loved by the world❤️❤️💯💯🔥🔥🥰🥰😎😎👍👍🤙🤙🤙🙏🙏🙏🙌🤙🤙🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇🎤🎤🎤🎶🎶🎶

[@jennifermills7415]

@@user-yt4ov2un2p Rhonda, I knew this young man was special from the moment he opened his mouth. I am a Canadian and Iam has not just touched Americans, but so many others around the world. His audition song touched me very deeply. Not just the words, but the way he sang it. I lost my young dad to cancer when I was five and I recently lost my mom. Grieving a loss just means that you have loved very deeply. How lucky we are to have had someone in our lives that makes saying goodbye so hard....

[@user-yt4ov2un2p]

@@jennifermills7415 I lost both my parents within years to the cancer! Quit my job to make sure my mama never went into a home! My paw was a mountain man and died in nature, as he lived!! Iam’s new song ha touched my ❤️ and soul🤙🤙❤️❤️💯💯🔥🔥

[@donloutsios2437]

He was given this gift to share. Now let’s see him succeed with his future music endeavors. Good Luck Iam enjoy every second but dear boy Never Never-forget who you are and where you came from. God bless you. Donna

[@annevogle]

He has already won..I don't even care what the other singers sing. He has won

[@asdisastvaldsdottir2686]

He is simply the best of everything and love his humble nature and smile and his just e great personality 💕🌹😇🙏💕💕

[@floram3722]

He has a beautiful spirit, he can’t go anyway but up. God Bless with much Love ❤️ and Prayer 🙏🏽

[@Toiletbathroombed]

❤Iam Tonji Congraduations . Way To Go . Go Far . I was with U All The Way . U Have A Heart . I True Heart .

[@hawaiianstylemikey2529]

IAM Tongi will win American idol mark my words 🤙

[@toesetusitala3083]

Iam deserves the first place in American Idol. He's someone special and has a humble demeanor that through his music delivers the message of love and care. He's a greater singer. I'm so happy that he was the winner of 2023 Amerocan Idol. Aloha! & Mahalo!

[@outandaboutwithme]

What a phenomenal journey he experienced on American idol

[@marinaroyal7430]

If Iam Tongi don't win than it's a riged show..He is the best alongside all the celebrities major..loves his voice!! celebrities

[@entenciastafford]

VOTE Iam

[@user-yt4ov2un2p]

Our boy!!❤️❤️🤙🤙💯💯🥰🥰🎤🎶🔥🔥🔥🥇🥇🏆🏆😎😎 Not enough words for the praise I want to give him!! My favorite of ALL time💯💯🤙🤙🤙❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesmullins4121]

Absolutely..

[@polina9491]

A resounding YES!!!

[@charlenedator3384]

He delivers the best! More power to you Iam- God be with you always!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@southerngal7582]

So Happy For lAM ❤️. The young man is a angel 😇 And is going to go very far with his music career. Much Love From Florida 🌞 🇺🇲

[@sandybristow3939]

I said he won when I saw him audition monsters,he brings tears and chills to me everything he sings his voice is amazing and I wish him luck in the future ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brendastinnett4215]

Iam Tongi is so likable. His music moves the very soul. I'm so glad that he won.

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

I thank youtube for preserving memories on the internet...

[@76-mom]

He's a winner with his Aloha spirit. 🎉 He has competition for sure, but I'm praying he goes all the way. ❤ we will find out tomorrow 🎉 I think all 3 won't be able to sleep tonight

[@rosannacasella774]

Absolutely 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯 💯% Winner I knew he was going to winner! Beautiful Voice... ... a God given gift. God Bless you Iam.

[@Chericherry4]

He doesn’t need to win American Idol--he’ll be a huge success anyway

[@victoriapeters6953]

I pray 🙏 IAM Tongi wins 😊

[@valoriemartin2887]

I am so grateful to hear this young man’s music. He has the most beautiful voice and his choice of songs is perfection!

[@elisamaer4739]

He clearly deserves to be the American Idol!

[@dianehartman2670]

Absolutely he is definitely an American idol. Is so humble and caring.

[@amymcgahee7777]

Iam Tongi the Next American Idol...I said it from Day 1...when I first heard him sing! ❤ I instantly fell in love with him...Iam touched my heart! ❤ Thank you Iam for blessing me and the world! ❤ God Bless You Iam Tongi! ❤️

[@walterdiaz7315]

Dam, this kids dad would be so proud. To lose your father at 18 & do American idol 2 months after he passed, that takes strength. I hope he knows his dad is watching & cheering him on.

