American Idol might have a new champion in Abi Carter, but Season 21 winner Iam Tongi is not letting fans forget about him as he’s just released two new cover songs. Tongi, who became the first Pacific Islander to win the long-running competition series in 2023, has recorded versions of some of the island hits he grew up listening to in Kahuku, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. This includes a cover of Kolohe Kai’s “Cool Down” and a rendition of Spawnbreezie’s “Dont Let Go” (which he performed on Idol). “I chose ‘Cool Down’ because we all need to take time to relax with all our family and friends and ‘Don’t Let Go’ because I would love the fans to continue to hold on for the ride,” Tongi said in a statement. Tongi first auditioned for American Idol in Season 20 but failed to get past the initial screening.
- 5/24/2024
- TV Insider
It’s hard to believe almost a year has gone by since we heard Ryan Seacrest reveal Iam Tongi as the winner of American Idol. The 19-year-old took the opportunity and hit the ground running by touring the world and making music. The loveable islander first tugged at the heartstrings of viewers with his story of perseverance, enduring the loss of his father Rodney to Stage 4 kidney disease. His initial audition became the most-watched video on Idol’s YouTube channel, now at an incredible 26 million views and counting. Other performances including the talented teen’s duet with James Blunt have also generated huge numbers to the tune of 11 million. Tongi returns home to not only Idol but Hawaii during the April 7 episode featuring the Top 24 contestants. The Season 21 champ will take the stage for another surefire viral performance of “Why Kiki.” An original song that digs into his roots about...
- 4/4/2024
- TV Insider
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Ryan Seacrest aren’t in Hollywood anymore!
American Idol debuted a Wizard of Oz-themed promo for its 22nd season with Rolling Stone on Friday, ahead of the show’s premiere on Feb. 18. The teaser hints at the theme of the newest season, which will see the show stop by different cities “big and small,” including the hometowns of each of the judges and some of the competition’s most iconic winners. (The judges were recently spotted filming in Perry’s native Santa Barbara.
American Idol debuted a Wizard of Oz-themed promo for its 22nd season with Rolling Stone on Friday, ahead of the show’s premiere on Feb. 18. The teaser hints at the theme of the newest season, which will see the show stop by different cities “big and small,” including the hometowns of each of the judges and some of the competition’s most iconic winners. (The judges were recently spotted filming in Perry’s native Santa Barbara.
- 12/29/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
American Idol winner Iam Tongi apologized after facing backlash for acting “disrespectfully” while singing the national anthem at this year’s MLB Homerun Derby.
Tongi was invited to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the MLB Home Run Derby in Seattle and accidentally kept his baseball hat on while singing. He was later slammed by fans who called him “disrespectful.”
He apologized in a YouTube video posted, captioning it, “First try at singing the National Anthem. So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat.” The video featured Tongi’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem at the game.
In addition to the video, Tongi shared another apology on his Twitter account.
“Tens of thousands of people. I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember.
Tongi was invited to sing “The Star Spangled Banner” at the MLB Home Run Derby in Seattle and accidentally kept his baseball hat on while singing. He was later slammed by fans who called him “disrespectful.”
He apologized in a YouTube video posted, captioning it, “First try at singing the National Anthem. So nervous that it was in front of such a huge crowd. And apologize for being so nervous and forgot to take off the hat.” The video featured Tongi’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem at the game.
In addition to the video, Tongi shared another apology on his Twitter account.
“Tens of thousands of people. I walk out and my uncle reminds me to remove my hat before I start singing. I remember.
