Iam Tongi made history on Sunday when he was named the winner of American Idol at just 18 years old.
The student claimed victory after defeating runners-up Megan Danielle and Colin Stough.
He 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.
So after his impressive win, here’s a glimpse into Tongi’s life before appearing on the talent show.
Talented: Iam Tongi made history on Sunday when he was named winner of American Idol at just 18 years old
Where did Tongi grow up?
The rising star was born in Hawaii but revealed that he is of Tongan and Samoan descent.
Tongi has previously spoken about growing up in Hawaii, but said his family was forced to move to Washington’s Federal Way after being priced “out of paradise” and the local market after his father’s death.
‘We used to walk around, chasing wild chickens… You lost your slippers because you went to a family party and someone stole your slippers.
“So everybody goes around barefoot, or[wears]one slipper and another slipper,” he told the Kent Reporter of life in Hawaii.
He told the publication that he wants to return to Hawaii one day and write songs that help represent his heritage.
“It’s really cool to see all my friends and the polyps [Polynesians] to support me,” he said.
How old is Tongi and what does he do?
Tongi recently graduated from high school and is only 18 years old.
According to Kauai Now News, after being selected as one of American Idol’s top three contestants, Tongi visited his hometown on the North Shore and was awarded an honorary diploma from Kahuku High School, Kahuku.
Principal Donna Lindsey, an alumna of Big Island’s Honoka’a High School, presented the diploma.
The photos were shared by former Hawai’i County Council Chairman, Valerie Poindexter, on her Facebook account where Lindsey can be seen presenting the diploma to Iam Tongi.
Heritage: The rising star was born in Hawaii but revealed he is of Tongan and Samoan descent
Successful: Tongi recently graduated from high school and is only 18 years old
His music career
Tongi already has a number of connections in the music industry and was mentored by Keith Urban on the show.
A number of great artists also take the stage during the final, including Kylie Minogue, Pitbull, TLC, James Blunt and Clay Aiken.
Kylie took the stage with Nutsa and performed her new song Padam Padam from her upcoming album.
I met Keith and picked his hit Making Memories of Us because it was one of his parents’ favorite songs.
Iam said his parents would dance to the song in the kitchen and his father used to play Keith’s songs.
Iam took the stage playing his guitar and sang the song to the live studio audience.
When he finished, the audience chanted his name and the judges gave him a standing ovation.
“I don’t think it matters what I say,” Katy Perry said.
“You’re an incredible storyteller,” Lionel Richie said.
“And like Katy, I hate to say it, why am I sitting here tearing up a song I already know, but you have a great delivery.”
During the finale, he joined James Blunt on stage to sing the song Monsters after singing the song at his audition and dedicated it to his late father Rodney.
He recently said that he wants to return to Hawaii one day and write songs that help represent his heritage. “It’s really cool to see all my friends and the polyps [Polynesians] to support me,” he said
Music: Tongi already has some connections to take the music world by storm – and was mentored by Keith Urban on the show
Iam started crying during the emotional performance and wiped the tears from his eyes.
Katy also held a tissue to her face to wipe away her tears.
“This is what Rodney dreamed of,” his mother Lillie said. “He wanted everyone to hear what I had, and I feel like he belongs here.”
Iam then sang his single I’ll Be Seeing You while playing guitar, before the vote closed and Ryan revealed he was the champion.