[@btjchase]

Absolutely! What a soulful voice! Katy was so right!!

[@mariaelenairizarry149]

❤Yes l do 🙏💕💕🎉🌹 he is amazing when he sing, he put his heart and soul in it 🌺

[@richardcook840]

a true soul singer

[@mariaestertaborda6345]

Gracias a Díos que gano por ser humilde y auténtico Díos bendiga su vida

[@huiarau]

A well deserved win for Iam best Idol season.

[@conniemiramontez8890]

We KNEW, all along it would be Iam Tongi as the next 'AMERICAN IDOL" winner❤❤❤ Congratulations Iam Tongi❤2023🎉

[@loidalegaspi9404]

Yes Yes Yes Iam all the way.❤😍

[@user-xx6oi3tl3q]

I believe he will win , make his dad proud and make his momma proud and give her everything she ever dreamed of ,, he’s got this 💕

[@user-my6ym3ed6r]

The greatest ❤❤

[@annevogle]

Go Iam Go Man GOOO!🎉

[@Don_Giuliano]

Of course, a big YES

[@Northernhail]

He won!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@joanfrimann7503]

Absolutely ❤

[@Santosjay-691]

I followed Iam Tongi from fist day he set foot on American idol and big love bradda from Micronesia 🇫🇲 ❤️ 😍

[@nongamsithibatala401]

What a Man ....He is a light too many his daddy is A Proud parent in heaven....

[@TheMixedPlateFrequency]

Iam got this!

[@madreemee]

People are more then ready for a change, everything about Iam is going to aid in making a change in this world! his size his belief in love his culture way past coming to fruition!

[@bambarayon777]

Great performance and thank you very much for your sharing 😍👌💫💫🤝🤝🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@donnahenry5022]

I PICKED HIM TO WIN FROM HIS AUDITION I PICKED AND PRAYED FOR HIM TO GET CHOOSEN IN EVERY TOP FROM 26 TO 3 AND I GUESS HE DID HE WON IT ALL MAY 212023 COINENDENCE SEASON 21 MAY 21 I THINK NOT THAT BOY HAS TALENT AND IS VERY TALENTED

[@marutetuanui4895]

Merci beaucoup pour son histoire !!!! Et oui je savais qu'il allait gagné !!! C'est tout simplement profond quand il chante !!!! Félicitations Iam Tongi!!!! On t'aime 💜 !!!! De la part de la Polynésie 🇵🇫 française !!!! TAHITI !!!!💙💙💙💙💙

[@susanamau5794]

Iam all the way ...

[@mikeapo8381]

Yes. I believe he will win it all. Oh, shoots!!! He Won!!!! CheeeWhooo!!

[@samiuelateulilo3680]

American idol reach a record of viewers this season because of him, he is the real deal, hands down

[@carlal.9850]

Congratulations Iam!🔥🔥

[@Kkxoxo808]

He’s making hawaii proudddd🎉❤

[@renatediel7739]

Sehr schönes Video. Danke an alle, die es uns ermöglichen, Iam hören und sehen zu können. Weiter so 👍💖.

[@eommatn7959]

Iam touches my heart so much when i heard him singing the Monsters. Its goose bumps. He sings from the heart. He is not just a singer and sings but he really sings from the heart. He sings with love. I am not a fan of American idol but when i watch him O my it is goose bumps. Love it very much. Hope you go here in the Phils.

[@sydneyjenkins4048]

He is the winner‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️

[@gildamuro5314]

He won my ❤

[@user-yt4ov2un2p]

He’s always been the winner!! And he did i it!!❤️🔥🤙💯🏆🥇😎🥰🙏👍🎶🎤🙌

[@jrbland18]

I love the STYLE of MUSIC you sing.

[@RosemaryAnderson-hb8zf]

He won!!! Iam idol 2023. ❤

[@kaleihua4371]

GOD blessed Iam with a gift and he shared it with the world, and brought PEACE. With all the drama in this world braddah you brought PEACE and Unity. MAHALO KE AKUA…THANK YOU GOD!!!MAHALO SOLE’ 😁 and Sistah Lilli. What an awesome job you and Rodney did. STAY HUMBLE and continue the LEGACY…Love you guys. OFA ATU, FA, ALOOOOHA KALEIHUA 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@JocelyneStAmour]

WOW!!! Your sister looks almost identical to your mom. Amazing. Love always, Ontario, Canada

[@rileynelson1864]

Love it he is a storyteller singer like James taylor