- 7/17/2023
- by Nina Hauswirth
- Uinterview
Megan Danielle, the runner-up of American Idol’s Season 21, is speaking up about the controversy around Iam Tongi’s victory during the competition. In a new interview with the New York Post, Danielle pushed back against fan allegations that the show was rigged. “I feel like Iam is so deserving, and he’s so humble, and, I don’t know, I feel like any of us really deserved it,” the 21-year-old said. “I would say that it isn’t [rigged] just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason, even if I was first, second, last, whatever.” In the May 21 season finale, Tongi became the latest Idol winner, with Danielle coming in second and Colin Stough placing third. And those results had some viewers suspicious. “American Idol is rigged,” one person tweeted during the show. “Colin Stough was the best one out there. Big...
- 5/28/2023
- TV Insider
Iam Tongi was crowned the winner of American Idol Season 21 with Megan Danielle taking second place and Colin Stough taking third.
Following Tongi’s win, there has been debate among some fans that the show was “rigged” for him to win. Now Danielle is opening up about the controversy and pushing back on the unfounded claims.
“I would say that it isn’t just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason,” the American Idol runner-up told the New York Post in an interview. “Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.”
Danielle continued, “I feel like Iam was deserving and he’s so humble and so talented. And this was his time and I’m just super proud of him.”
Audiences connected with Tongi after he revealed that he lost his father a...
Following Tongi’s win, there has been debate among some fans that the show was “rigged” for him to win. Now Danielle is opening up about the controversy and pushing back on the unfounded claims.
“I would say that it isn’t just because, you know, I feel like God made all of this happen for a reason,” the American Idol runner-up told the New York Post in an interview. “Even if I was first, second, last, whatever … I feel like any of us really deserved it.”
Danielle continued, “I feel like Iam was deserving and he’s so humble and so talented. And this was his time and I’m just super proud of him.”
Audiences connected with Tongi after he revealed that he lost his father a...
- 5/27/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
“American Idol” scored a win for ABC with this season’s penultimate episode, which aired May 14. The episode hit season highs in total viewers (7.9 million) and with a 1.2 rating among the Adults 18-49 demographic. The episode’s performance pushed the series to its strongest showing in a year according to Nielsen ratings, according to new numbers obtained by Variety.
According to the network, “Idol” jumped 3% for the third straight week in total viewers, climbing up the previous week’s 7.7 million total viewers, and also grew week-to-week by 9% among adults 18-49, from a 1.1 rating.
Halle Bailey appeared in the May 14 episode, performing “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” as part of “Disney Night.” In the episode, the Top 5 finalists Wé Ani, Zachariah Smith, Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, and Iam Tongi faced off against each other for the finalist positions. In the end, Ani and Smith were eliminated.
Fans were...
According to the network, “Idol” jumped 3% for the third straight week in total viewers, climbing up the previous week’s 7.7 million total viewers, and also grew week-to-week by 9% among adults 18-49, from a 1.1 rating.
Halle Bailey appeared in the May 14 episode, performing “Part of Your World” from “The Little Mermaid” as part of “Disney Night.” In the episode, the Top 5 finalists Wé Ani, Zachariah Smith, Megan Danielle, Colin Stough, and Iam Tongi faced off against each other for the finalist positions. In the end, Ani and Smith were eliminated.
Fans were...
- 5/24/2023
- by BreAnna Bell
- Variety Film + TV
“American Idol” has crowned its newest winner in Hawaii native Iam Tongi, whose victory as the first Aapi winner of the ABC competition still has not fully hit him.
“It’s unreal,” Tongi told TheWrap just two days after Ryan Seacrest announced his name on the big stage. “It’s weird to be here [as] the winner, because … it was going so slow during the competition, but out of nowhere it was finished and I was like ‘that went by so fast.'”
While several Aapi contestants have climbed their way to the top three finalists, including fan-favorite Jasmine Trias of the show’s third installment, Tongi noted that this milestone achievement happening during national Aapi month in May gives the win an even bigger significance, saying “it feels really good to be representing why Polynesian people during this month.”
Originally from Kahuku, a town in O’ahu, Hawaii, Tongi noted...
