American Idol winner Iam Tongi waves to fans as he arrives at Good Morning America – as singer talks about emotional closing duet with James Blunt
American Idol winner Iam Tongi looked elated as he waved to fans on Monday on his way to Good Morning America in New York City — before opening up about his emotional finale performance.
The winner of season 21, 18, who beat Colin Stough, 18, and Megan Danielle, 19, in the finals, wore a red and black patterned shirt, white tee and jeans as he greeted his admirers before entering the studios .
Iam once again moved fans to tears when he dueted with Blunt on his song Monsters – a song the teen memorably sang at his first audition in memory of his late father Rodney.
Iam started to cry during his emotional performance as he wiped the tears from his eyes. Judge Katy Perry held a tissue to her face to wipe away her tears.
He said of the heartbreaking moment on Sunday: “I was trying to prepare myself for whatever happened
“I was really excited when I performed with James Blunt, it was crazy, it’s such a good song and I said to myself, I’m not going to cry.
Winner: American Idol winner Iam Tongi looked elated as he waved to fans on Monday on his way to Good Morning America in New York City — before opening up about his emotional finale performance
“But when he started I couldn’t help it I thought damn it, his voice sounds like heartbreak and heartache, I was so happy he was singing with me.”
He also spoke with People of his plans to spend time with loved ones in the aftermath of his victory, saying, “What I’m going to do when I celebrate is I go home and just spend time with my family.”
“It’s crazy, all my Polynesian people out there… they’re always supportive, and when they come, they show,” he said. “They just cheer for everyone. Frankly, they cheer for everyone. They’re not just cheering for me. My brother voted for Zechariah [Smith]!’
American Idol’s season finale experienced a ratings drop amid backlash from fans calling the show “rigged.”
The sun reports that 5.7 million viewers tuned in for the May 21 season finale, a drop in ratings after a steady rise in ratings.
On May 14, 6.3 million people watched the show, while 6.1 million watched the May 7 episode.
The April 30 episode drew 5.9 million viewers, while both the week before and the season premiere drew 5.3 million viewers.
Fans accused the show of being rigged when not only did Iam win, but contestant Wé Ani was eliminated the week before.
Wow: Iam again moved fans to tears when he duetted with Blunt on his song Monsters – a song the teen memorably sang at his first audition in memory of his late father Rodney
Oh no! American Idol’s season finale suffered a ratings drop as fans of the show accused the singing competition of being ‘manipulated’ after Iam Tongi was crowned the winner
The March 12 episode was the lowest-rated episode of the season, with only 3.3 million people tuning in.
Born in Hawaii but of Tongan and Samoan descent, Tongi was crowned the winner of the hit show’s 21st season after a nationwide vote during a three-hour, star-studded finale on ABC.
He played Don’t Let Go by Spawnbreezie as his family in the audience waved their hands in the air.
Tongi already has a number of connections in the music industry and released a single ‘Dreams’ in November 2020.
On the show, Tongi was mentored by Australian country star Keith Urban.
Other viewers said they were happy for Iam.
One wrote: “Congratulations Iam Tongi, the winner of American Idol 2023!”
Another said, “Iam Tongi has made American Idol his show!”