The surprising performance by Iam Tongi left both the judges and viewers of American idol emotional. The signing show has created humongous stars since it first began in 2002. Two decades later, it still does not see a shortage of new talents that has touched not just our musical sense, but our hearts and souls as well.
Season 21 of American Idol premiered on 19 February 2023. While many more talents are to be showcased, one that left everyone teary-eyed was Hawaiian teen Iam Tongi. So it is not surprising that American singer and a judge on the show, Luke Bryan took to Twitter to appreciate the young talent with the caption, “You are 18 years and just shook all of us. You did everything perfectly. Please have fun on this journey. I’m a YES”.
Fans in the comments could not have agreed more with the post with love and wished pouring for the young contestant.
Fans agree to being in tears over the performance of American Idol contestant Iam Tongi
Iam Tongi sang ‘Monsters’ by James Blunt as he appeared in the first round of episodes of American Idol season 21. The 18-year-old left every judge with a misty eye as his beauty matched the equally tragic sadness of losing his father. He dedicated his song to his late father, who passed away in December 2021, making it his worst memory. The judges unanimously gave a big yes to his singing so he could go on to the next round. The video quickly became viral and viewers who were touched by his performance reacted in the comments of Bryan’s post.
What a performance. Everyone here was crying. Wow
— mosweets88 (@belle_kincannon) February 20, 2023
Amazing isn't a strong enough word. We need to get this guy and his family back to Hawaii! Being "priced out of paradise" shouldn't be a thing! Such a fantastic audition! Your dad is proud!
— ManchuWarrior (@ManchuWarrior) February 20, 2023
My Dad passed away 2 wks ago and this song totally caught me off guard. Been crying for 20 minutes! Whew!
— NurseJohnnie (@nursejohnnieG) February 20, 2023
And this is onlyyy the beginning pic.twitter.com/LEUovAypSZ
— Dee (@Cndmade) February 20, 2023
This absolutely shook me to my soul! Had me crying and everything. I can’t wait to hear more from this young man. Chee Hoo🫶🏽🤙
— Chloe (@Chloe69943115) February 20, 2023
That was such a great audition! He will go far! So hard not to cry during that!
— Alicia Sillings (@asillings13) February 20, 2023
Many fans confessed to shedding a tear just like Luke Bryan as Iam Tongi’s beautiful voice gave a tribute to his late father. Some comments showed their confidence in him of winning the competition. One fan who has also gone through the loss of his father could relate to the song and the performance that touched him.
Luke Bryan himself put that post which captured the judge and country music superstar in tears. But this is only the beginning for Tongi. After announcing Noah Thompson as the winner of season 20, we will see how far the Hawaii-based singer progresses in the reality show.
ALSO READ: How Ryan Seacrest Left His American Idol Fate on a Debt Ridden Kanye West Back in 2016
What did you think of Iam Tongi’s performance in American Idol? Comment your thoughts.