“It’s unreal,” Tongi told TheWrap just two days after Ryan Seacrest announced his name on the big stage. “It’s weird to be here [as] the winner, because … it was going so slow during the competition, but out of nowhere it was finished and I was like ‘that went by so fast.'”
While several Aapi contestants have climbed their way to the top three finalists, including fan-favorite Jasmine Trias of the show’s third installment, Tongi noted that this milestone achievement happening during national Aapi month in May gives the win an even bigger significance, saying “it feels really good to be representing why Polynesian people during this month.”
Originally from Kahuku, a town in O’ahu, Hawaii, Tongi noted...
- 5/24/2023
- by Loree Seitz
- The Wrap
From the moment American Idol winner Iam Tongi wrapped his audition, viewers of the ABC competition show fell in love with the 18-year-old Hawaii native’s emotional story. During his first time in front of the judges, Tongi wiped off tears as he remembered his late father Rodney, who introduced him to music and died several months prior to his audition. He performed James Blunt’s “Monsters” in his honor, reducing judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan to tears.
On Sunday, he came full circle, singing the emotional lyrics about...
On Sunday, he came full circle, singing the emotional lyrics about...
- 5/23/2023
- by Tomás Mier
- Rollingstone.com
*Caution: Spoilers ahead!*
After weeks of heated competition, themed musical nights, emotional backstories, and surprising departures, “American Idol” has crowned a new winner!
Sunday’s Season 21 finale all came down to the season’s top three — Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough. After a fierce and star-studded extravaganza, there could only be one winner.
After all the votes were cast, the new “American Idol” champion is…
… Iam Tongi!
And the...
After weeks of heated competition, themed musical nights, emotional backstories, and surprising departures, “American Idol” has crowned a new winner!
Sunday’s Season 21 finale all came down to the season’s top three — Megan Danielle, Iam Tongi, and Colin Stough. After a fierce and star-studded extravaganza, there could only be one winner.
After all the votes were cast, the new “American Idol” champion is…
… Iam Tongi!
And the...
- 5/22/2023
- by Becca Longmire
- ET Canada
Spoiler Alert: This article contains details of the winner of American Idol Season 21.
American Idol has crowned its new winner after finalists Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough battled it out one last time for America’s vote.
After all the votes, America crowned Tongi as their new Idol following performances onstage that included “Making Memories of Us,” “Cool Down,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Don’t Let Go.”
Danielle also took the stage to perform songs like “God Whispered Your Name,” “Faithfully” and “Dream Girl.”
Stough placed in third place after performing “Stupid Boy” and “Either Way.”
Throughout the night, the stage of American Idol was graced by many stars. Pitbull and Lil Jon were joined by the Top 12 contestants for “Give Me Everything” and “Jumpin.”
TLC and Lucy Love took us back to remember some of the trio’s hits like “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Waterfalls.”
Kevin Cronin...
American Idol has crowned its new winner after finalists Iam Tongi, Megan Danielle and Colin Stough battled it out one last time for America’s vote.
After all the votes, America crowned Tongi as their new Idol following performances onstage that included “Making Memories of Us,” “Cool Down,” “I’ll Be Seeing You” and “Don’t Let Go.”
Danielle also took the stage to perform songs like “God Whispered Your Name,” “Faithfully” and “Dream Girl.”
Stough placed in third place after performing “Stupid Boy” and “Either Way.”
Throughout the night, the stage of American Idol was graced by many stars. Pitbull and Lil Jon were joined by the Top 12 contestants for “Give Me Everything” and “Jumpin.”
TLC and Lucy Love took us back to remember some of the trio’s hits like “No Scrubs,” “Creep” and “Waterfalls.”
Kevin Cronin...
- 5/22/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
ABC’s American Idol 2023 finale is nearly over, and fans finally get to see which of the top three singers wins. Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and Iam Tongi compete for the grand prize on Sunday, May 21, 2023. So, what does the American Idol 2023 winner receive? Here’s what to know.
Megan Danielle from ‘American Idol’ 2023 | ABC/Eric McCandless What does the winner of ‘American Idol’ 2023 receive?
Iam Tongi, Colin Stough, and Megan Danielle are excited to be the top three singers entering the American Idol 2023 finale. The finale begins on Sunday at 8 p.m. Et and ends at 11 p.m. Et. Not only do the top three singers reveal their new original songs, but they also receive guest mentorship from country superstar Keith Urban. Several other performers hit the stage throughout the night, including the three judges and the top 12 singers from the season.
So, what will the winner of the season receive?...
Megan Danielle from ‘American Idol’ 2023 | ABC/Eric McCandless What does the winner of ‘American Idol’ 2023 receive?
Iam Tongi, Colin Stough, and Megan Danielle are excited to be the top three singers entering the American Idol 2023 finale. The finale begins on Sunday at 8 p.m. Et and ends at 11 p.m. Et. Not only do the top three singers reveal their new original songs, but they also receive guest mentorship from country superstar Keith Urban. Several other performers hit the stage throughout the night, including the three judges and the top 12 singers from the season.
So, what will the winner of the season receive?...
- 5/21/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
ABC’s American Idol 2023 finale is nearly here, and fans can’t wait to see who wins. Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and Iam Tongi made it to the finale, and all three singers have unique voices and backstories they’ve used to connect with the audience. Fans also look forward to listening to Colin, Megan, and Iam’s singles. Here’s what we know about the American Idol 2023 singles.
‘American Idol’ 2023 finalist Colin Stough | ABC/Eric McCandless Colin Stough’s ‘American Idol’ 2023 single: ‘I Still Talk to Jesus’
Colin Stough is an 18-year-old Hvac technician from Amory, Mississippi, and he continues to charm fans as he enters the American Idol 2023 finale. Colin’s single is titled “I Still Talk to Jesus,” and it was co-written by Francisco Martin VI and Hank Compton. The lyrics seem to portray a lost man who’s going through a breakup.
“I still talk to...
‘American Idol’ 2023 finalist Colin Stough | ABC/Eric McCandless Colin Stough’s ‘American Idol’ 2023 single: ‘I Still Talk to Jesus’
Colin Stough is an 18-year-old Hvac technician from Amory, Mississippi, and he continues to charm fans as he enters the American Idol 2023 finale. Colin’s single is titled “I Still Talk to Jesus,” and it was co-written by Francisco Martin VI and Hank Compton. The lyrics seem to portray a lost man who’s going through a breakup.
“I still talk to...
- 5/21/2023
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
It’s hard to believe another exciting season of “American Idol” is coming to an end, but the grand finale is already here! Now, the competition has dwindled with just three talented artists left standing. The top three include Colin Stough, Megan Danielle, and Iam Tongi. You can tune in to the “American Idol” finale live on ABC on Sunday, May 21 at 8 p.m. Et to see who is crowned the winner. You can watch ABC with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. You can also watch with Hulu Live TV, Fubo, or YouTube TV.
How to Watch 'American Idol' Season Finale When: Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: ABC Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
About 'American Idol' Season Finale
During the “American Idol” live season finale,...
How to Watch 'American Idol' Season Finale When: Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 8:00 Pm Edt TV: ABC Stream: Watch with a 5-Day Free Trial of Directv Stream. 5-Day Free Trial$74.99+ / month directv.com/stream
Save $30 Over Your First Three Months of Directv Stream.
About 'American Idol' Season Finale
During the “American Idol” live season finale,...
- 5/21/2023
- by Aubrey Chorpenning
- The Streamable
American Idol Season 21’s Iam Tongi has quickly become one of the singing competition’s most beloved contestants. Since debuting on the show and wowing audiences and judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan alike with his auditions, Tongi has become an overnight viral sensation. Iam’s popularity on TikTok has soared to a whopping 620K followers and over 335K on Instagram. He is often seen posting songs on his social media account and is well-versed in playing guitar and ukulele. If you’re looking for more info about the rising superstar, here are five things to know about fan-favorite Iam Tongi. I. He is still at school William Tongi, aka Iam Tongi, is 18 years old, single, and currently a senior in high school. Iam spent two years at Federal Way High School in Washington and is finishing his high school career at Decatur. The school shared Tongi’s audition on their Facebook,...
- 4/21/2023
- TV Insider
Lionel Richie really did put it best at the end of Monday’s American Idol: “That f–ked me up. I can’t take this.”
The judge was referring to the final duet of Hollywood Week, which was supposed to be a performance of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me” between Kaya Stewart and Fire. The catch? Duets require two voices, and only one came to the stage prepared to sing.
More from TVLineA Million Little Things' David Giuntoli and Stephanie Szostak Preview Delilah's Heated HomecomingGrey's Anatomy Cast Rallies Around Co-Star Caterina Scorsone in Wake of Devastating...
The judge was referring to the final duet of Hollywood Week, which was supposed to be a performance of Adam Lambert’s “Whataya Want From Me” between Kaya Stewart and Fire. The catch? Duets require two voices, and only one came to the stage prepared to sing.
More from TVLineA Million Little Things' David Giuntoli and Stephanie Szostak Preview Delilah's Heated HomecomingGrey's Anatomy Cast Rallies Around Co-Star Caterina Scorsone in Wake of Devastating...
- 4/4/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
“American Idol” made its Season 6 premiere (and 21st overall) on Sunday, February 19, continuing its dominant reign over social media platforms and proving it’s still a cultural phenomenon with unparalleled star-making status. According to Talkwalker Social Content Ratings, the ABC reality TV juggernaut was the number one social media premiere of 2023 so far.
Helping determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest is also back to emcee the beloved competition series.
See ‘American Idol’: Kya Monée auditions with tearful tribute to Willie Spence [Watch]
With video content racking up over 400 million views worldwide since the premiere, standout talents have propelled not only their own careers, but superstars around them. One such singer was Iam Tongi, whose audition of James Blunt‘s “Monsters” has been...
Helping determine who America will ultimately vote for to become the next singing sensation are music industry forces and superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Emmy Award-winning host and producer Ryan Seacrest is also back to emcee the beloved competition series.
See ‘American Idol’: Kya Monée auditions with tearful tribute to Willie Spence [Watch]
With video content racking up over 400 million views worldwide since the premiere, standout talents have propelled not only their own careers, but superstars around them. One such singer was Iam Tongi, whose audition of James Blunt‘s “Monsters” has been...
- 3/13/2023
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
The latest season of American Idol is off to an emotional start in auditions with contestants like Iam Tongi, who brought all the friendly judges to tears. Hailing from Hawaii, Tongi brought a guitar and his heart to the performance. That was all he needed to stir his audience’s feelings, but did he get a golden ticket to Hollywood?
(L) Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan | Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images (R) Iam Tongi | Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images Iam Tongi from O’ahu hopes to get back home someday
An 18-year-old from Hawaii, Tongi told the American Idol judges that he grew up on the island of O’ahu but moved to Seattle three years before auditioning. “Priced out of paradise,” he told them, noting his mom’s 12 siblings still lived there.
Then, he mentioned that his dad, Rodney, died in the months before his audition.
(L) Lionel Richie, Ryan Seacrest, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan | Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images (R) Iam Tongi | Eric McCandless/ABC/Getty Images Iam Tongi from O’ahu hopes to get back home someday
An 18-year-old from Hawaii, Tongi told the American Idol judges that he grew up on the island of O’ahu but moved to Seattle three years before auditioning. “Priced out of paradise,” he told them, noting his mom’s 12 siblings still lived there.
Then, he mentioned that his dad, Rodney, died in the months before his audition.
- 2/20/2023
- by Katie Rook
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.